What's on across Cirencester and the Cotswolds: 26 April to 10 May 2026
Right, this is a proper bumper fortnight. May Bank Holiday lands smack in the middle of it, the weather looks like it might behave for once, and there's a lot happening between the Bathurst Estate, the Market Place and the villages. So pull up a brew, here's what's worth getting out of the house for.
The Bank Holiday weekend itself does a lot of the heavy lifting. Cirencester Park Horse Trials is on for the full three days at the Bathurst Estate, the CIA Shield rugby evening kicks off the Friday, and the Choral Society are doing Rossini in the Parish Church on the Saturday. If you fancy a quieter Sunday, Bibury Antiques Fair is the one. Honey-coloured stone village, a hall full of stalls and tea on tap.
The following Saturday, 9 May, is the busiest day of the lot. Walk the Churn is a 25km charity walk along the river. The Repair Cafe is on at the Baptist Church if you've got something broken that's worth a second go. The Twilight Market lands on the Market Place in the evening, and right after that the Sound of Music sing-along starts up at St Peter's. Genuinely possible to do all four in a single day if you've got the legs and the stamina.
If I've missed something local that should be in the next one, drop me a message on Facebook. And if any of this gets you into the garden and you spot a fence panel that's seen better days, well, that's what I'm here for.
This fortnight's highlights
Tony Meeuwissen Retrospective opens
A proper retrospective of Tony Meeuwissen's work, just opened today. Free admission and a quiet way to spend an hour out of the wind. The Corinium has been on a good run with these recently.
More info →Cirencester Park Horse Trials
Three days of dressage, show jumping and cross-country across the Bathurst Estate. The cross-country day is usually the one to aim for if you want a proper walk and a bit of drama in equal measure. Park early.
More info →The CIA Shield, live rugby
Inaugural CIA Shield evening at Cirencester RFC. Grassroots rugby, a clubhouse bar and a decent kick-off time for those of us who don't fancy a late one. Worth a look if you've never been up to The Whiteway.
More info →Cirencester Choral Society, Rossini
The Choral Society in the Parish Church doing Rossini. Big sound in a building that handles it. If you've not heard them before, go once and you'll go again.
More info →Bibury Antiques and Vintage Fair
Bibury on a Sunday is hard to beat at the best of times. Add a hall full of antiques and vintage stalls and you've got a proper morning out. Take cash, take a tape measure if you're hunting for anything specific.
More info →Walking Roman Cirencester
Guided historic walk led by an actual archaeologist. I learned more about my own town in two hours on one of these than I did in 20 years of living here. Comfy shoes, light layers, you'll be fine.
More info →Walk the Churn, 25km charity walk
Twenty-five kilometres along the River Churn for the Churn Community Hub's 25th anniversary. Long old day, but the route is properly pretty. Even if you only do a section, the Hub does brilliant work and the donation is the thing.
More info →Repair Cafe
Bring along a wonky toaster, a torn jumper, a bike with a sad chain. The volunteers will have a go at fixing it for free. I'm a big fan of these. Saves landfill and somebody's afternoon.
More info →Twilight Market
Evening market on the Market Place with live music, street food and craft stands. The first one of the year is usually the busiest, so head down early if you fancy a wander before the queues start at the food vans.
More info →The Sound of Music Film Night and Sing-Along
Tickets are 10 pounds and include popcorn. Fundraiser for the parish hall. From the regulars I've spoken to, this is the kind of night where the singing gets a little bit louder every glass in. No judgement, just a good time.
More info →Bank holiday weekend free for a job?
If you've got a list that's been hanging about since Easter, this is a good fortnight to clear it. Drop me a line and I'll come round and we'll work out what's worth doing first.
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