CITY bands are to take centre stage in a day of music to raise cash for Oxford’s best-known charity, Oxfam.

The festival – a month of musical fundraising activities – has been running for several years and events have taken place in the city before.

But this will be the first time an Oxjam Takeover, where organisers take over several different venues in one night in a mini music-festival, has happened in the city.

Oxjam production co-ordinator Pete Hughes will perform on Saturday with two of his bands, Nairobi and Quadrophobe.

He said: “This is going to be a fantastic opportunity for people to discover the diverse local music scene in some of Oxford’s most unusual venues.

“I’m looking forward to being able to watch an intimate acoustic set from We Aeronauts at Oxford Castle, then watching The Scholars perform in a packed-out Cellar and finish off with some quirky folk at Oxford’s newest venue, The Turl Street Kitchen.

“If our warm-up gigs are anything to go by, this will be a fantastic day of music.”

In all, 30 different bands will be performing across five different venues, including Modern Art Oxford in Pembroke Street.

Punk acoustic musician Dave Oakes will perform twice during the day, at Oxford Castle’s The Living Room, and at the Turl Street Kitchen.

He said: “It’s a real privilege to play, and a brilliant chance for performers to apply their craft for such a good cause.”

Mr Hughes added: “Oxford’s got a really famous music scene and a lot of bands that have got national recognition.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase all those bands who are up and coming now and will be hitting the national media soon.”

Other acts range from carnival band Sol Samba, to bluesy swamp-rockers Prohibition Smokers’ Club, Hot Light Fiesta and The Half Rabbits.

Castle venues open during the day, and £5 wristbands will be available for noon to 6pm day tickets. For evening venues with music starting at 6pm, tickets cost £8.

It is hoped the festival, which features 37 takeover events throughout the UK, will raise thousands for Oxfam.

For more details about Oxjam events, visit oxjamoxford.co.uk.