Oxjam Leicester 2012 a big hit for charity and fans

Loads of music and the promise of a fabulous atmosphere attracted a record crowd to Leicester's biggest-ever Oxjam festival, raising thousands of pounds for charity.

More than 200 bands and DJs performed on 17 separate stages at 15 venues around the city's Cultural Quarter on Saturday.

The event, staged in pubs, bars, a restaurant, a hotel and in the open air, is likely to have raised more than £10,000 for Oxfam.

Organiser Anna Webb said: "It was the best day ever and a really good turnout – the biggest ever.

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"We think there were probably about 1,500 people who came along and nearer 2,000 when you include all the bands.

"It was the most bands, the most venues and the most people ever – it was amazing."

Nick Lowe, of Sileby, was celebrating his 48th birthday at the event.

"It's fantastic," he said. "It's great to have things like this that the whole community is involved in. It's a great line-up and a brilliant showcase for local talent."

Kate Wainwright, 34, of Wigston, was there with her young sons, Dexter and Felix. She said: "Everything we've seen so far has been very good. I've never been before, but it's a great event and it's not raining, which is nice."

Stuart Bradwell, of Braunstone, Leicester, said: "I've been seeing as many acts as possible. It's an excellent atmosphere and lots of people are here. I've just seen Multimorph play and they were brilliant – a bit eccentric, like Hawkwind."

Multimorph, from the West End of Leicester, played at The Exchange bar, where 18 acts took to the stage throughout the afternoon and night.

Multimorph's percussionist, Jim Tetlow, said: "Oxjam's a great opportunity to get new people seeing us and it's a very nice atmosphere with all the different bands playing at different places near to each other."

Guitarist David Dhonau said: "We were on pretty early at the Exchange this year, but it was a good-sized crowd.''

Ewan Watson, of Oakham band Watson & Wigmore, who played at Thread in Yeoman Street, said: "It's a great thing to have here and it's a good, worthy cause it's raising money for.

"It's also good for us to get to play live and we were broadcast on Demon FM, too.

"There's a good crowd all over the Cultural Quarter and it's a great day."

The bands attracted people from all over the county and people of all ages.

Those enjoying the music included members of staff from Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Sarah Parker, 37, who works in nursing, said: "I really like the idea of it because I love this part of town. What they've done with this area is great and this event works really well."

Steve Wright, 49, of Broughton Astley, went to watch his 19-year-old son Michael and his band, Vengeance, play at The Exchange.

He said: "It's all very good music."

James Attenborough, 37, of Oadby, who was there with his sister-in-law and wife, said: "I organised a gig myself recently and after that I'm completely blown away by all this.

"It's huge. It's a really good thing for Leicester and for the bands playing here, as well as the charity, obviously."

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