CIRENCESTER’S business community celebrated the Phoenix Festival’s fifth birthday with a party organised by the Community Development Trust.

The special evening on June 29 at The Vaults, now part of The Golden Farm pub, featured live music from the town’s globetrotting folk act The Black Feathers.

Spicy snacks were also provided by Loaded Grill, Cirencester’s only peri peri restaurant.

The Cirencester Community Development Trust are the original backers of the annual festival and wanted to share its past glories and look to secure its future as a free music event.

“The night was a great success and we have had interest from many in the room in supporting the festival for years to come,” said CCDT’s Andy Lennard.

“Glen Moreman and the team have done a fantastic job and we know it will be a hit this summer but if we want it to continue we must look for investment both financial and in the shape of volunteers who can carry it on into year six,” he added.

The festival is two days of music, dance and family fun and has quickly proved to be one of the most popular free summer events in the Cotswold’s calendar.

It is held within the historic setting of the Abbey Grounds and attracts thousands of people over the August Bank Holiday weekend – Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27, 11am to 10pm.

The festival is completely organised by volunteers and is the brainchild of Ozone Youth Club, with support from the town council.