A HANDFUL of brave volunteers are to take to the skies on Friday for a parachute jump to raise money for the Phoenix Festival.

Assistant event manager Kelly Keen is among the 11 daredevils ready to take the plunge when they take part in the tandem skydive at Redlands Airfield in Swindon.

Other participants include twins Eavie and Tillie Shutt, and Paige O'Callaghan.

The annual festival itself is taking place in Cirencester next month.

Every year, organisers explore new and exciting ways to raise funds for the popular festival, which takes place in the Abbey Grounds and is now in its fifth year.

Kelly said: “Tandem skydiving is amazing fun.

“We really want to create a fantastic spectacle and see festival fans have a thrill of a lifetime.

“This is a really exciting way to support the Phoenix.”

Each of those taking part in the jump have already been busy raising money in a variety of ways, including the more sedate pastime of organising cake sales, with a minimum of £190 needed to cover the cost of the jump.

“Anything raised over £190 goes straight in the Phoenix Festival pot,” said Kelly.

Cirencester’s Phoenix Festival will take place over next month’s Bank Holiday weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, August 26 & 27.

Organisers are asking anyone who would like to get involved, to contact Kelly at cirencesterfringe@gmail.com or by calling 07568 396585.