Tim Hughes looks forward to the 25th anniversary party of an Oxford musical institution

It started as a bit of fun... a way of giving local bands a platform and music-lovers a good night out.

The organisers, Phil Freizinger and his partner Sue Smith – of the band The Mighty Redox – and soundman Ainan Addison, can scarcely have imagined that a quarter of a century on, their club night would still be running, and offering one of the best nights out in the city.

Since its inception, Klub Kakofanney has hosted a veritable Who’s Who of the Oxfordshire music scene, and remains a respected and hugely relevant showcase of up-and-coming and established talent, from the county and beyond.

This weekend ‘Klub Kak’ hosts three days of celebrations to mark its 25th anniversary at its home, The Wheatsheaf, off Oxford High Street.

“Klub Kakofanney began in October 1991 with the aim of recreating the spirit of free festivals in Oxford venues, and has proudly continued its open-minded, anything-goes policy ever since,” says Phil.

“Our monthly not-for-profit club has been forced to move venues a couple of times in its long history but has found a stable, loving home at The Wheatsheaf for the past 15 years – which is where our celebration weekend takes place.”

The fun starts on Friday night with sets by Somerset techno-punk crew UK:ID, Cherokii, Smiley & the Underclass and Charms Against the Evil Eye.

The action continues on Saturday evening with Peerless Pirates, Callow Saints, Vienna Ditto, The Mighty Redox (of course) and Cowley Road legend Osprey.

It winds down on Sunday with an afternoon of free live music in the pub’s downstairs bar, with sets from Klub Kak regulars Les Clochards, Beard of Destiny, Twizz Twangle, Purple May, Mark Bosley and Laima Bite.

Phil is proud of the line-up, which is typically diverse, and with a strong local accent.

“If you happen upon a Klub Kakofanney night you instinctively feel something different from a regular gig,” he says, explaining the enduring charm of the club.

“The bands are not genre specific; there is a warmth and friendliness in the air, and the audience and acts work together to maximise the party feel.

“The tone is set by the free festival spirit of openness and sharing and love of music. This ethos remains as strong now as at our first gig in 1991.

“When we started there were few venues that would put on original music; that’s why we founded the Klub.”

Bands who have paid their dues at the club, include Whispering Bob – the early incarnation of Robin and Joe Bennett’s The Dreaming Spires, folk-pop stars Stornoway, Mephisto Grande, The Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band, Steamroller, Undersmile, Sexy Breakfast (featuring members of Borderville and The Flights of Helios), The Balkan Wanderers, Eynsham metallers Winnnabago Deal, The Epstein, Nick Breakspear of The Black Hats, Little Fish, Balloon Ascents (now Neverlnd) and John Otway.

Other colourful sounding acts have included Ebola Meltdown, Electric Groove Temple, Beaver Fuel, Press the Flesh, The Vicars of Twiddly, Grandma’s Hands, Manic Mind Circus, Queerbait and Jacuzzi Fiasco.

Phil admits there have been too many highlights over the past 25 years to single any one out but says: “For party music for me it’s got to be Fuzzy Logic. For Sue it’s Peerless Pirates; for quirkiness and genius it’s Vienna Ditto and Brickwork Lizards and the brilliant Balloon Ascents.

“We all have special love for the erstwhile Tongue & Groove, but there’s too many great memories. As we say in The Mighty Redox: ‘we love you all’.

And he urged music-lovers to come along and support what has become a local institution.

“We’re looking forward to the whole anniversary weekend and welcoming regulars like Twizz Twangle, who was there from the beginning, and new acts who’ve never played Klub Kakofanney before, like the amazing Smiley And The Underclass. Then there’s UK:ID, who are back for their third gig with us. But it’s as much about the audience – who are united in party and music.”

Nigel Firth of the band Vienna Ditto, has played Klub Kak seven times, and joins Saturday’s line-up with bandmate Hatty Taylor.

Talking to The Guide yesterday after a sleepless night (a result, he says, of having his face continually licked by a dog), he paid tribute to Klub Kak and its founders.

“It’s just great!” he says. “It’s a magical night. I like it a lot; it gives me a warm feeling in the tummy.

“It has been going longer than most nights of its kind, and that’s down to Phil and Sue, who make it really special.”

He said The Wheatsheaf was the perfect venue. “It’s probably my favourite pub,” he says. “You’ve got heavy metal downstairs, and people drinking beer from tankards – some of them with bells on, and great music upstairs with Joel doing the sound – and he’s a genius.”

He describes his band’s sound as “voodoo sci-fi blues,” and promised an extraordinary show. “Expect spooky vocals from Hatty, warped electronics, drums, loops and over-amplified electric guitar from me!

“We’ll be getting the audience moving by shouting at them – and possibly throwing merchandise.

“You have been warned!”

Blues-rock guitarist Osprey (real name Mark O’Brien) is also looking forward to the party.

“I can’t wait to get stuck in,” he said. “It’s going to rock!”

Klub Kakofanney’s 25th anniversary weekend takes place at The Wheatsheaf, High Street, Oxford all weekend. Tickets £5 on the door for Friday and Saturday and free on Sunday