ORGANISERS of a festival of new music centred on Oxford’s Cowley Road, have unveiled the first tranche of bands for the event.

Gathering Festival will see up to 40 bands playing seven East Oxford venues in just one night, on October 19. Artists announced today include dance acts AlunaGeorge, Chloe Howl and Troumaca, Los Angeles Afro-pop act Local Natives, and psychedelic pop band Temples.

There will also be sets by London Grammar, Ruen Brothers, Charlie Boyer & The Voyeurs, Cheatahs, Kimberley Anne and Wolf Alice. Music takes place at the O2 Academy Oxford, The Bullingdon, East Oxford Community Centre, Cowley Road Methodist Church, Truck Store, Port Mahon and St John the Evangelist Church.

Last year’s inaugural event, which featured Lucy Rose, Bastille, Peace, The Staves, Dry the River and Spector, sold out well in advance. It went on to be shortlisted in two categories in the prestigious UK Festival Awards, after being nominated as best new festival and best metropolitan festival.

O2 Academy spokesman Louise Kovacks said: “We are big fans of Gathering Festival. It’s a fantastic idea and is great for Oxford. “Last year’s event was fantastic with some great names - like Bastille and Spector - who have gone on to be huge. This year’s line-up is also shaping up to be very exciting and we are glad to be a part of it.”

Tickets are now on sale priced £20 from wegottickets.com and the Truck Store, in Cowley Road.

For more details, go to gatheringfestival.co.uk