It’s time for the Oxjam Oxford Takeover. Organiser Aiden Canaday tells Tim Hughes that this Saturday’s event will be the biggest and best yet

We are constantly being told that we should go and see more live music – especially local bands – but it’s just so hard to find the time.

The Oxford scene, in particular is just so lively, one could spend almost every night of the week clutching a warm beer and watching an outrageously talented new band.

This Saturday though, music-lovers can catch an incredible 70 bands playing 10 stages, all within stumbling distance of each other, along the Cowley Road.

The Oxjam Oxford Takeover is one of the biggest festivals of live music in the calendar – up there in stature with the Oxford Punt and Common People.

Unlike the former though, it is centred on East Oxford, and in contrast to the big South Park bash, virtually all the acts are local, and are playing for pocket money prices – with a wristband for all venues costing a tenner, and many venues opening their doors for just a donation.

And the best thing is, all the proceeds go to Oxfam – and their important humanitarian, aid and development work around the world.

The man behind this mammoth night of noise is Aiden Canaday.

Aiden, a ceramic artist by trade, is known to scene-watchers as a member of the band Cooling Pearls.

The Oxjam Takeover follows a series of Oxfam fundraisers, with a musician’s football match, art auction and a pub quiz at East Oxford’s hip hangout The Chester.

“Oxjam is a multi-venue festival in and around Cowley Road, and this is the biggest there has ever been,” he says, while taking a break from the logistical challenge of staging hundreds of artists in just one day.

“It’s our 10th anniversary and we’ve got 10 venues.”

Acts range from indie-rock to pop, hip-hop, harder rock, Americana and dance.

“It’s very diverse,” says Marston lad Aiden, who has taken over the organisation from Saba Kiani.

“I got involved because I wanted to help out and make sure it was a success – both raising money for a good cause and to give a showcase to some great bands.”

The hub of the action is the East Oxford Community Centre, which houses two stages. Music also takes place at Fusion Arts Centre, Ultimate Picture Palace, Joe Perks, The Star, The Library, Annie Sloan Shop, James Street Tavern and Truck Store.

Acts include local heroes The Dreaming Spires, rising stars Esther Joy Lane, Coldredlight and Kid Kin, doomy hip-hop merchants Death of Hi-Fi, party-starters Balkan Wanderers and Half Decent, perennial favourites Bright Works and Jess Hall, and up-and-coming talents like Slate Hearts.

There are also sets by Beaver Fuel, Be Good, Freada, Easter Island Statue, Little Red, Gitta de Ridder, Kancho, Beckoning Fair Ones, Tiger Mendoza & David Griffiths, Cherokii, Lowws and acoustic sets by ute, Rob Harbour, Zeit Café and Loud Mountains.

An undoubted highlight will be a set by the Fusion Project – a taster of an Indian music project involving Oxford University and local musicians which gets its formal airing at the Sheldonian Theatre later this month.

“Some of the bands play every year, while others are doing it for the first time,” says Aiden. “Some are actually playing live for the first time too, such as Oxford University group Zeit Cafe.”

“It’s an important fundraiser for Oxfam and is volunteer-based, so I have got everyone I know involved in this,” says Aidan – who made £1,200 at the art auction, £100 at the pub quiz and £215 with the band’s football tournament (won by WeOwnGoals – the footballing wing of ticketing site WeGotTickets – with Flights of Maiians – a mash-up of Flights of Helios and Maiians coming in second).

“Oxfam’s work is vital,” he adds. “Every time there’s a natural disaster, Oxfam are immediately on the scene – and there are many ongoing crises.

“All the money goes to their work. At some venues that means giving a donation if you just want to see one band, or you can get access to all venues for just £10 for a wristband if you buy it in advance, or £12 on the night.”

The night is sponsored by building contractors Basil Wyatt & Sons, as well as Glasshouse Studios, PMT and RCF.

“There will be a really nice atmosphere,” says Aiden. “And to make it even more of a festival there will be glitter and face painting. Some of the venues are unique and many people will not have seen a few of them.”

So who is he particularly looking forward to seeing?

“Austin Lucas, who is touring with The Dreaming Spires, will be amazing, as will Rob Harbour.

“Then there’s Esther Joy Lane, Kid Kin and Coldredlight.

“Slate Hearts are also great – young and interesting with a grungy indie-rock sound. And we’ve got ute doing a comeback acoustic show.

“But the whole line-up is high quality and very varied.

“There is something for everyone.

“The Oxford music scene is healthy and vibrant and constantly changing – and this is a showcase of that.

“There’s hip-hop, indie and dance, ending up with live acid house at the community centre from Manacles of Acid – which will be a huge, fun party which will be going on until 2am.

“This is a huge one-off event and will be totally unique!”

Oxjam Oxford Takeover takes place on Saturday. Wristbands from wegottickets.com or from East Oxford Community Centre from 11am