THOUSANDS of music lovers are expected to descend on The Abbey Grounds over the Bank Holiday for the Phoenix Festival – while a local brewery has created a new beer in its honour.

The free festival, which celebrates its fifth birthday this year, has a packed line-up of performers over two stages, with tribute acts Los Palmas 6 (Madness) and David Live (David Bowie) set to headline on Saturday and Sunday night respectively.

Last year, more than 15,000 people attended the two-day event, enjoying the music, food and drink, all organised and run by volunteers.

16 members of the Ozone Youth Partnership came up with the idea for the festival in 2012, quickly gaining the support of the town council and community development trust, and an army of ever-growing volunteers.

One such volunteer is Lucy Cordrey, who is also director and brewer of Corinium Ales (CA).

The Cirencester brewery has created a special beer in celebration of the festival called Phoenix V, which will be available in The Abbey Grounds during the event.

The brewery has also created two other beers for the March Hare Festival and Abbey 900.

“We love creating new beers that help to celebrate community initiatives,” said Lucy.

“As a Phoenix Festival volunteer, I know how much hard work goes into organising these kinds of events.

“So, this year we were keen to celebrate and raise a glass of three very different beers to three very different and fantastic festivals.”

Glen Moreman took over as head organiser of the festival from Claire Bartlett in 2015.

He said: “Claire and the young kids that started this off, they’ve got a great ethic and a great spirit and enthusiasm, and everyone in the town says what a fantastic event it is, so it’s important to keep it going, just because of those ethics.”

“Our buzzword is ‘intergenerational’ – it’s for everybody.”

The festival costs around £50,000 each year – all coming from a variety of sponsors and donations, including volunteers themselves.

Last month, 11 daredevil Phoenix volunteers took part in a tandem skydive at Redlands Airfield in Swindon, raising more than £700 for the festival.

Cotswold Citizens Advice will again have a stand at the festival, and, as a small local charity is looking for anyone who would like to get involved. 

See phoenix-festival.co.uk for more.