HUNDREDS of music-lovers and clubbers will descend on a south Oxfordshire farm this weekend to support plans for a new skatepark.

The Out to Graze Festival, features more than 40 of the county's favourite bands and DJs, and will raise funds to build a planned new street sports facility on Oxford's Cowley Marsh.

The event takes place in the picturesque grounds of Rookery Farm in Shabbington, near Thame, and has been described as a new "boutique" festival by its organisers - who hope to make it an annual event.

Up to 500 people are expected to hear sets by London band Scanners, independent rock act International Jetsetters, reggae band Raggasaurus, Oxford's art-rock rising stars Borderville and techno-rockers Dogshow.

It also features the DJ talents of the Oxford-based Simple and Slide collectives and East Oxford ska and reggae-lover Aidan Larkin.

Funds will go towards the Oxford Wheels Project which is raising money for new concrete skate ramps in Cowley Marsh.

The plans were recently given approved by city councillors.

Spokesman and Oxford music promoter Autumn Neagle said: "It's going to be a great festival. It will spread awareness of the Oxford Wheels Project, which is raising funds for this new site, giving young people something to do.

"We've had loads of support from local bands and DJs, and lots of people will be coming along.

"People prefer this kind of small, boutique festival to the bigger events, and this will be a nice little gathering."

She said it would be the first of many festivals of its kind, adding: "It's going to bring dance, rock, indie and reggae to this lovely spot - and will be many people's first taste of this summer's festival season."

Festival co-organiser Edd Lewington said: "It looks like being a great weekend. We've had a lot of interest and loads of people should be heading out here.

"I'm particularly looking forward to seeing Scanners, Raggasaurus and Aidan Larkin, who are all great.

"But we've also got a lovely big Bedouin tent, where people can sit and relax. So it will also be good to just relax and have a chat."

The festival starts at 6pm tonight.

Music runs through to 2am, before starting again at noon tomorrow until 3am on Sunday.

There is also a 24-hour acoustic café.

To reach the site, festival goers are encouarged to catch a bus to Thame, and travel to the farm by taxi. Camping is available. The event is only open to over 18s Tickets cost £30, including camping, from Ryouki in St Ebbes, Oxford; Baby Simple, in Cowley Road, Oxford; or from www.wegottickets.com/f/263

THE BANDS:

  • Scanners
  • DogShow
  • Raggasaurus
  • Borderville
  • Von Braun
  • QT & The Reservoir Dogs
  • Horizontal Life
  • Jaberwok
  • One Dollar Peep Show
  • Jewels & The Jaccuzzi's
  • The International Jetsetters
  • Loose Grip

AND THE DJS:

  • Emily Williams
  • Matt Braddock
  • Neil Simpson
  • Drunken Uncle Bungle
  • DJ Darcy
  • Aiden SkyLarkin'
  • Neil Simpson
  • Lee Mortimer
  • Kostas G
  • DJ Saine
  • Si Yeats
  • PeepShow Paddy
  • DJ Indecision
  • Ed Steele
  • James Weston
  • Rich Smith