Oxjam launched with a flourish when a day of music was held in Leighton High Street.
Organiser Edmund Flach describes the start of the town’s biggest and most successful music festival.
“Despite the cold and overcast sky, the Oxjam festival’s regular Open Air Music raised people’s spirits and £446 for Oxfam.
“This annual event was run by The Peppermintstore and featured a host of local musicians throughout the day.
“The duo “Stretched” had the unenviable task of starting the ball rolling, but they soon had a crowd listening to them. Mark Cann stepped in to fill in for a cancellation at short notice and he kept the good music going before he was followed by Kisa Austin who performed a mix of her own songs and covers.
“There was a complete change of mood when the massed ranks of ukuleles making up “Ukie-Toons”hit the stage and entertained everyone with classic songs from the 1950s to the present day. Nick Fisher then sang soulfully with ringing guitar accompaniment.
“The ever-popular “From the Sticks” played next and their polished and melodic songs proved why their videos have been a huge success on YouTube. “The afternoon continued with Evette Judge and then Chylde Owlet, both holding their audience with wonderful singing and guitar-playing.
“Leighton-Linslade Music Centre’s folk group and Rock School then gave tasters of some of the varied music they make on Saturday mornings at Vandyke Upper School, and “Chasm” finished the programme with a mix of their own songs (including songs about Oxjam and a tribute to Leighton Buzzard!), plus some folk and other covers.
“Throughout the day there was a team of volunteers holding collecting boxes, and those who stopped to listen, and also those who passed by, dipped into their pockets and purses and donated a total of £446.41”.
Photos of this and other events, plus details of forthcoming festival music, are at www.oxjamleightonbuzzard.org.uk
*Read what’s on to come at Oxjam online on Monday and in the LBO next week.