Music festival bosses have been overwhelmed by bands eager to play Norwich Oxjam, as they announce their first fundraising gig.

Norwich Evening News: OxjamOxjam (Image: Archant)

This year's charity festival will take place across four venues in The Lanes in October.

Norwich Evening News: Das FensterDas Fenster (Image: Archant)

And as excitement builds for the main event, details of an initial gig at the Rose Tavern, in Rupert Street, can be revealed.

Bands performing on Wednesday, June 11 include Das Fenster & The Alibis, Ben Grizzly & The Loose Leaf Drifters and Jose Mcgill from The Vagaband.

Entry is free but donations are welcomed, with performances from 8pm.

Organiser Robbie Powell, 23, said: 'It would be great to get a good crowd down there and show what a great event Oxjam can put on.'

He added that there had been a positive response to requests for bands to perform at the main event, with more than 50 in touch and more welcomed.

'It's been brilliant,' he said. 'We've had lots of bands coming forward and it's been absolutely fantastic.

'We've not absolutely confirmed anyone yet, and we will be drip-feeding announcements in the next couple of months.'

A second fundraising gig is set for Saturday, July 19 at the Birdcage.

The line-up for the blues night has yet to be announced, but organisers hope to offer a fun alternative for those not at Latitude Festival this year.

A charity six-a-side football tournament is also in the offing, and it will take place at the football development centre in Bowthorpe on July 26.

Teams of eight, including two subs, are sought at £40 per team.

Mr Powell is organising Oxjam together with friends Alice Spalding, Matt Colley, Dan Reynolds and Lucy Mowatt.

The main event is on Saturday, October 4 with bands performing at The Birdcage, the Hog In Armour, Karma Kafe and Bedfords.

The first act booked was Norfolk eight-piece The Vagaband, and the search is now on for a diverse line-up to make the festival unforgettable.

The four venues will have loose themes, with rockier bands playing the Hog In Armour, acoustic acts gravitating towards Bedfords, dance music at Karma and alternative performances at The Birdcage.

An ambitious vision to give Pottergate and Bedford Street a festival vibe would see outdoor performances by The Birdcage, weather permitting, and roving circus performances by UEA students.

Entry to the different venues would be by wristband, with people able to venue-hop through the afternoon before the evening culminates in an after-party at Karma.

The team needs to raise at least £1,000 for Oxfam by September, and a raft of fundraising events are planned.

There will also be a launch gig on Thursday, October 2 at Open.

Mr Powell said the response from volunteers and bands had been encouraging, but was keen for local businesses to come forward to sponsor the event.

To sponsor the event or if you are a band interested in performing, email oxjamnorwich2014@gmail.com

Alternatively, Oxjam is on Twitter @norwichoxjam and www.facebook.com/norwichoxjam

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