CHEERS echoed around Cirencester’s Abbey Grounds last night as a band made up of local men closed The Phoenix Festival.
Thousands gathered over the weekend to celebrate the high water mark of Cirencester’s arts calendar.
The free two-day festival, now in its third year and fast becoming iconic, is put on thanks to a cohort of volunteers and sponsors, who work tirelessly throughout the year.
On Saturday, a dry day saw happy punters flocking to the festival.
The Dustbowl Children stole the show with their performance in the alternative stage and were begged to continue playing by a crowd of baying fans.
Over on the main stage, Cantaloop played a mix of funk and hip-hop and had the whole crowd in motion.
The open mic tent, tucked behind the assorted food vans, was a new addition this year and gave the brightest new talent in the area a chance to showcase their potential.
As children weaved through the crowds of dancing adults and teenagers tried their luck skateboarding on the halfpipe, Corinium Ales and The Vaults provided excellent beer for thirsty punters.
Groups such as Cirencester Dance Academy and Dystopia Sky Fire graced the centre of the arena, putting on displays for the excited crowds, and revellers were also privy to a fly-past from the Red Arrows.
Resilient festival goers refused to let the rain dampen their spirits on Sunday and were rewarded in the afternoon by moody but dry skies.
A welt of superb performers graced the alternative stage on Sunday, including soloist Leon Daye and duo Gene Loves Jezebel, made up of Jay Aston and James Stevenson.
As the day drew in, the excellent Basement Blues Collective played a raucous set and hip-hop duo Profound Poets brought in big crowds.
The Ultimate Beatles, in full uniform, took the crowd through a whistle-stop tour of the Beatles’ history, staying in character throughout.
Finally, local band The Abstracts, fronted by Cirencester Mayor Mark Harris, took to the stage, playing a cocktail of covers to a jubilant crowd at least 1,000 strong.
Organisers Glen Moreman and Kelly Leadbeater got on the stage to cheers from the crowd, thanking everyone for their support and telling the crowd they want to make the festival “as free as possible for as long as possible”.
They also broke the news that some 13,500 people had come through the festival gates this year.
The festival needs £60,000 a year to run, most of which is provided by donations and sponsorship.
The Daniel Billings Band performing on the main stage at the Phoenix Festival in Cirencester Abbey Grounds
Colin Knight, Lucy Cordrey, Rob James, Mary Walker and George Heaven running the Corinium Ales beer tent at the Phoenix Festival
Lily Downes-Hall in the Let's Play Music open-mic tent at the Phoenix Festival
Professional skateboarder Gaz Roberts from Malmesbury at the Phoenix Festival
Enjoying the afternoon sun and the music at the Phoenix Festival
Youngsters from the Cotswold Dance Academy performing one of their routines
Jack Moore from Calne performing on the alternative stage at the Phoenix Festival
The Dirty Smooth on stage at the Phoenix Festival
Phoenix Festival crew members Poppy Hadkinson, Tom Butler, Jamie Lleweightman and Courtnay May
Jay Aston and James Stevenson of Gene Loves Jezebel on the alternative stage
The Abstracts closing the weekend
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