More than 10,000 people recently gathered in Phoenixville to watch its iconic phoenix statue go up in flames for the 14th annual Firebird Festival, writes Virginia Lindak for The Phoenix Reporter & Item.

The festival is held every year in December, and brings visitors from all over the region to celebrate the upcoming winter solstice.

Torches were carried from Bridge Street by a group of Firebird Dancers, drummers, and community members. Once they reached Friendship Field, the group danced around the phoenix statue to entertain the gathered crowd.

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Amidst falling snow, the 25-foot wooden phoenix was then set ablaze. The crowd watched as the flames engulfed the phoenix, and cheered when the first piece broke off and tumbled to the ice-covered ground.

This year’s phoenix was made out of donated wood and designed by event creator Henrik Stubbe Teglbjaerg.

“It fits so well with the theme of our town, of rejuvenation. I’m surprised myself how important it is to a lot of people,” said Teglbjaerg.

Read more about the festivities in The Phoenix Reporter & Item here.

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