CIRENCESTER Parish Church invites you to take a step back in time with an evening of silent film on Friday, November 7.

A Night at the Cinema in 1914 is a 90-minute compilation released by the British Film Institute this summer and currently touring the UK.

The film evokes a trip to the local picture palace 100 years ago, when audiences would have been treated to a miscellany of comedy, drama, newsreels, travelogues and music. The selection of clips traces the course of 1914, from peacetime to war.

Ailsa O’Connor, who is organising the evening on behalf of the Friends of Cirencester Parish Church, said: “Going to the cinema in 1914 was a much more raucous event than it is now.

“The evening would have included live music as well as the moving pictures and audiences would often have burst into song or speech.

“We’re delighted that Colin Sell, well known to Radio 4 listeners, will be playing a live piano score. And we’ll also have one or two music hall songs from popular local singer, Elizabeth Gravestock.

“All in all, it will be a unique opportunity to experience a typical night out from 1914.”

This film night is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, as part of the wider Cirencester Commemorates project being co-ordinated by New Brewery Arts, which has received a grant of £34,700.

Cirencester Commemorates has provided a series of events and activities throughout the year to help the local community understand and actively engage with the heritage of the First World War.

Tickets cost £5 for adults, £3 for under-16s and are available from both the Visitor Information Centre and the Parish Office in Gosditch Street.

uThe Friends of Cirencester Parish Church is a charity dedicated to the care of St John Baptist, the largest parish church in Gloucestershire.

The parish has been a place of worship for people for well over 1000 years.

Since their foundation in 1976, they have contributed and allocated over £1,600,000 to a variety of projects.

They work closely with the Parochial Church Council to make sure funds are used in the areas that are in the greatest need.