THERE is barely a weekend over the summer without a music festival. But while most are aimed squarely at adults, one group of music-lovers is laying on a weekend of fun for a much younger audience.

The team from Oxford’s O2 Academy are using their talents, and music industry contacts to stage a two-day event for under-eights tomorrow and Sunday. And it’s all in aid of Oxfam.

The festival, at Barefoot Books, in Summertown, is an extension of Oxfam’s Oxjam Takeover, which sees dozens of bands playing in the city centre. Last year’s takeover raised £8,000. This year’s fundraiser is not until October, so adults are expected to enjoy the chance to listen to quality local artists playing for a good cause this weekend.

Tomorrow’s bill features Nick Breakspear of punk-pop act Black Hats and Nick Cope, formerly of the band The Candyskins. Both will play songs written for a youthful audience.

Sunday will see sets by West Oxfordshire singer-songwriter Bethany Weimers and Connecticut-born Sean Duggan of Oxford country rock band Empty White Circles.

“There’s so much for grown-ups to do, but we thought it would also be nice to organise something for the children,” said Victoria Smith, assistant manager of the O2 Academy Oxford, in Cowley Road, who is helping to organise the weekend at the Banbury Road shop.

“The Oxfam takeover raises a massive amount of money, which allows Oxfam to do some amazing things. This year we also wanted to reach out to families.”

The weekend will also feature story-telling, face painting, art and craft sessions, Playdough modelling, puzzles, games and competitions. Adults will be treated to wine tasting by experts from the Majestic Wine store.

“There will be something happening at all times, and people will be able to stay in the shop for each day’s programme of activities, or come and go as they please.

“It will be a great family weekend with lots going on – and a good way of supporting a great charity.”

Mr Breakspear said he was looking forward to playing a set of kids’ classics – with perhaps some treats for the grown-ups in the audience.

He said: “I’ve got a four-year-old nephew, so I have a classic rock ’n’ roll nursery rhyme set.

“It’s nice to do things like this. It’s a cool event for a good cause – and will be lots of fun. Playing for kids is great. They don’t judge you and just have a right laugh.

“Someone has told me to do an Iggy Pop and smash the place up, which I’ve decided against – though I might throw in some rock for the mums and dads!”

  • The Barefoot Books Oxjam Family Weekend Takeover is from 9.30am to 5.30pm tomorrow and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. Tickets for young revellers are £8 for the day or £12 for the weekend – parents or carers get in free. Tickets are available from wegottickets.com