Sweet sounds as Oxjam hits town

The first Oxjam Halifax will provide a showcase for up-and-coming musical talent - as well as raising money for the global charity.

The day of music starts at 11am at the Orange Box, Halifax, and continues late into the night with more than 20 bands and solo performers taking part.

Since 2006 more than 280 Oxjam Takeover Festivals have taken place all over the UK, raising more than £2.8 million.

Volunteer manager Shane Nicklin said: “We are tremendously excited to be putting on the first Oxjam takeover in Halifax.

“It’s taken months to bring together a great team of volunteers all passionate about their town and local music scene. We know it’s going to be a fantastic weekend for the town’s music followers to enjoy.”

The venues will include the Orange Box, Upper George pub and the Union Cross. One ticket - that is swapped for a wristband - will get music fans into all venues, all day. Acts taking part include the feel-good sounds of Barron, formed in Manchester in 2014. With driving bass lines and haunting vocal melodies, Barron has developed an enthusiastic following through energetic live performances and radio airplay.

Also on the play list will be Park Fires, a female, electro-pop duo from Leeds who have been influenced by the ‘80s sounds of Human League and Depeche Mode and the fierce choruses of female-fronted ‘90s bands.

Park Fires write their own material and have been touring the UK, playing festival stages and receiving BBC radio airplay.

Other performers include Halifax producer and spoken word artist Jack The Rapper, Huddersfield band Able’s Army, Calderdale Rock Choir and Bradford-based power trio Francis.

Halifax singer Jess Thristan, tipped as an artist to watch in 2016, will take part, along with Sonic Pye, The Usual Suspects, The Marvellas, Jake Smallbones and The Black Isle. Paul Uttley and Dave Thompson from Yorkshire rock outfit Lost Weekend will play an acoustic set of band favourites and covers and 21-year-old Halifax singer/songwriter Faye Chambers will play her pop and folk-influenced sounds.

Ron Lodge, Oxfam North regional fundraising manager, said: “I hope to see as many people as possible come along to the festival and have a great time seeing some fine acts at fantastic venues.”

lTickets and wristbands are on sale at www.wegottickets.com, as well as Revo Records, Westgae Arcade, and Halifax Oxfam shop in Crown Street.