THOUSANDS of people descended upon the Abbey Grounds in Cirencester to get in festival spirit and enjoy one of the town’s biggest events at the weekend.

The Phoenix Festival,which took place on Saturday and Sunday, saw performances from a massive array of bands and performers and was branded a huge success by organisers.

Clare Bartlett, event manager,said: “All the local talent coming together is a massive highlight.

“We have had great feedback from those coming through the gates and supporting this event.”

Those that attended sang the praises of the volunteer run festival.

Antoinette Moorby, whose daughter Jenni Moorby performed with the Cirencester dance act Cirencester Creative Dance Academy, said: “It is really brilliant. I think this year the organisers have done a brilliant job. There is something for everybody.”

Helen Spence who attended with her family said she had a great impression of the festival and would be attending again next year.

This year saw the addition of a an acoustic stage ran by Exposure Music Awards, a company which supports up and coming musicians.

The tent was graced by host of local acts and the world famous Jay Aston, who is best known for being a member of rock metal outfit Gene Loves Jezabel.

Dean G Hill, owner of Exposure Music Awards, which supports up and coming musicians, said: “ We have been looking for talent at the festival as well as taking them on to Exposure Music Awards.”

London based singer songwriter Sam Sallon, recently won the Exposure Music Awards best overall act award and was another of the artist to perform in the acoustic tent.

He said:“ I am very happy that I have been asked to come down and play and hope I do not get in the way of local people playing.”

Among those gracing the main stage was Cirencester space rock band OpusWeed and South Cerney born rapper Young Wilson.

Huge crowds were drawn to watch headliners Dutch/German heavy metal band Miracle Masters and Cheltenham beatboxers Duke.

A beaming Young Wilson,16, said that he thought the crowd at the festival were really welcoming and friendly.

He said: “I am from South Cerney and live near Swindon now but I class this as my home town. It has been brilliant. It is the biggest festival that I have done.”

Beer at the festival was provided by The Vaults Bar in Cirencester and Corinium Ales, which is owned by one of the organisers of the festival, Lucy Cordrey.

Some of the fun family activities included a bouncy castle, rodeo donkey and circus skills for children and a pop-up skate park for teenagers.

There was also an array of stalls at the festival selling, wonderful trinkets and crafts, such as Cirencester alternative shop Willow and Cirencester Deer Park school.

Chris Germaine, head of applied learning at the school, said: “It is fantastic, really good, it has been such a relaxed day. Everyone is enjoying themselves. There is great music on and people are just chilling out.”

 

Picture gallery of the festival will be posted on the Standardc website soon.