County town is due to be taken over for Oxjam

Shrewsbury will be turned into Music Town in October when 40 performers headline local pubs and clubs in aid of Oxfam.

Oxjam will come to Shrewsbury on October 19 and will help to raise £2,000 for the charity.

The event was launched last night at Franks Bar and organisers are looking forward to showcasing local musicians and venues during coming months.

Kerri Jones, Takeover Manager for Oxjam Shrewsbury, said the event had already been well-supported by locals.

She said: "Here at Oxjam Shrewsbury, we can't thank people enough for the amazing amounts of support they've shown for Oxjam.

"It's really been incredible and we are so grateful. Whether it's been via Twitter, Facebook, offering an incredible venue or simply lending us a helping hand, everything counts and we can't make this a success without other people.

"Being able to combine the many talents and venues of our local community while raising money for a global cause represents a rare and exciting opportunity.

"We are all looking forward to the upcoming months."

Oxjam is a collaboration between community arts organisers in Shrewsbury and scores of people have already shown their support for the event.

Spokeswoman Kathrynne Johnson said: "The aim of the organising committee is to spend as little as possible so that money raised goes straight to Oxfam.

"We plan to send £1,000 before the festival and the same again afterwards.

"We've got a few pub quizzes to help us raise money and a gig on Sabrina boat on August 26, which will feature Thomson Oldeman among others."

Shrewsbury had to work hard to persuade Oxfam to let the town host a music festival.

"We have a good relationship with Oxfam and donate a lot of money so the charity was receptive from the start.

"Shrewsbury is the perfect place for an Oxjam because it has got a thriving local music scene and plenty of great venues.

"The Boathouse, outside The Quarry, has relaunched itself as a live music venue and people also enjoy gigs at the Old Post Office, The Wheatsheaf, The Anchor, in Frankwell, and Ashleys Bar. There's plenty of great, unsigned music and we'll be showcasing the best of local talent during Oxjam.

Oxjam is a national music festival and will be coming to Shrewsbury for the first time this year.

The festival will 'take over' the town on October 19 and music lovers will be able to purchase a wristband which will provide access to all venues and performances on the day.

There will also be a host of Oxjam gigs and events in Shrewsbury during the summer to boost fundraising and gain exposure for the final event.

Oxjam Takeover Festivals have been happening across the UK since 2006, but this is the first year the event will come to Shrewsbury.

Ms Jones added that she had convinced Oxfam that Shrewsbury would be a good location for an Oxjam Festival due to the town's thriving music scene and supportive local community.

She said: "Around 28 town across the Midlands applied to host an Oxjam Festival, and only eight were successful, so that's a big achievement for Shrewsbury.

"Oxfam chose Shrewsbury as a location because the town is very receptive to the charity's work and they were impressed at how the local community supports existing events in the town such as the flower show, folk festival and recent food festival."

Last night's Oxjam launch party featured a number of popular local acts including Gregory S. Davies Band and Beth Prior.

The final gig will feature well-known local talents like Andy O'Brien, who headlined #ShropshireUnsigned at Shrewsbury Food Festival in June.

Oxjam Shrewsbury is still looking for volunteers, artists and business sponsorship to support the event.

Further details are available from Kathrynne Johnson, Oxjam Shrewsbury Marketing Co-ordinator, on 07919 805 345 or by emailing oxjamshrewsbury.marketing@gmail.com