Oxjam festival at Sunderland

Chief organisers of the national Oxjam music festival are confident that the event will be a roaring success when the bands roll into Sunderland this Saturday.

This month has seen the launch of a programme of gigs leading up to the Oxjam festival in March 2009. Drawing on the North East’s diverse range of bands and artists, Oxjam will be hosting four very special launch events in the region and will be coming to Sunderland’s Independent venue this Saturday.

Music writer and marketing officer for Oxjam North East, Andrew Fenwick, is excited about his first festival in the city: “I’m a big believer in Oxjam’s aims, I believe passionately in this cause and providing excellent local talent and music for people is a perfect way to generate money for those who really need it.”

Unlike events such as Live 8, Oxjam’s all about making gig-going as inclusive as possible. The organisation has very hands on, DIY approach to gigs, meaning anyone can effectively organise their own event under the Oxjam banner.

“It might be stating the obvious,” said Andrew. “But Oxfam aren’t just about second-hand clothes. The charity is a vibrant global movement of dedicated people fighting poverty. People power drives everything Oxfam does, from saving lives and developing projects that put poor people in charge of their own livelihoods to campaigning for lasting change.”

Over the last three years regional teams made up of Oxfam volunteers have organised over 2,000 events across the UK, ranging from gigs and festivals to busk-a-thons and discos in Oxfam shop windows.

Oxjam aims to raise over £400,000 and added focus is being placed on the North East’s rich music scene to help make this happen. With high hopes Andrews says, “I believe the people of Sunderland will do us proud and come along.”

All the bands have chosen to waver their fee to help assist Oxfam’s movement and the Sunderland launch kicks off at 7:30pm. The entrance fee is £5 and all proceeds going to Oxfam. Independent is a 5-minute walk from Sunderland and Park Lane metro station.