TIM HUGHES bangs the drum for a one-off concert in a special location

Oxford Castle has witnessed some dramatic scenes in its almost 1,000-year history.

Its ancient stone walls have seen executions, sieges, revolts, uprisings, bloodshed, riots and, latterly, transformation into a luxury hotel and tourist attraction.

But this iconic landmark will next month be the scene of something altogether more fun, if equally dramatic – a lively celebration of the best of Oxfordshire’s vibrant music scene.

For one night only, the castle’s 11th-century crypt and 18th-century prison D-Wing will resound to the sound of some of Oxford’s finest bands and artists. The night, called Live & Unlocked, is being organised by The Guide’s music team to help celebrate the 150th anniversary of our sister paper The Oxford Times and to launch the castle’s Keeping it Local festival.

The bill has been designed to reflect the rich diversity of music being made in the county – and is headlined by two of the most exciting acts to have emerged from Oxford in years: rockers Little Fish, fronted by the charismatic Julia ‘JuJu’ Heslop, and indie-pop girl/boy band Secret Rivals.

They are joined by beautiful singer-songwriter Tamara Parsons-Baker, reggae band Dubwiser, folk-rockers Swindlestock, math-rock guitar band Nairobi and dance-pop darlings Duchess.

Adding their stamp to proceedings will be local legends The Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band and Smilex, who will be DJing alongside local rock photographer and promoter Marc West, who’s Yoof! Nights have provided a platform for many an up-and-coming band.

But it will be the building itself which is the real star – gig-goers being invited to soak up the historical ambience of its candle-lit crypt will enjoy pop and acoustic performances, and louder plugged-in sounds in the old jail – with an old cell being converted into a bar.

Elsewhere, revellers will be invited to relax on antique benches and take in a screening of Oxford film producer John Spira’s documentary on the local music scene Anyone Can Play Guitar.

“Oxford Castle is such an atmospheric place, with so many ghosts, it is the perfect place for a gig,” said Pete Hughes, guitarist with Nairobi.

“Playing in a dedicated venue is nice, but music is about connecting with people and the best gigs for me are the ones in unusual venues, where people aren’t expecting music. And what could be more unexpected than Nairobi, four white boys playing African math pop in an old prison?

“Our music is pretty unexpected anyway, and this environment will complement it well. We’re all really excited; it’s going to be mega.”

Katie Herring, who fronts Duchess, is looking forward to playing a bill with a strong emphasis on powerful women artists.

The singer, from East Oxford, said: “We are all about creating music which is that bit different – but which will get everyone moving.

“We like to keep things upbeat and pull in influences from every member of the band. And because our music is so different, it is great to play in such a unique and ‘out there’ venue as Oxford Castle. “It’s an amazing place and it’s going to be an incredible night. People won’t believe their eyes when they get inside that place. And for musicians, it’s always exciting to play where no-one else has played before. We can’t wait.”

Also looking forward to the night is Dava (real name David Waterhouse) of the band Swindlestock – who take their name from the former Swindlestock Tavern, which stood at Carfax, and was the scene of the Town and Gown riots of the 14th century.

The band will bring their blend of rock, country and blues to the crypt.

Speaking after an Oxjam gig in Wantage, earlier this week, he said: “I’m really looking forward to it. We are pleased to have been asked to play and are excited about the acoustics in the crypt.

“We will start off with some completely acoustic songs to use the space. I know our violin will really carry sound amazingly.

“Music in a setting like this is so much more interesting than a show in a well-used venue which everyone has been to before.

“It will suit our sound really well. We are a real Oxford band – even though we make music that doesn’t sound like it’s from here. It’s going to be great!”

  • Live & Unlocked:celebrating 150 years of The Oxford Times, takes place at Oxford Castle Unlocked on Friday, September 14.
  • Tickets are just £8 in advance from oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk