OXJAM Music Festival raises money for Oxfam through gigs and showcases the best local talent.

The launch event last Sunday was the first of a number spread across the year and what a great way to get the ball rolling. Held in the grounds of Grays Court, it featured local acoustic artists, drawing an audience which that the sunny gardens with a great atmosphere.

The party kicked off with the beautiful voice of Bryony Drake, whose folky twang brought everyone to silence.

Bryony was followed by Jimbo Doomface, a well-known face in the acoustic scene with his husky tone and chilled presence. After Jimbo was Zak Ford and Jennifer Chubb, an acoustic guitar and cello duo, whose vocals and talent complimented each other in a way not often seen in acoustic sets.

Suddenly came news of a re-shuffle of acts as someone had requested to play a few songs. Everyone lit up when they saw it was Chris Helme, former frontman of The Seahorses, who sang flawlessly, getting the audience to participate throughout his surprise performance.

It was a hard act to follow, but not for Lion Papers who then took to the stage. As the rain started to fall, the umbrellas came out as people stayed to listen to the acoustic duo’s covers of well-known tracks, sung with an original tone, turning songs by artists such as Disclosure into fantastic acoustic versions.

- Hannah Darnbrough