Well, that was fun! Six months planning, and every single minute was time well spent. It is impossible for me to look at last Saturday’s Oxjam Bournemouth Takeover objectively – it has been the most important thing in my life for the best part of six months, so I can only look from the inside out. But, I know it was a huge success, something which I set out to judge by four separate criteria: Did the bands & artists enjoy playing? Did the venues do well as a business? Did those who bought a wristband enjoy the event? And most important of all, did we raise as much money as we hoped? The answer to all those four questions I believe is YES! Sure, Saturday’s event didn’t go without the odd hitch, but the few problems were minor ones, and from an organiser’s perspective I feel confident and proud that the Oxjam Bournemouth Team put on an event which truly did the town and the charity complete justice.

So, what was raised on the day? Well, it’s a fantastic £4718.75, and counting!! Approximately 675 kind and beautiful people came out to watch 34 artists, 8 djs, and the odd ‘surprise’ guest. Without your support and desire to donate the event would have been a non-starter, so a first thank you goes to everyone who purchased a wristband and gave so generously. £6 for a wristband was a pound more than last year, yet at least 150 more attended on the day – a fantastic turnout! We hope you enjoyed it!

Mutant Vinyl – photo by Dreadlock Photograhy

To all the venues, soundmen, and volunteers who helped, reduced their fees or donated their time for free – especially the Oxjam Army – again, thank you for your generosity! One of the lessons learned from last year was to keep the venues at a walkable distance from each other, and to have wristbands available at each one. Having walked about five circuits of the venues throughout the night, it was one of the most pleasing aspects for me to see all of the venues busy, with people clearly cherry-picking their favourites and walking easily between venues.

To all the bands and djs who performed, including the impromptu appearances… thank you so much for donating your time, skill and energy for free. Bournemouth has a fantastic live music scene, and Saturday’s event proved it. A few of last year’s bands may not have enjoyed the live experience due to time slot or venue location, but to see The Winchester so busy for openers County Hospital was in itself a highlight. Local music, global impact sums up Oxjam perfectly, and Bournemouth’s local music scene rocks – we have quite possibly raised the most amount of money for Oxfam in the UK this year with an incredible overall total of over £11,000! To those who criticise our local music scene… good things can happen if you want them to, but a positive attitude is required. You want to change something and make a worthwhile difference? Just do it.

The Neon Tigers – photo by ORB Photography

A massive thank you must go to all of our sponsors. Music Is Life donated a huge amount, both in terms of cash, raffle prizes and backline hire – your generosity made a huge difference. To The Print Room, Imagine Publishing and Urban Reef – thank you for your kind donations, and to Tony at Mail Boxes Etc – your generosity and excellent service were both hugely appreciated. Thanks also to Mike at Classic Drums, Jon at Hogbitch Promotions, to anyone who gave us press space or radio air time, and to everyone who donated raffle prizes… thank you!

Before I make the most important thank you of all, I should write a few words about some personal favourite moments from the Takeover. Whilst I wasn’t strictly there to enjoy the music, I saw some superb performances. As much as anything we wanted the event to be a celebration which created an beautifully uplifting atmosphere, proving that the right bands, in the right venues would make this a joyful musical spectacle. Maybe my glasses were rose-tinted but I think we got it right, and the bands and punters loved it.

Disco’s Out (Murder’s In) – photo by Dreadlock Photograhy

A few weeks ago I wished Edwin Pope well on his venture in Liverpool, saying “… in over five years of running bh one Ed is quite simply the most gifted artist we’ve had the pleasure of watching perform”. Well, Saturday confirmed that statement – his performances with County Hospital, Spiders and the immense dub-rock of Mutant Vinyl were just stunning. One person could lay claim to matching the brilliance of Ed, and that’s Michael Wookey – a one-time Bournemouth regular who now plies his trade in Paris and whichever venue throughout Europe has the sense to book him. His set was a personal battle against the ‘cabaret throb’ of upstairs, but only enhanced his reputation as a bit of a genius.

Mr Pope and Wookey were (intentionally) the only artists I managed to watch for more than ten minutes, busy as I was ‘circulating’, but there was so much more that brought a smile to my face. Peace, Love & Gloves are an absolute joy of a band who have an incredible following – positive vibes flowed through On The Rocks. To see The Winchester so busy all night (a venue which never really got going last year) pleased me immensely, and the three bands I saw there – County Hospital, Spiders and Animal Talent Show rocked it. The Neon Tigers, Head Of A Cuban Trojan and Mother Ukers were three other bands I managed to enjoy for more than one song, and a special thanks must go to the incomparable Dapper Dan who braved the crowds to perform his dj/compere duties despite a recent ankle fusion leaving his leg in a brace. A star!

Spiders – photo by Grant David Read

By far my biggest thank you goes to The Oxjam Bournemouth Superstars – an amazing team of volunteers who have devoted an incredible amount of time, energy and enthusiasm to Oxjam for the last six months. At a recent interview with a local media student I was asked what was my personal highlight of the Takeover. I told her it was when the Oxjam team returned from their venues and met back at 60 Million Postcards. It was about 1.30am, we were wiped out, but we were euphoric. The enormous sense of achievement and pride in what we had all achieved was just an incredible feeling. To Livvy Page, Geoff Birchenough, Andy Stock, Katy Hamer, Sara Price, Jo Tyler, Brad Davis and Steve ‘Old Bloke’ Smith… you are all amazing and thank you so much for your dedication, enthusiasm, and for making the last six months so much fun!! Lastly, thanks also to everyone who has helped at our numerous fundraisers since that incredible launch event at Chaplins in May, including Laura Beaumont and Emma-Kate Rickard – both part of the original Oxjam team.

Chris Woodford – photo by Dreadlock Photography

So, what was it all for? By now I’d like to think that the vast majority of people who read this are now fully aware of the fantastic work Oxfam does around the world, working with others to deal with suffering and injustice, and to make a positive difference to the lives of people who need help the most. This short video hopefully sums up the work of Oxfam…

Last of all, thanks to Ski off Kentucky Fight Club for organising an Oxjam Closing Party this Friday at The Winchester – a KFC Shindig which will feature Tapioca, Kentucky Fight Club, Xander Allen, Magner Rise & Steve Biddle, plus if time allows a dj showdown inc. Tony Viagra, Andy Razz and many more. Entry is just £1 and we’ll also be selling our remaining Oxjam Bournemouth merchandise for a bargain price – just £3 per item, which includes calendars, 20-track cds and Takeover t.shirts. Hope to see you there!

Oxjam Bournemouth Team – photo by Dreadlock Photograhy

To see more photographs and videos from the Oxjam Bournemouth Takeover – you’ll need to join the Oxjam Bournemouth facebook group.

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