THE Phoenix Festival organisers were delighted to be named “Team of the Year” at the 2016 Cirencester Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

The team, who organise the annual festival in Cirencester Abbey Grounds,  fought off some stiff competition with a large number of entries this year.

The award is very timely as they gear up for the 2016 Festival in August.

Paige Lilley said: “I feel so very happy. I’ve been a member of the team since the Phoenix started in 2013, so to get an award that acknowledges all our hard work means a lot on both a personal and professional development level.”

Tom Butler, who has also been with the team from the start, added: “The Festival has really grown over the last few years and I’m so proud to have the opportunity to still be a part of this.”

The Phoenix team are all volunteers who come from a diversity of backgrounds and ages and bring with them a wide range of skills, abilities and experience to deliver everything the festival needs to be successful from fundraising, marketing, communication engineering and event management.

Glen Moreman, volunteer festival organiser explained: “The key to our success is definitely our team spirit and dedication; embracing new volunteers and ideas to keep energised and fresh; a willingness to learn, muck in and engage with a diverse community; and our motivation and determination to make this very special music festival happen each year.”

Shirley Alexander, the chairperson of Cirencester Community Trust Ltd, who has supported the Phoenix Festival since it began, was delighted to hear the news.

She said: “We are extremely proud of what the Phoenix Festival represents and does for our town. It is a fabulous example of a community bringing people together, from all walks of life, to share in the enjoyment of local talent. The festival continues to grow thanks to the team’s commitment and passion and this recognition is so well deserved.”

  • For more information about the Festival Phoenix email info@phoenix-festival.co.uk or go to phoenix-festival.co.uk