JUST a few years ago, the prospect of watching a decent band or dancing to DJs in the hallowed, if fusty, precincts of the Ashmolean Museum would have been unthinkable.

Now, of course, Britain’s oldest public museum is in more enlightened hands and is, on occasion, the city’s most spectacular musical venue.

Following the sell-out success of their May event, the folks at the Ashmolean are once again teaming up with the crew from London’s Notting Hill Arts Club for a night of live rock and great tunes – branded, appropriately enough, Ashmolean Nights.

This time the sounds in the Vaults come courtesy of Oxford’s own indie-rockers Spring Offensive, and hotly-tipped capital electronica merchants Visions of Trees, pictured right, with DJ Mim (Black Cab Sessions) and Rita Maia on decks.

The rooftop terrace, meanwhile, features Annie Bea and Talking at Me and the Juice Box DJs.

“The last time we tried this, it proved an amazing event,” said promoter and local music guru Autumn Neagle. “It was a new kind of club for Oxford and the talk of the town. It made you feel really special to be partying in such glorious surroundings.

“This time there will be a perfectly mellow summer vibe upstairs on the roof, which will be open until 11pm, with jazz influenced singer Annie B accompanied on piano bringing a taste of the Portobello Road.”

The Ashmolean’s Susie Gault is equally excited. “Expect anything from classic ska ‘n’ B to post-dubstep, new school hip hop to the latest indie-rock and future electronica,” she said. “In other words, open your ears and you’ll have a great time.”

The night runs from 6pm-1am. The Dining Room terrace show (6-11pm) is free. The music in the Vaults (9pm-1am) costs £12 from bigwheeltickets.com