ORGANISERS of a festival of new music centred in Oxford’s Cowley Road, have unveiled the first 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 include dance acts AlunaGeorge, Chloe Howl and Troumaca, Los Angeles Afro-pop act Local Natives, and psychedelic pop band Temples.

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 sold out well in advance. It went on to be shortlisted in two categories in the prestigious UK Festival Awards.

O2 Academy spokesman Louise Kovacks said: “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.”

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