2000-2011

This is the second year the local voluntary committee have proposed to host a family festival programme over 2 days in the local town park which is one of the jewels in the crown of the town's amenities. The Offaly capital celebrates the 226th anniversary of the Great Hot Air Balloon Fire, which ultimately led to the rejuvenation of the town's fortunes, rising from the ashes and laying the foundations for a high quality town environment. The events which unfolded on May 10th 1785 are widely recognised as the world’s first aviation disaster, when a hot air balloon crash landed and the resultant fire caused the destruction of over 100 houses.

The Phoenix Arts Festival 2011 is the 11th year of an evolving annual festival programme of colourful spectacles, creativity and family events which this year is centred in the spacious surrounds of the excellent Tullamore Lloyd Town Park amenity.