African drummers will be adding colour and passion to the festivities at Oxford's Millennium festival this summer.

The Oxford Drum troop, in full national dress, will be joining the 1,000 voice choir and mass orchestra to perform the hour-long piece written specially for OOMF! by local composer Nick Bicat.

The festival's grand finale on July 1 falls at the end of Oxford Africa Week, which features a series of events designed to promote awareness of the cultural achievements of the people of Africa.

Both Africa Week and the troop's involvement in OOMF! are being part-funded by a cash injection of 3,650 from the lottery and 2,000 from the Art and Business partnership.

Director of Oxford Africa Week and drum troop member, Francis Boua, said: "We are very pleased we have got the money. It has helped us to invite African bands to come and play here during Africa week, to pay for some costumes and organise different events in the city." OOMF! festival manager Rosemary Richards said: "We are looking forward to seeing the bringing together of African culture and what we are organising locally."

Oxford Africa Week, from Saturday, June 24 to Saturday, July 1, will feature daily African drumming workshops and workshops in the Westgate Centre, as well as performances at the Pegasus Theatre in Magdalen Road.

Call 01865 556508/515048 for more information.