Spring forward - Fall back. Well, that's how I remember it, and yet again I still forgot to put the clocks back last week - missing out on that once a year treat - an hour extra in bed!

With British Summer Time now behind us and the prospect of shorter days and longer nights ahead, it's that time of year when you wrap up warm and head off to see fireworks, a guy, and a bonfire. At Burley Fields Lake in Leckhampton this year, expect a bit more than a few fizzles and a puff of smoke, as on Saturday 14th November (just a bit late!), they'll be one of the biggest bonfires in the country and an amazing display of fireworks for all the family to enjoy. With a funfair, pig roast, live music, disco and bar it'll be more than the usual stiff neck and cold feet!

There are also lots of reminders that Christmas isn't far away, but still plenty of time before panic stations begin to set in. That's why our special Christmas section returns. Whether you need to know when the Christmas lights are being switched on, where Santa may be setting up his Grotto, or which Panto is on and other Christmas entertainment - our special Christmas section has lots of useful information. If you're short of a few ideas for gifts we have compiled a list of unusual and different Christmas ideas - a 'Gok Wan v 10 years younger' style make over perhaps, or maybe a close encounter with a bird of prey, a locomotive experience or you may even want to adopt a rhino.
Also if you haven't booked your Christmas meal for work or family occasion then we've a great list of places to fulfill the palate of all you festive foodies out there!

Don’t forget the Christmas pages are continually updated and are an ideal guide for your Christmas in Gloucestershire 2009.

Keep a look out on the 21st for Titan the Robot, who'll once again be bringing his outrageous humour and witty antics to The Brewery in Cheltenham. He'll be the first of five great events at Cheltenham's hottest retail and leisure destination, with Bjorn the Polar Bear helping Santa Clause switch on the lights there a week later - three other great events will be happening in December too.

The Everyman's pantomime this year is 'Sleeping Beauty'. Cheltenham's premier theatre has picked up some great awards and accolades for it’s panto over the past two years, and from what we've been told here at Explore Gloucestershire this year won't disappoint! Tickets are selling fast so to guarantee your seat and even book the best seats, you'd better get a move on.

If you haven't entered already, our 'Gloucestershire at its Best' photography competition is still open. If you feel you've a photograph which depicts Gloucestershire in its finest glory this is your chance to win £250 of Jessop’s vouchers. Enter competition...

This month’s competition has some great prizes including family tickets to Sleeping Beauty at The Everyman Theatre, meals for two at the Ship Inn at Newnham on Severn, The Tigers Eye Restaurant specialising in fusion cuisine and Black Rock Grills, and Café Rene in Gloucester.

Enter the competition...

EXPLORE AND ENJOY...

Please click on the links for further information.

Featured News Fireworks in Gloucestershire This list is growing as we speak. Keep a check on events happening near you. Christmas Lights November sees the start of the Christmas festivities. Find out what’s happening and where. Christmas in Gloucestershire Your quick link to what’s happening this Christmas in Gloucestershire. Find out about Christmas lights, party venues, shopping, Christmas markets and gift fairs, activities and where to find Father Christmas. You’ll find some great ideas for gifts as well. These are updated on a daily basis so add us to your favourites for a useful reference. Christmas Adventures at The Brewery, Cheltenham In the weeks running up until Christmas the Brewery has some special visitors on Saturdays. The children will love Titan the Robot, Bjorn the Polar Bear, Santa and his real reindeer. The Oliver Cromwell Paddle Wheeler A unique new events venue in Gloucester Docks. The perfect solution for a memorable event.
Six of the Best Events in Gloucestershire Friday & Saturday evenings Winter Owl Evenings at Newent Special evenings running up until Christmas. 4 November Howlers at the Hall A great night out with Stephen Grant, Kent Valentine and Stuart Goldsmith 13 November G2 'UK's best Genesis tribute act' playing at Stroud Subscription Rooms G2 Definitive Genesis perform the Classic “Seconds Out” period in Genesis’s long and colourful history, The 4 man era - 1975/78! 14 November Burley Fields Firework Display 2009 A large firework display and one of the biggest bonfires in the country. 20 November – 20 December Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Take a walk through the famous Enchanted Wood and see The National Arboretum lit up at night. 27 November – 10 January 2010 Sleeping Beauty at the Everyman Theatre Gloucestershire’s biggest and best panto is back!.
EVENT LISTINGS
	Wednesday & Thursday evenings Gloucester Ghost Walks Hear some of the ghostly stories of Gloucester led by Lyn Cindery
	Throughout November Events at The Everyman Theatre
	Throughout November Events at Hidcote Manor Gardens
	Until  1 November Annual Gift & Craft Fair at Nature in Art An ideal opportunity to buy some unique Christmas presents.
	2 & 3 November Wellchild Christmas Fair Supporting the charity for sick children and their families.
	7 November Fireworks at Cheltenham Racecourse A spectacular display organised by the Round Table.
	7 November Cheltenham Racecourse Fireworks by Train Arrive in style at the racecourse display.
	7 November Fireworks at Gloucester Docks The skies light up over the Docks, organised by the Round Table.
	12 November Bollywood Night at The Brewery A fund raising evening at Mango to raise money for CLIC
	12 November Wine tasting at Hidcote Manor Garden A special evening for experts and novices, with supper included.
	13-15 November Cheltenham Open Meeting Three days of the best that racing has to offer.
	14 November ‘Showboat Night ‘ on the Oliver Cromwell  Paddlewheeler A 3 course meal followed by live entertainment.
	14 November Howlers at the Venue A great night of comedy featuring Kent Valentine.
	14 November Soap Making for adults at Out of the Hat Make your own range of stunning soaps.
	20 November – 6 December Cheltenham Christmas Market The popular German style market returns to Cheltenham
	21 November Cheltenham Christmas lights switch on 2009
	21 November Titan at The Brewery, Cheltenham The giant robot is back by popular demand!
	22 November Wedding Fair at Sudeley Castle A unique opportunity for guided tour- bookings only.
	28 November Bjorn the Polar Bear & Father Christmas at The Brewery A life size fully animated puppet the children will love.
	From 28 November Floodlit Swan Feeds at Slimbridge WWT Enjoy the magical winter spectacle on the floodlit lake.
	28 November - 24 December Forest of Dean Brass Band at Clearwell Caves Seasonal favourites 100ft below ground.
	28 November - 24 December Christmas Fantasy at Clearwell Caves Clearwell Caves is once again transformed into a magical place in the Forest of Dean.
	28 & 29 November Christmas Shopping Weekend at Slimbridge WWT A weekend of festive shopping and Victorian-themed events.
	29 November Beaded Christmas Decorations at Out of the Hat A workshop for children to make their own decorations.