Jamming for charity

MUSICIANS from Epsom will be doing their bit for charity this month as the U.K’s biggest music festival comes to the region.

Throughout October, artists, promoters and music fans across the country will be taking part in ‘Oxjam’, a series of events and gigs to raise money for the charity Oxfam.

Epsom will host two events, and organisers are hoping for a high turnout for the gigs.

Oxjam’s music event director for Epsom Chris Turner said: “All of the money raised will go directly towards Oxfam’s campaigns to help end poverty and suffering around the world.
“We hope to raise close to the region of £1,000 but that really depends on how many people turn out to the events and how much money they donate.”

The first event in Epsom will be an acoustic gig held at the Oxfam shop on Epsom High Street on Saturday October 13.

Organised by Epsom band ‘Chop Chop Bear Touch?’, the informal concert will be held from 11am-4pm, and entrance is by voluntary donation.

‘Chop Chop Bear Touch?’ will also be headlining Epsom’s centrepiece gig at The Vibe on East Street on October 20. Acts include The Kulaks, Anison, Cyclone Bill and Venkman. This event will start at 7pm, with admission £5.

Ed Croome, a member of Banstead and Sutton group Venkman, is a big fan of the idea.
“As we are a new band, we see this event as a good way of showcasing our new material and also raising some money for charity at the same time,” he said.
“I also think that if it proved to be successful, it would be a great idea to put on more events like this in the area, and we would be more than happy to keep helping out in any way we can.”

Venkman are currently considering organising an event to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis.

Other regions holding Oxjam events throughout October include Cardiff, Leeds and Brighton.

Around 40,000 musicians and 300,000 fans are expected to take place in the events nationwide, aiming to raise £1 million for Oxfam.

For more information, visit www.oxfam.org.uk/oxjam

Sam Blackledge