A CHARITY music festival famed for its ear-splitting rock gigs is turning the volume down for a special concert.

Audioscope, which has raised £23,000 for homelessness charity Shelter since it began in 2001, takes place in Oxford every November and celebrates the heavier side of music.

But on Saturday, May 19, organisers are staging a special acoustic one-off gig at the Old Boot Factory, in St Mary’s Road, East Oxford, with an immersive art installation as the backdrop.

Organiser Stuart Fowkes said: “The original idea was for it to be a show by my band Listing Ships, as the theme of the exhibition was around the seas and there was lots of nautical stuff going on.

“Licensing being what it is, we are too loud to play there. Our music doesn’t work acoustically. We thought there was an opportunity to do something for Audioscope instead.”

Bands signed up to take part include Rome Pays Off – a new band from members of post-rock act Rothko which has performed at Audioscope – Oxford rock band The Scholars, singer songwriter Richard Walters and ex-The Winchell Riots and Fell City Girl singer Phil McMinn.

The exhibition, called The Natural Course of Things, will run from Monday, May 14 until Sunday, May 20. It features three artists and is being staged by Launch Collaborative.

Mr Fowkes said: “We have never had an acoustic gig before. It’s going to be a whole night of bands playing special, quiet sets.

“It allows us to show the sensitive, caring side of Audioscope, rather than the loud, brutal rock side.”

One of the key advantages is there will be no expenditure in terms of hiring costly PA systems and no venue charge, so every penny from the £5 tickets will go to charity.

Mr Fowkes said: “It’s a beautiful space. Doing something in a more interesting space is something I have always wanted to do.”

It will also be the last chance to buy Music For a Good Home, a compilation CD featuring new tracks from Audioscope performers.

Ian Nolan, manager of the Old Boot Factory, said: “I’m constantly surprised and delighted by the eclectic way in which people wish to use the Old Boot Factory.

“It’s fantastic to bring different audiences together, developing community spirit.”