THOUSANDS of people are set to descend on South Park, Oxford, for a one-day music festival.

Zapfest, which will be held on Saturday, July 12, is the brainchild of Botley DJ Lance Cowan.

Mr Cowan, who takes to the decks as DJ Zappa at Thirst Lodge and the Cellar, has been working on plans for the festival for a year and has lined up an impressive array of local bands, DJs and comedians.

He said: "I'm trying to make it as local as possible, as far as the bands go, and we have got quite a few absolutely amazing bands on the main stage.

"This is something I have wanted to do for years and years, because I'm passionate about music and festivals and I love the local music scene."

Among the acts due to take to the stage are Youth Movies, Richard Walters, A Silent Film, Stornoway, Witches, Little Fish, Danny and the Champions of the World and London's Morrison Steam Fayre.

There will also be stand-up comedy, including a performance from Richard Herring, of TV comedy duo Lee and Herring.

Zapfest is the latest in a long line of festivals in Oxfordshire, and one of several being held for the first time this year.

But Mr Cowan said he believed there was still demand for the event, which will be able to accommodate up to 5,000 people.

He said: "I think Oxford as a city lacks in events for the local residents as well as tourists.

"There are opposing festivals in the county but in the city itself there's nothing going on.

"I have spoken to many other residents over the years and a lot of people agree with me."

The event will run from noon to midnight, with three separate areas, - a bands stage, a dance tent, and a third music area, also featuring comedy.

There will also be various stalls at the festival, which will take place in a fenced-off area at the bottom of the park.

Mr Cowan said: "Hopefully, we're going to put on something that's good for the community and if everybody is happy with it, we can continue to do it annually and hopefully it will grow every year."

Rob Stevenson, lead singer of A Silent Film, said he was excited about being involved in the new festival.

He said: "It's a great thing for the community and for Oxford. It's a fantastic local line-up this year and perhaps next year there will be some bigger bands.

"Hopefully, it will become a platform for local bands to perform in front of bigger and bigger audiences."

The organisers are looking for volunteers to help out with litter-picking, stewarding and bar tending.

For details, email givemeajob@zapfest.co.uk Tickets, which cost £21 for adults or £5 for under 12s, are available from Ryouki, in St Ebbe's Street, and SS20, in Cowley Road or online at zapfest.co.uk