Oxford outshines London in terms of cultural diversity, the city's arts festival organiser has said.

Amy McKay, event co-ordinator for the Oxford Arts Festival, said the capital could not be compared with the amazing quality of cultural talent the city has to offer.

Miss McKay, 23, has worked with 15 volunteers since May last year to organise the second Oxford Arts Festival - which begins on Friday.

She said she had received 2,700 applications from performers who wanted to take part in the event - but had to whittle them down to more than 100 acts who will take the stage or exhibit their work over the three-day festival.

Each performance will take place in one of seven city centre venues until the festival ends on Sunday.

Miss McKay said: "The festival is a great way to celebrate Oxford's culture and we have got all sorts going on.

"There is music, dance, drama, art, poetry, photography and short films.

"It's a really wide range."

One performer showcasing his talents is Oxford Brookes University student Mr Shaodow whose work shuns the traditional rap standards of gang culture and violence to focus on racism, work pressures and spirituality.

His aim is to "bring a new vibe and soundtrack to life".

Other festival attractions include dance choreographer Verity King, who is appearing at the Old Fire Station, in George Street, and jeweller Chloe Beck at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College, in Oxpens, all day on Friday.

Folk band Tree Beard , who will appear at the Wheatsheaf in High Street from 7.30pm on Saturday, are just one of many music acts who will perform live.

Visitors can pay £4 to see an individual performance, or pay £7 for a day pass to all events or £12 for a wristband which will let them into every event over the three days.

All proceeds from the festival will be split between children's charity Barnardo's and Age Concern.

Miss McKay added: "The aim is that people will see things that you would not normally go and see.

"All the performances are 30 minutes long. It is really just a little taster of what everybody does."

She added: "Oxford's cultural life is amazing. I have lived in London and Bristol and I would say neither of them compares to Oxford.

"Oxford is full of people who really want to push the cultural scene.

"The quantity of talent in Oxford is amazing."

A full list of events during the Oxford Arts Festival is available at the website www.oxfordartsfestival.com