Bromley band Whitestar kicks off first Oxfam music festival in Croydon (From News Shopper)

Bromley band Whitestar kicks off first Oxfam music festival in Croydon

3:39pm Tuesday 9th October 2012 in Freetime latest news By Nikki Jarvis

One of Bromley’s best bands are about to make history when they open Croydon’s first ever charity music festival for Oxfam.

Whitestar, who are veterans of the south east London music scene, will be kicking off Oxjam - aka CR0xjam - on Thursday, October 18 at The Green Dragon pub.

For the last six years, Oxjam shows around the country have been raising hundreds of thousands of pounds through the power of music.

And now Whitestar – who manage to reflect everything great about the distinct sound of the early 1990s while remaining fresh and relevant – will be joining over 100 acts on Croydon’s first Oxjam line-up.

Simon Mitchell, the band’s singer, said: "It's always good to play at big events like Bestival and Beautiful Days where there are tens of thousands of people to entertain.

"But sometimes you can get a bit lost at those festivals, especially when you are up against competition from some of the biggest bands in the world.”

Often compared to Echo and the Bunnymen and New Order, Whitestar’s songs swing between social commentary and deeply personal stories of love and loss.

John Bownas, CR0xjam organiser, said: “What's special about these Oxjam festivals is they celebrate local talent.

“They don't rely on big names to pull in audiences - they're true grass roots events which showcase bands who come from the surrounding area and who deserve wider audiences."

In total over 100 bands and solo performers will play in 10 venues across three days during CR0xjam.

Running between Thursday, October 18 and Saturday, October 20, the festival gives local artists the opportunity to raise thousands for Oxfam.

Bands, DJs and solo acts will be playing at Scream Lounge, The Edge, The Half and Half, The Black Sheep Bar, The Green Dragon, The Ship, Matthew’s Yard, Bar Sport, Bad Apple and The Oval.

Organisers have deliberately avoided the traditional headline show format, and have instead spread performances evenly throughout the weekend so no individual acts receive top billing.

Shows on Thursday and Friday will be either free to enter or have a small door charge, but on Saturday one wristband for £5 allows music lovers access to everything - and all ticket money will go to Oxfam.

John added: “We’ve a few performances which look like being quite special.

“Eccentronic are certainly one of my top tips if you fancy something just a bit different.

“They're another Bromley act and are on at The Black Sheep on Saturday night.

“They'll be doing parts of their critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe show - so prepare for a laugh.

“Pop downstairs into the basement of Bar Sport on Thursday if only to see what a cool new venue they have there.

“But also you’ll be able to catch an acoustic set from Offbeat South - who Jamie Cullum crowned as the winners of a national talent search last year.

“Just across the road we’ve the first gig in many years from The Tonic.

“They still have a big following in the area and it’s great to see them back gigging again with their brilliantly modish Britpop.”

“I’d like to list every local band who is taking part to help us raise money for charity in this way – however there’s simply not enough space here.”

For the full line-up visit croxjam.com