WITH its launch on 29th March only weeks away the Cirencester March Hare Festival is attracting yet more media interest.

Following a BBC Radio Glos interview last week, Festival Organiser, Florence Beetlestone was joined by Dynasty actress and artist Emma Samms for a discussion on BBC Points West. Emma is decorating the hare sponsored by the Kings Head Hotel and she talked about her likely design whilst keeping the detail firmly under wraps! "I'm passionate about the local countryside and I was honoured to be asked to take part in the project." Kings Head marketing manager, Sian Pirone said " I'm truly delighted to have Emma on board"

Now BBC TV Countryfile Presenter, Ellie Harrison is to decorate the hare for the Cotswold Water Park with an exclusive design. She received her hare this week and is all set to go. Ellie said "Ever since I saw the golden hare of Kit Williams' Masquerade on display before being hidden in a terracota sarcophagus and buried in the ground, the image of the hare has enchanted me. Even biologically they are impressive, turning out speeds of 45mph. So now I get to conjure up my own for the festival and hide it amongst the every day".

Also this week popular local artist Laura Fern will begin decorating the hare of the Festival's latest sponsor The Corinium Hotel. When completed their hare will sit happily in the hotel's lovely garden. Florence said "it is wonderful that we have such fantastic artists for our hares. It all helps us to reach our target of raising over £50,000 for the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust to enable them to start work on the Green Hare Churn Walkway." The Festival is promoted by the Cirencester Community Development Trust who are delighted to back such a worthwhile project for the Town. For further information, to learn how to sponsor a hare or how to get involved please contact www.cirencesterharefestival.co.uk, cirenharefest@gmail.com