Tonight at the Barn, Saturday's possibilities and Christmas already

Hello Cotswolders,

Last Thursday I had no Plan A and roughly 25 Plan Bs. This week I've added well over 100 events to the website, which has done absolutely nothing to make choosing easier.

Tonight, though, is accounted for. By the time you read this, I'll be at the Barn Theatre watching Yes, Prime Minister. I'll have the full review on the website over the weekend. It runs until 3 October, so there's still time to go if you're interested.

On Saturday evening, I'm heading to Chipping Norton for Around the World with CHAOS at the Methodist Church. CHAOS is Chipping Norton Amateur Operatic Society, which clears up what might otherwise sound like a fairly worrying plan for a Saturday night. They're taking us on a musical trip around the world, and I fancied an evening of live music and a chance to support a local production.

Now I just need somewhere for a drink afterwards. If anyone knows a good spot, or a restaurant that serves food late, I'd love a recommendation. I still need to check when the show finishes, but I'm guessing around half nine or ten. Reply and point me in the right direction, especially if there's a kitchen that'll still be open.

After that, I'm back to having more ideas than weekend.

The Great Malmesbury Mash-Up, with its charity supper and quiz, caught my eye. So did the chance to look inside Westonbirt House on Sunday, though I've missed the ticket sales for that one. There's another date in October below. And if you've got children to entertain, the Free Active Family Fun Day in Cirencester looks useful, with plenty of sports to try.

Meanwhile, Christmas has started appearing in the events calendar. I realise some of you will welcome that information and others would prefer I kept it to myself until November.

I'm hoping to have the rest of the year's events added by the end of next week. Someone please hold me to that. There's plenty to browse already, though, and I've picked out a few October dates below that deserve more notice than a last-minute mention on a Thursday.

First, this weekend.

A few that caught my eye

Saturday 26 September

Free Active Family Fun Day, Cirencester

From 11am to 4pm at Cirencester Kingshill School. Archery, fencing, circus skills and more, with free entry. A chance for the children to try something different before you find yourself buying equipment for a hobby they've never actually attempted.

The Sound of Musicals, Witney

A string quartet takes on songs from shows including Les Misérables, Wicked and Hamilton at St Mary's Church. There are performances at 2:30pm and 7pm, so you can make an afternoon of it or head out for the evening.

The Great Malmesbury Mash-Up

Bangers and mash, a quiz and a fundraiser for HEALS at Malmesbury Town Hall. Doors open at 6:30pm and the quiz starts at 7pm. Bring a team of six or come along and join one. I like an evening where dinner is already part of the plan.

A Night at the Musicals, Kingswood

KADS Community Theatre bring songs from stage and screen to Kingswood Village Hall near Wotton-under-Edge. Doors open at 7pm for a 7:30pm start. Another option if you fancy supporting a local production this weekend.

Around the World with CHAOS, Chipping Norton

I've booked for this one. Chipping Norton Amateur Operatic Society take a musical trip around the world at Chipping Norton Methodist Church, starting at 7:30pm. If you're going too, come and say hello.

Across Saturday and Sunday

Roman Crafts Weekend, Chedworth Roman Villa

From 11am to 4pm both days, craftspeople will demonstrate mosaic-making, spinning and other Roman crafts. A reason to give the villa another visit if you've been before. Normal admission applies and no booking is needed. Bring cash if you want to buy anything from the craft stalls.

Sunday 27 September

Open House and Gardens, Westonbirt

One that got away. I'd have liked a look inside Westonbirt House this Sunday, but ticket sales have ended and entry is by pre-purchased ticket only. This is the house that's now home to Westonbirt School, rather than the arboretum. If you've missed out too, there's another open day on Sunday 25 October. Doors open at 10:30am, with guided tours on the hour from 11am to 3pm and the gardens to explore. General admission tour tickets were still available when I checked, so book ahead if you'd like one.

These are just a few personal picks. There is far more happening than I can fit into one email, so browse the full events calendar here.

Before you forget: the fireworks competition

This is the last Thursday newsletter before our South Cerney Fireworks competition closes on Wednesday 30 September.

The prize is admission for four, plus on-site parking, for the Spooktacular at South Cerney Airfield on Saturday 31 October. The winner will be picked on Thursday 1 October.

The evening includes an earlier low-noise children's show, the main fireworks and laser display, a bonfire and fairground rides. Gates open at 3pm, with the main fireworks at 7:40pm.

If you've been meaning to enter and keep putting it off, this is your nudge. You'll find the entry details here.

A little further ahead

There are a few evenings here that might need some advance planning. Especially Saturday 10 October, when several venues seem to have decided we should all be in different places at once.

• Friday 2 October: A Luciano Pavarotti Opera Candlelight Experience at St Edward's Church in Stow, with performances at 7pm and 9pm.

• Friday 2 October: Forever Billy Joel at Cidermill Theatre in Chipping Campden, 7:30pm. Phil Mountford and his band perform songs including Piano Man and Uptown Girl.

• Monday 5 October: Cirencester Mop Fair returns, then again on 12 October. Setup begins at 4pm on the Sunday before each fair, and town-centre road closures will be in place, so bear that in mind when planning your journey.

• Wednesday 7 to Sunday 11 October: Dursley Walking Festival. The programme includes shorter walks and longer days out; look for the festival in our events calendar.

• Friday 9 October to Saturday 7 November: The King's Speech at the Barn Theatre, with George Rainsford as King George VI and Stefan Dennis as Lionel Logue. Something else for the theatre list.

• Friday 9 October: Kim Cypher's Funky Latin Jazz Party at Townsend Hall in Shipston-on-Stour, 8pm. Saxophone, vocals and a full band for an evening of Latin rhythms and jazz.

• Saturday 10 October: Watson: The Final Problem at Cotswold Playhouse in Stroud, 3:30pm. Tim Marriott plays Watson in a one-man drama that gives Holmes's companion the floor.

• Saturday 10 October: Music at the Abbey in Malmesbury, 6:30pm. Wiltshire Concert Band and Cantanti Choir perform in support of the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, with drinks and canapés included.

• Saturday 10 October: Fearlessly Taylor at Cidermill Theatre in Chipping Campden, 7pm. A Taylor Swift tribute with a live band and dancers, for anyone with a Swiftie in the family.

• Saturday 10 October: 24K Magic with Danny Lee Grew at Witney Corn Exchange, 7:30pm. An evening of magic and comedy, recommended for ages eight and over.

And that's before we get to the Christmas listings. I'll save those for another week.

If you're out and about this weekend, I'd love to hear where you end up. And don't forget those Chipping Norton recommendations. A good place for a late bite would be particularly welcome.

Until next Thursday,

Alex

Details listed for information only. Dates and times may change, and ticketed events may sell out. Please check directly with the organiser or venue before travelling.