A BAR is doing its bit to promote local bands — by adding their tunes to the jukebox.

Lan Xi, landlady of the Wheatsheaf, George Street, Banbury has just taken delivery of the tracks from bands My Shikome, Leatherat and Last Chance.

Now she is urging more local bands to use the pub jukebox to get their music to a wider audience.

All musicians have to do is drop a CD, track listing and image of the band to the pub and she will do the rest.

Ms Xi, who has been landlady at the bar for more than three years, said: “We are a very traditional pub and the jukebox is very popular here.

“Last December I organised a jukebox update party, basically asking customers what albums and songs they want to hear but cannot find in the jukebox.

“A few people mentioned that they wanted to hear their own bands or well-known local bands which really inspired me.

“The next day I contacted with my jukebox provider, Claremont Automatics, regarding the possibility of putting unsigned local bands in the jukebox.

“The response was very positive, they thought it was a absolutely fantastic idea to attract customers.

“They provide more than 2,000 jukeboxes in England but have never done this before.

“They were willing to support me to turn the idea to the reality.

“Also, the company pointed out they can put the bands in the jukebox whether they are doing original songs or cover songs as we have paid for royalty.”

Ms Xi said Banbury bands will get the first opportunity to add tunes to the jukebox, but the facility will be opened to acts from across the county.

She added: “When I have enough bands, I will have battle of bands in the jukebox and to see which local band is the most popular one.”

The pub is hosting a free jukebox night where customers can listen to tracks on Saturday, April 10.