Final preparations are underway for Alderley Edge to host their first ever two week music festival, to raise money to help Oxfam.
Oxjam Alderley kicks off on Thursday, 9th October and will see a series of live performances and workshops happening throughout the village leading up to the grand finale on Friday 24th October at the Festival Hall.
Performers during the festival include Danny McCabe and Pete (The Slide) Daniel, Ewan Alec Sim, Liam McClair and Tom Ramsbottom which will all be captured on film by The Video Mill.
The Yard's Oxjam Open Mic will starts things off on Thursday with its ever increasing list of diverse performers from near and far - promising a feast of live music and spontaneity.
Festival highlights include the 10th anniversary Lunchtime Concert at Alderley Edge Methodist Church on Wednesday 15th October, featuring students from Chetham's School of Music Manchester. Then in the evening The Yard will host a 'Mini Mic' night, providing an opportunity for youngsters to perform - which will be a great way to build up confidence for those wanting to perform at the festival finale.
On Friday 17th October the whole village can get involved in a Dance Jam at 12noon, where everyone is encouraged to stop what they are doing and take five minutes to dance, and on Saturday 18th buskers will be performing in the street and there will be a live music trail with performances in local shops and businesses.
A series of workshops for youngsters, including beat boxing, songwriting and singing will be taking place at a variety of venues from Monday 20th to Wednesday 22nd and on Tuesday 21st a Patchwork Quilt Project and Afternoon will Tea will be hosted local Oxfam volunteer Anne Hillier. Anne has been creating patches using recycled clothes with embroidered logos of local businesses and establishments significant to Alderley Edge since March this year. This event is an opportunity to go along to The Yard and create your own patch.
Live performances will also take place during the fortnight at The Bubble Room and The Botanist with the festival culminating on Friday 24th October with a special evening to celebrate all the local talent in the village, from across the age ranges.
In the style of The Yard's regular Open Mics this evening will have extra flare with a panel of music industry professionals, including Carl Smyth (aka Chas Smash) from Madness, and a celebrity host. There will be three rounds for the different age groups and a winner will be chosen from each one.
Sadie Pickering, the driving force behind Oxjam Alderley Edge, commented "Our first Oxjam Alderley Takeover is a really special thing and I'm so excited about it. I would love it to happen every year and continue to raise awareness!"
See our events calendar for further details on each on the events taking place during the Oxjam Alderley Takeover.
If you'd like to add an event to the calendar, offer to volunteer or perform please contact [email protected].
Oxjam tote bags and t-shirts, featuring the special Oxjam Alderley logo above, are for sale in local retailers - available in kids, womens and mens sizes.
