A BARBECUE and smokehouse outlet in Cirencester is due to hold an event to raise money for an upcoming festival in the town.

Cheeky Swine will host a day of live music and barbecue food to raise money for the Phoenix Festival, a community music and arts festival offering two days of music, dance and family fun in Cirencester’s Abbey Grounds.

The fundraising event, named SwineFest, will see different musicians play across the day at The Bee’s Knees, the Cirencester pub where Cheeky Swine is based.

Taking place on Saturday, July 13, the free, one-day event will be topped off with food from Cheeky Swine and local supplier Cotswild.

A share of the profits from the event will be donated to the Phoenix Festival.

Neil Johnston, the proprietor and head chef of Cheeky Swine who came up with the SwineFest concept, said: “The Phoenix Festival means so much to the town and is one of the few free music festivals left in the UK, so we wanted to do our bit to keep it going.

“I have always wanted to do a music and food festival at the pub.

“These are only our first years, so we are starting with a one-day event and hope to grow it in the years to come, inviting smoked food producers from across the country.

“We have a variety of genres.

“There is a country set from Rhiannon to kick things off at about 2pm, then an acoustic set, and in the evening, music from Jukebox James, followed by a sundowner session from a local DJ.

“If anyone else wants to get involved, please give us a shout - we are open to ideas.”

The Phoenix Festival began in 2013 and is now attended regularly by approximately 15,000 people every year.

It offers an extensive line-up on two main stages with over 40 acts, as well as a performance arena and a creative and wellbeing zone.

The festival takes place on August 24 and 25 this year and is run by volunteers for the community of Cirencester and the surrounding villages.

For more information or to book regarding SwineFest, phone 01285 314315 or email cheekyswinebbq@gmail.com