October 2, 2008 14:57

Oxjam 2008 launches with competition for bands to play at Leeds Festival

Charity is aiming to raise of half a million pounds

Oxjam 2008, the charity festival that raises money for Oxfam, is gearing up this year with a competition for bands to win a place on the line-up at next year's Leeds Festival.

Artists including Klaxons, Hot Chip and Jarvis Cocker have taken part in previous Oxjam events. The festival sees a variety of fundraising events taking place over the country.

This year festival organisers are offering bands who take part in Oxjam events the chance to win a spot on the Oxjam Stage at next year's Leeds Festival by uploading their songs to Oxfam.org.uk/oxjam.

A shortlist comprising the 20 best bands who enter will have their songs voted on by the public to determine the winner.

More than 15,000 musicians have taken part in Oxjam events in the past year, raising over £250,000. This year the festival is aiming to double that figure.

Hot Chip's Joe Goddard says of Oxjam: "We should all try to slip a few good things into our otherwise selfish lives, so please get involved with Oxjam in some way if you can."