Code Red

Yes, I hear you sigh, it’s called a festival. And you’d be right.

But now imagine it without having to sleep in a field, chafe your shins on wellies, guzzle flat cider and be stuck miles away from the comforts of civilization.

Welcome to the world of OX4.

An offshoot from the county’s long-running Truck Festival, and staged as part of Oxfam’s Oxjam musical fundraising initiative, OX4 offers all the fun of a rural festival but with none of the hardship, taking place in 10 venues up and down our very own Cowley Road.

Launched last year, this geographically themed musical gathering, named after Cowley Road’s postcode, is Oxford’s version of the somewhat glitzier American South by South West festival, which pulls in the bands to Austin, Texas. And the sell-out event proved such a hit it is back this Saturday, in even more spectacular style.

Headlining are the mighty Willy Mason – tipped as the new Bob Dylan, dance legends Scratch Perverts and Manchester-based rising stars Everything Everything.

Joining them is a diverse bill including Wootton squeeze box virtuoso John Spiers of Bellowhead – one of this country’s finest nu-folk musicians, Breton, Huffenpuff, Roxy Brennan, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, Abe Vigoda, Steph West, Phantom Theory, Oxford rapper Mr Shaodow, Chad Valley, and South Oxfordshire young guns Dead Jerichos.

For Truck’s Drew Brammer the indoor festival has already become the official start to the autumn.

“The summer is officially over, so we plaid-shirted, laid-back Truckers are heading inside to celebrate the very postcode nearly all of us live in – OX4.

“We are taking over 10 venues and showcasing the cream of local talent, as well as a smattering of great out-of-towners, in what can only be described as a unique part of our county. And it looks like being an amazing weekend.”

“We love Oxford,” says Jeremy Pritchard, bass player with self-confessed “bizarre and blues” band Everything Everything, who co-headline the event.

“I had friends at both universities in the city and I’m a big Radiohead fan; I was even there for the big South Park gig in 2001.

“I like it a lot and can’t wait to play on the night of the festival – after all, you never know who might turn up when you’re in Oxford.”

To musician and Truck Festival organiser Robin Bennett, OX4 is all about putting a seminal musical address on the map: “We want Oxford to be perceived as the music city – it deserves to be – and we are celebrating its creative heart – Cowley Road.

“When I started out in music there were a lot more venues in Cowley Road. We want people to use the ones that are left – and also see other venues put on performances, which is what will be happening on the night.

“We want to remind people to use it or lose it.”

He adds: “When we held OX4 last year people seemed to like it a lot, so it’s going to be great to be back.

“I always wanted to create an Oxford version of South by South West, as I’ve been to Texas a number of times, and love the idea of having loads of venues staging music in the same street.

“And while we might not have the sunshine, we’ll be just as diverse, with everything from folk to rock and rap. And we have better kebabs.”

But while OX4 is all about music, it’s not just about watching bands.

“As with everything Truck does, it’s not just about standing around enjoying the fruits of musical labour,” says Robin. “It’s about getting inspired and engaging, and maybe even learning something.

“That’s why, as part of the event, we’ll be hosting OX4university – a chance for budding musicians to listen to, talk with and ask questions of some of the leading lights of the music industry based here in Oxford.”

The road will also see a secret screening of local film maker Jon Spira’s film about the city’s music scene Anyone Can Play Guitar, and will host a temporary record store throughout the weekend, being organised by the county’s last real independent record seller, Rapture, in Witney – with an opening party on Friday and closing down sale on Sunday.

“It will chart the life of a record shop in one weekend,” Robin goes on. “After all, it’s a while since we’ve had one in Cowley Road.

“So much will be going on,” he adds: “For anyone who likes live music, OX4 really is the only place to be this Saturday.”

* OX4 takes place on Saturday at venues in Cowley Road, including the O2 Academy, Regal, Baby Simple and Cafe Tarifa. Tickets are £10, with a limited number of Earlybird tickets at £7.50. Go to wegottickets.com/f/1915, or pick them up from Scribbler in the city centre; the Oxford O2 Academy ticketshop in Cowley Road; Oxfam in Headington; the Oxford Guitar Gallery in Summertown or Rapture in Witney. To see Scratch Perverts at The Regal, fans need to buy a Regal upgrade for £7.50 when buying their ticket online. The temporary record store can be found in the former Videosyncratic shop all weekend.

OX4university will be held on Saturday between 2.30-5pm at the Old Bookbinders in Green Street.

Sessions are free to OX4 wristband-holders (and with cheap entry to those without).

Pictured clockwise from top left are: Abe Vigoda, John Spiers, Everything Everything, Half Rabbits, Winchell Riots, and Phantom Theory.