Cirencester's much-anticipated free-to-enter music and arts festival takes place this weekend in the Abbey Grounds.

The Phoenix Festival is now in its seventh year and promises a weekend with a packed programme of entertainment on Saturday and Sunday.

As well as four performance areas, there will be a creative zone, a fun fair, traders stalls and more.

“We are very excited to have yet another fantastic festival with a great line-up for everyone” said event manager, Glen Moreman.

“We’ll be welcoming back artists from previous years, including the very first year, and saying hello to others for the very first time."

Comebacks include the legendary “Human Jukebox” Pavo, singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist George Montague, charismatic duo Ethemia, the action packed fourteen-piece Soul Destroyers, foot-stomping Rhythm Slingers, and the swaggering quintessentially Britpop Boys.

Newcomers include party band The Shadow Monkeys, show stealing six-piece Al’a-Ska, singer songwriter NJ Gardner, bluesy groove Rude Mood, all female community choir Cirencester Singers and UK open mic finalist Lilly Hobbs.

The festival will also feature a fun fair, festival traders, charity and community information stalls along with festival food and drink.

Glen added: “This festival has become the biggest free-to-enter community event in Cirencester.

"We are immensely proud to be in our seventh year and to honour what the young people of Cirencester first gave us back in 2013: a festival that is accessible to all.

"It’s going to be an amazing weekend and that’s ultimately down to the good will and generosity of our diverse and fantastic community of volunteers, artists partners and supporters who keep the Phoenix soaring; long may it continue!”

For more information go to www.phoenix-festival.co.uk