November starts off with a bang! Explore Gloucestershire have compiled an extensive selection of fireworks displays and bonfire nights throughout the county during the next week. From the two big ones at Gloucester Docks and Cheltenham Racecourse to the smaller more intimate displays at schools and villages across Gloucestershire. We must mention the firework display at Burley Lake Fields in Leckhampton, who not only boast the biggest bonfire in the UK, but this year have great live entertainment, funfair and presenters from STAR 107.5FM radio will be there to join in the fun too. (Remember though to stick to the firework code and keep all pets in a safe place!)

Due to the huge success last year, Explore Gloucestershire have re-introduced the Christmas in Gloucestershire section of the website which highlights many things to do this Christmas. This month sees the start of the festive period with Gloucester, Cheltenham and many other towns in Gloucestershire switching on the Christmas lights. Father Christmas will be dropping into visitor attractions including the enchanted Westonbirt Arboretum, atmospheric Clearwell Caves and on 15 November, Santa Clause will be in Gloucester at The Mall & Kings Walk shopping centres.

Christmas activities in Gloucestershire 2008, sees skating at three different venues, with a huge open air ice skating rink in Kings Square in Gloucester. Christmas entertainment with laughs galore at Howlers Comedy Club and yep you guessed it, the award winning panto returns to the Cheltenham Everyman theatre this year with ‘Aladdin’ from 28 November.

Don’t forget the Christmas pages are updated on a very regular basis and are an ideal guide for your Christmas in Gloucestershire 2008.

And finally, to bring some goods news with the current financial situation, Explore Gloucestershire have teamed up with ‘PrintMyOffer.com’ – an on-line discount company based in Gloucestershire which offers fantastic discounts at scores of businesses including many restaurants in Cheltenham such as Bottelinos, the Hewlett and Bentleys Bar. Log onto their website to amaze yourself with the great deals (up to 60% discount) for you to use as and when you please.

Explore and enjoy!!

Please click on the links for further information.

FEATURED NEWS & REVIEWS Beat the Credit Crunch in the run up to Christmas in Gloucestershire with PrintMyOffer.com! Explore Gloucestershire have teamed up with PrintMyOffer.com to let you have a chance to save £££££’s Fireworks in Gloucestershire This list is growing as we speak. Keep a check on the events in your area. Aladdin at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham From 28 November 2008 the start of the panto season and a colourful family favourite comes to Cheltenham.   Christmas in Gloucestershire 2008 There’s a lot going on in Gloucestershire this Christmas beginning with the switching on of the Christmas lights. And you can find out where among our special Christmas pages.  There are ideas for parties, shopping, Christmas markets, activities and where to ding Father Christmas. These are updated on a daily basis and you’ll find some great ideas for gifts as well. Add us to your favourites for a useful reference.
FEATURED EVENTS Ice skating at the Gloucester open air ice rink Sat 29 Nov 2008 - Sun 4 Jan 2009 Real ice in the heart of Gloucester for the perfect ice skating experience. Howlers at the Hall 10 November 2008 Cabaret style comedy in the Pillar Room. Gloucester Music Society: ‘The Emerald Ensemble’ 20 November 2008 Celebrating their 79th season with inspiration from Vienna and Paris. Perfect Alibi - Pink Floyd tribute band play again at the Gloucester Guildhall 22 November 2008 The renowned Pink Floyd tribute band returns to Gloucester. Always a popular night out for Floyd fans. Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt From 28 November 2008 Talk a walk through the famous enchanted illuminated wood. Meet Father Christmas and enjoy lots of festive excitement. The Twelve Days of Yule at  Clearwell Caves From 29 November 2008 A special Christmas adventure for children of all ages through the magnificent caves that are once again transformed into a magical Christmas scene. Aladdin at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham From 28 November 2008 the start of the panto season and a colourful family favourite comes to Cheltenham. Christmas lights in Gloucestershire Find out where the lights are switched on where you live.
	Events at the Everyman Theatre Throughout November 2008 November brings us a diverse programme of exciting performances at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham. This month sees some spine chilling theatre, comedy, the last night at the Proms opera, something for the children including the much anticipated start of the pantomime. This year it’s Aladdin - so get your tickets booked for the best panto in the West!!
	Comedy & Theatre Events at Gloucester Guildhall Throughout November 2008
	Music Events at Gloucester Guildhall Throughout November 2008
	Cinema at Gloucester Guildhall Throughout November 2008
	Exhibitions at Gloucester Guildhall Throughout November 2008
	Workshops & Classes at Gloucester Guildhall Throughout November 2008
	Gift & Craft Fair at Nature in Art 1 – 2 November 2008 Nature in Art’s annual fair- perfect for inspirational gift ideas.
	Leckhampton Burley Fields Firework Display 2008 8 November 2008 Boasting as having the biggest bonfire in the UK – it must be worth a visit!
	Cotswold Craftsmen Winter Show at the Museum in the Park, Stroud 8 -9 November 2008 The perfect opportunity to buy Christmas gifts.
	Howlers at The Venue 8 November 2008 Get together with a group of friends for a great Saturday night out.
	Cotswold Falconry Centre – Special exhibition 8 – 9 November 2008 A special exhibition of bird paintings with the emphasis on Birds of Prey.
	Zombiethon in aid of Children in Need, Gloucester 14 November 2008 In aid of a worthwhile cause and great fun with Lyn Cindery of Gloucester Ghost Walks.
	The Mall & Kings Walk present the Christmas Parade 2008 15 November 2008 Come and join in the fun at The Mall and Kings Walk for this year’s parade.
	The Open Meeting 14 – 16 November 2008 Three days of the best that racing has to offer at Cheltenham Racecourse.
	Circus Skill Workshop at Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum 16 November 2008 A fun and challenging beginner’s workshop.
	Cheltenham  Christmas Lights Party 22 November 2008 Hosted by Star FM the Cheltenham Christmas festivities begin with a party!
	Cirencester  Christmas Lights 22 November 2008 Late night shopping amid the start of the Christmas festivities.
	Cheltenham’s Skating Rink  opens From 22 November 2008 The Montpellier gardens are transformed for a Christmas special.
	Aspire launch weekend at GL1, Gloucester 22 - 23 November 2008 GL1 are parting company with Gloucester City Council to become a charitable trust. Come and see what’s happening at the official launch weekend.
	Gloucester Christmas Lights Party and Fireworks in the Docks 23 November 2008 Father Christmas arrives in the Docks by boat with a spectacular firework finale.
	Coleford Christmas Lights 2008 28 November 2008 A Christmas parade with lights in the Forest of Dean
	Tewkesbury Christmas Light Switched on 30 November 2008 The start of the 2008 Tewkesbury Christmas Festival 2008