THE mayor of Cirencester, Mark Harris, hosted a civic reception on The Abbey Grounds tonight, on the eve of the Phoenix Festival 2016.

The free two-day festival, now in its fourth year, takes place on Saturday and Sunday (August 27–28), showcasing a number of music acts live from the Grounds.

In attendance at the reception were a collection of mayors from across the county, including Jennie Sanford, of Fairford, and the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, Lady Bathurst.

There were also a number of trustees from various charitable organisations, volunteers, business people, musicians, performers and sponsors.

Cllr Harris, during a short speech, said: "The purpose of this evening is two-fold.

"The first is to celebrate the efforts together of those who volunteered their time to make and improve our community and shepherd in the Phoenix Festival tomorrow.

"The second reason is to get us all together and get us communicating and talking, young and old, locals and those from far away."

The festival itself is the brainchild of the Ozone Youth Club in Cirencester and is supported by the town council and Community Development Trust, and run by a committee of volunteers.

Paige Lily, festival committee member, said: "In 2014, young people, including myself and Tom Butler, were given a project - to put on a music festival in the Abbey Grounds.

"We were given six months to produce it.

"It was such a success we had to do it again and four years later here we are.

"This is one of the biggest achievements of my life."

Whilst holding back tears, she went on to say: "With the last few days of me being a full-time committee member, I'd really like to say thank-you to those who gave me a hand to hold and a shoulder to cry on and a nod of reassurance, and thank-you for making the Phoenix Festival team of the year.

"This team is an example of what could happen across the district with the right mentality and the right people," she added, before presenting team members Tyler Cejai Keen, Courtnay May and Jamielee Weightman with awards for their work over the last 12 months.

Paige herself was then presented with an award in recognition of her contribution to community services in Cirencester by Cllr Harris.

The Ukey D'Ukes, a nine-piece rock and roll band which will also be performing at the festival on Sunday, then played a brief set.

Visit phoenix-festival.co.uk for more information.