A ‘family photo’ of scores of Croydon’s best bands and musicians is being organised to launch Croydon’s second annual CROxjam Music Festival.

Everyone booked to play at the event has been invited to gather with their instruments on Friday 6 September, at 7.30pm in Matthew’s Yard off Surrey Street.

There is also an open invitation to anyone else who supports the festival to turn up and get into the picture.

Around 100 bands and musicians are expected to play at the festival, which takes place from 3rd - 6th October. Staged at venues right across town, Croxjam last year raised nearly £5,000 for Oxfam.

Some venues will be free entry, and others will have a £5 door charge. However a single £10 wristband will get people entry to any event over the whole long weekend.

Event organiser, John Bownas, said: "With the festival now just a month away we wanted to do something to make sure everyone knows what’s going to be happening.

"I’m sure we’ll get a good turnout on Friday, and as everyone will bring along their instruments for the photo I know we’re going to end up having a fun jam session in the bar afterwards."

John explained that he is hoping hundreds of people will confirm they are coming to the festival by signing up on the Facebook page.

"Last year we had more people click on the ‘going’ button than anywhere else in the UK, including cities like Birmingham and Leeds that only have one Oxjam event each, as opposed to the dozen or so that take place across London.

"We’ve got a great community of musicians and fans here and this festival is a fantastic way for everyone to come together and celebrate that at the same time as raising thousands of pounds for a good cause."

A list of bands so far confirmed to take part can be found at croxjam.tumblr.com or visit the festival's Facebook page Facebook.com/croxjam.

 

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