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Thornbury, Jewel of the Severn Vale, is an old market town off the beaten track, just four miles from the banks of the River Severn in South
Gloucestershire. It is situated 10 miles north of Bristol, close to the M4/M5 Interchange and the M48 Old Severn Bridge, giving easy and quick access to countryside, seaside, many major cities, the up and coming Bristol airport and two railway stations. The town provides an ideal base for the tourist to explore the villages and towns of the Severn Vale, the Cotswolds, the historic cities of Bristo,l Bath and Gloucester, the Wye Valley, the Royal Forest of Dean and
South Wales. Thornbury is also a popular home to many who work in the surrounding towns and the newly built Aztec West Business Park.

Development in the last thirty to forty years has seen a rise in population from 3,000 to 13,000 but the town has not lost any of its character or charm which is safeguarded by sensitive and closely monitored conservation, ensuring it remains a typical English Market Town. Thornbury boasts the only remaining Tudor Castle which is now an exclusive hotel. The countryside can be found in the heart of the housing development as a network of old streams has been preserved for the enjoyment of both visitor and townsfolk alike.

Facilities and amenities of the town have kept pace with its growth to provide a conservation award winning pedestrian shopping area, St Mary Centre, that combines both old historic buildings, such as the old grammar school, with more modern buildings that are inkeeping with the old town. There are many events held in the open air square of the centre with the farmers market being first and third Thursday of every month. The centre leads on to the main High Street where many old houses and shops can be found, some dating back to 15th century. Thornbury has Fair Trade status with many shops and cafes selling fair trade goods. The town is serviced by three free car parks.

At Christmas the town is renowned for its fantastic display of Christmas Lights, almost every shop in the High Street has a display, with a Christmas tree outside the Town Hall as well as in the centre. Late November the High Street shuts to traffic for the night and a Victorian Fayre with late night shopping, stalls and funfair takes place to mark the switching on of the lights.

In summer the town is bedecked with floral displays. The High Street is a riot of colour with hanging baskets every where you look, and large floral displays around the town, giving great pleasure to townsfolk and tourists alike. Thornbury is a Britain in Bloom award winning town, second only to St Ives. Each summer the Thornbury in Bloom committee organise a local competition within the town for residents to enter their gardens, with a large presentation evening for the winners in September. For Further information see www.thornburyinbloom.co.uk

Every year a group of townsfolk, Thornbury Arts Festival, produce a week long programme of entertainment with such acts as Sir David Frost, Barry Cryer and Joan Bakewell to name but a few. The programme includes local talent with an eisteddfod for all school children and exhibitions of local artists work in the Town Hall. In recent years an open studio arts trail around the town has been produced where it is possible to visit the artists in their workshops. For further information see www.thornburyartsfestival.com

There are many groups and societies within the town and there is plenty for anyone of any age to enjoy, ranging from drama and the arts, sport, an active University of the Third Age, different types of dance groups and much more. Thornbury has a great community spirit and residents find themselves involved in many activities. Up to date information on what is happening and various clubs and societies can be found on www.mythornbury.co.uk There is a town notice board in the High Street advertising various events, along with the library and Town Hall also being a valuable source of information..