A giant and creatures great and small are being created for a 700-year anniversary in the Severn Vale this summer.
With the help of a £10,000 Sharing Heritage grant, Frampton-on-Severn, Fretherne, Harescombe and Whaddon are working together on an innovative project to recreate the events associated with the consecration of their churches.
The Dedication 1315 project is seeking volunteers to help make a 12ft-tall giant, beasts and costumes, as well as learning how to dance, sing and play the music of the Middle Ages.
Both professionals and amateurs, including children, are invited to the launch meetings to help take part and ensure everything is ready for the celebratory weekend in June.
The meetings are being held at St Margaret's Church in Whaddon and Frampton-on-Severn Village Hall from 10am to 11.30am on Saturday January 24 and Saturday, January 31 respectively.
Rose Hewlett, who lives in Frampton-on-Severn, said organisers could not wait to get started after securing the money.
"It has been fantastic to work with the four churches and schools during the planning process," she said.
"Nearly 40 other churches also have the opportunity to celebrate their 700th anniversaries this year and we are encouraging them to participate and learn more about their heritage."
She added: "Dedication 1315 is aimed at bringing history and heritage alive and we hope everyone will join in regardless of age or religious persuasion."
As part of the run up to the event and to encourage more people to sign up, various paintings have been displayed on the Dedication 1315 website.
These include their own version of the Mappa Mundi, a medieval map from the 14th century, as well as medieval wall paintings which may have decorated the churches 700 years ago.
Sharing Heritage helps people explore, conserve and share all aspects of their area's history and character.
Nerys Watts, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South West, said: "Sharing Heritage is a wonderful opportunity for communities to delve into their heritage and we're delighted to be able to offer this grant so Dedication 1315 can embark on a real journey of discovery.
"Heritage means different things to different people and HLF funding offers a wealth of opportunities for groups to explore and celebrate what's important to them."
