A POPULAR festival of music, art and dance will be held this year in memory of one of its favourite artists.

Dan Lewis, of Templars Court in Wheatley, died in a swimming accident at Tumbling Bay, off Botley Road, Oxford, in June.

He had been relaxing with friends at the popular beauty spot off the Bulstake Stream, behind West Oxford Community Centre, when they lost sight of him in the water.

The 29-year-old was a well known Oxford graffitti artist, who used the nickname ‘Halfcut Art’, and had become a firm favourite at the Arcane music festival, held last year in Tetsworth.

The festival started as a party in a farmer’s field four years ago.

This year’s event, at City Farm, Eynsham, will see Welsh rappers Goldie Lookin Chain headline, and the usual mix of freshly made food, drink and fairground rides.

In previous years, Mr Lewis set up a graffitti wall at the small festival for revellers to stamp their own mark on.

Organiser and co-founder of the festival Aemi Blaza said this year all money raised by the event would be donated to the Art Room charity in memory of Mr Lewis, who had been a friend since childhood.

She said: “The charity has been chosen by Dan’s family to receive donations in his memory.

“Dan was one of our closest friends and his loss is absolutely devastating.

“He was also an integral part of the festival from the outset.

“Aside from being an awe-inspiring artist, Dan was an amazing character. Generous, funny, kind, relentlessly optimistic and truly unique.

“We hope that we can keep his spirit alive with this ever-expanding work of art.”

The Art Room charity has bases in East Oxford, Blackbird Leys and Rose HIll, where it helps children develop through art.

Mr Lewis’ graffiti wall will have pride of place at the festival. Miss Blaza added: “There will be a special section of the wall where anyone who knew and loved him or his art can leave a message, picture or any other tribute.”

For more information about the festival and ticket prices, see arcane-festival.com