THE stars of tomorrow will be showcased at a new festival in Oxford aimed at celebrating local music.

OX4, on Saturday, October 10, is the latest addition to the city’s music scene from the team behind Steventon’s popular rock festival Truck.

Dozens of acts will perform at 10 Cowley Road venues, with poetry and comedy alongside music from some of Oxfordshire’s best up-and- coming bands.

Event organiser Drew Brammer said: “Robin Bennett, one of the guys from Truck, and I were having a few pints in the Rusty Bicycle and chatting about how nice a community we had along Cowley Road – and how it used to be such a launchpad for international worldclass acts and how that didn’t happen any more.

“We wanted to recreate that feeling.

“It’s about creating community, and inspiring people to want to do more things.”

The line-up includes music from Oxford favourites such as Danny and the Champions of the World, Baby Gravy, Witches, Dusty and the Dreaming Spires, The Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band and Senegalese kora player Jali Fily Cisshoko, along with hotly-tipped acts such as The Big Pink from further afield.

Mr Brammer said: “It’s the cream of the local crop, and some great people we think are the future of music.

“I am hoping it is going to be a really lively, almost carnival atmosphere, with people flitting between venues, grabbing their mates and getting to see great local acts.”

The gig will be part of the Oxjam music festival, which takes place throughout October and raises money for Oxford-based charity Oxfam.

There will also be a special OX4 version of the Catweazle Club, an open mic night for musicians, poets, and performance artists.

Workshops taking place include making a music video, recording a hit single and writing a film script.

The festival also features a group ‘speed-dating’ event, where musicians advertising their name and instrument can link up and form new acts.

Events take place in venues ranging from the 02 Academy to East Oxford Community Centre.

Mr Bennett said: “We have started a few new events in the past few years and it’s always been exciting. I think this will be a good addition.

“Cowley Road has the independent shops, that multi-cultural feel, a number of music venues and a history of good music. It is the ideal place for it.”

Wristbands offering passes to all events cost £15 for adults.

Up to 1,500 people are expected to attend.

For more details about the festival visit thisistruck.com