CIRENCESTER is bracing itself for another smash hit festival this weekend.

The Phoenix Festival is returning to the Abbey Grounds this Saturday and Sunday to entertain the crowds with music, shopping, good food, circus skills, sporting fun and more.

The family-friendly event, organised entirely by volunteers and young people, will showcase local bands and solo artists as well as nationally-known headliners.

Last year the festival saw 18,000 visitors attend the free event and organisers are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year.

Festival organiser Clare Bartlett said everyone involved was so excited to host the event for a second year.

"The committee this year are fantastic and I cannot thank them enough for all their hardwork," she said. "All of the young people involved are an inspiration to me and I feel honoured to be working with them."

Clare is already calling for volunteers to help make sure the festival returns in 2015 and urges anyone interested to get in touch right away.

"We still need support from local organisations and members of the community if this event is going to happen in 2015 so please come and show your support ," she said.

This year's event will feature music from beatbox band Duke, nationally-famous rock stars Miracle Masters, Cirencester folk duo Ethemia and Wiltshire musician Charlie-Anne who was inspired by Ellie Goulding and Jake Bugg.

Adults can enjoy trying new beers at the Corinium Ales tent while children can take on circus skills, a pop-up skate ramp and other activities.

The Phoenix Festival is on August 30-31 and is free to attend. It runs from early in the morning until late into the evening. Email clare.bartlett@bromford.co.uk to find out more about getting involved next year.