Blues-rock guitarist Osprey - aka Mark O'Brien - tells Tim Hughes about starting a new musical tradition, with the Oxford Christmas Ball

OSPREY grins as he tunes up his guitar, and talks excitedly about the event which promises to be a musical highlight of the festive season.

“I am putting on a Christmas Ball!” says the charismatic blues-rocker, DJ and gig promoter. “And it’s gonna be unlike anything else you’ll see this year.”

Osprey – real name Mark O’Brien (he acquired his avian moniker from his CB radio handle while working as a fish farmer in the Lake District) – has assembled a personal wishlist of local talent for the party which takes over the O2 Academy Oxford, tomorrow.

And don’t be fooled by the event’s name. “It’s a ball, but I’m not expecting anyone to dress up elegantly for it,” laughs the cheery Teessider. “It’s just an excuse to come along and listen to some brilliant bands and legendary DJs – people who have helped make the Oxford music scene what it is.”

The line-up includes Black Candy, Cherokii, Kieran Alexis, The Deadbeat Apostles, Crystallite, Beard Of Destiny, Country for Old Men, Temper Cartel, Daisy (featuring Luke Allmond from Vagueworld), The Other Dramas, Kuiper, Flatlands, The Land Girls, Prism DJs Marty P, Tim Aldiss (Groove Digger), Remould and Northern Mark. Plus Osprey himself with his Ox4 Allstars.

“I can’t wait,” he says. “Let’s make this a festive rave to remember!”

The Oxford Chriostmas Ball is at the O2 Academy oxford on Friday, December 23. tickets from ticketweb.co.uk