CIRENCESTER will mark a historic milestone with a day of myth, music and community.
Orpheus Day will open the Phoenix Festival on Saturday, August 23, and mark 200 years since the discovery of the Orpheus Mosaic.
The festivities begin at 10am in the abbey grounds with Orpheus and his parade of puppets, a vibrant spectacle funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The event is part of Project Orpheus, a partnership between the Barn Theatre, New Brewery Arts, Corinium Museum, and the Phoenix Festival, with contributions from puppeteer Russell Kirk and London’s Mandinga Arts.
Stuart Matthew Price, producer of Project Orpheus, said: “Russell’s artistry brings Orpheus to life at the heart of the parade, while Mandinga Arts adds a vibrant carnival feel with giant puppets—including a lion, tropical fish, and Cotswold wildlife.
“Best of all, everyone can join in.”
Stroud-based Simbora will add samba rhythms to the parade, which will feature more than 40 large-scale puppets.
New Brewery Arts will host free puppet-making workshops for anyone wishing to join the parade.
Workshops will take place on Saturday, August 16 and Wednesday, August 20, from 11am to 4pm.
No booking is required, and all materials will be provided.
Following the parade, the Phoenix Festival stage will feature A Song for Orpheus, composed by Howard Goodall, with lyrics byTheo Durgan.
The performance will be led by Cirencester’s Big Orpheus Choir, and singers are invited to register at www.project-orpheus.com.
Visitors can also enjoy the Meet Orpheus Up Close exhibition at New Brewery Arts, running from July 19 to October 4.
The exhibition explores the myth of Orpheus through creativity, community, and craftsmanship.
All events are free and open to the public.
Those wishing to join the puppet parade are asked to gather at the Roman wall in the abbey grounds from 9.15am.
The day will continue with live music from the Phoenix Festival.
Orpheus Day is supported by the five pillars of Project Orpheus: music and connection, community and education, art and creativity, nature and humanity, and history and heritage.
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