Anything goes at Sparky’s Flying Circus – an open mic night in East Oxford which is about to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

The open house for musicians and poets at the Half Moon pub in St Clement’s Street will celebrate ten years in business on Thursday, November 24.

Promoter Mark Aitken – otherwise known as Sparky – launched the event at the Brewery Gate pub in St Thomas Street, Oxford, 15 years ago before the weekly show of talent switched to the Half Moon.

The 42-year-old said: “It’s amazing that we have reached our 10th anniversary and I would love it if as many poets and musicians as possible come along on the night to help us celebrate. It would be great to see a few old faces.

“This open mic night has always been very well attended and it runs every Thursday from about 9pm.

“When it’s quiet you might get about eight artists performing, but when it’s busy you can get 20 to 25 acts and then we don’t finish until about two in the morning.”

Mr Aitken said the event has become so successful that last month he launched a second open mic night on Tuesdays at the James Street Tavern off Cowley Road.

He added: “We have had some great acts over the years – John Spiers and Jon Boden from the Oxford band Bellowhead played on one occasion.

“We get lots of amateurs but there are some top-notch professional musicians who like to come and play here too.”

Architect John Thomson, 55, who sings folk songs and plays guitar, added: “Anything goes at this open mic night and I have been coming here for 10 years.

“It’s a broad church and a great place to try out new material.

“Sparky has done a great job of keeping everything going and keeping everyone together.”