Charity music festival returns to Exeter

Exeter’s Oxjam Takeover campaign now in its ninth year, is part of a fervent network of music lovers across the UK, all helping to combat global inequality and poverty within local perimeters.

Over 50 cities host multi-venue events during October, which are all organised by volunteers who know and love their music scene.

Oxjam 2015 has announced  that on Saturday 17 October Exeter Castle will be hosting their main-stage event – running it in conjunction with the largely anticipated Exeter Castle Festival of Rugby.

The castle has donated its courtyard, successfully combining two of the city’s biggest passions, which are part of a wider, city take-over for Oxjam.

Offered alongside live music and much more, will be several big screens to televise the World Cup Games, so that rugby fans don’t miss out.

A spokesperson for Exeter Castle said: “Exeter Castle is thrilled to be able to help Exeter Oxjam this year.

“With a giant outdoor stage and two big marquees already in place for Exeter Castle Festival of Rugby throughout September and October, it seemed silly not to offer full use of this to Oxjam for the day.

“We have no doubt that such an event showcasing local talent and raising money for a great cause will fill the courtyard creating a fantastic festival atmosphere.”

The event seeks to showcase the best of Exeter's and surrounding area’s local musical talent and applications are pouring in, offering an eclectic mix to include classical, rock, folk and more.

The event will be happening all day as well as into the evening, offering plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Part of the event will also be amongst one of the first live gigs to be held in the newly re-opened Hole in the Wall.

Both Timepiece and Old Timers will be joining in too with multiple DJ and band stages.

George Sloane, co-owner of Hole in the Wall and Timepiece said:  “It’s fantastic that this can be one of our first live music events this autumn, when the Hole in the Wall will be re-opened.

“At the Hole in the Wall, we strongly believe in getting involved with our local music scene and giving Exeter’s local music talent a stage.

“This is what we really want to do, and are more than happy to support the Exeter Oxjam Event – it’s absolutely fantastic.”

The Sorry Head are also involved, having offered to provide a unique Oxjam experience leading up to the event and also on the day.

On Saturday 1 August  there will be an opportunity to meet the Exeter Oxjam team for their first official fundraiser, and also sign up as a volunteer while the team tours the city with their ‘Jam in a Van’.

Jam in the Van will be visiting several sites including the Phoenix Centre (11am) and Waitrose (2.30pm), showcasing local artists as a preview to the main event. All of this will be done in a space measuring just 9ft by 6ft, so donate generously if you spot it. It starts at 10am, Princesshay, so keep an eye out for the pink banners and help Oxjam to go off with a bang…

The Exeter Oxjam Takeover 2015 is organised by Steve Byam, Takeover Manager, who said: “I have always believed that to effect real change for the better throughout the whole world, it's up to each individual person to make the effort in their day to day lives.

“These small, individual efforts all come together to create life changing actions, which can really make the difference.

“OXJAM provides a chance to really create such change and, to do it using the best of Exeter, from its best venues and spaces, but most of all, with friends, family and the city community.

“By working together, we can create an Exeter Takeover which will resonate throughout the city, and more importantly, will help many others around the globe.”

Oxjam is a national music festival that fundraises in support of charity giant, Oxfam GB. This year the campaigns main focus is in support of: women, work, water.

Further establishments and exciting fundraisers are to be confirmed.

Keep an eye on the website for further details: http://www.oxjamexetertakeover.org/