What does Oxfam do?

Oxfam responds in emergencies to save lives; works with people to improve their lives and prospects through longer term development programmes; and campaigns on the issues that we believe will achieve lasting change and an end to poverty.

Go to: oxfam.org.uk/what we do

So Oxjam’s all about the music then?

That's a big part of it, for sure, and we hope that through Oxjam, people will become interested in the issues behind our work, too, and become more involved with Oxfam.

Just look how our campaigning work at festivals like Glastonbury has captured the nation's imagination. Tens of thousands of people have been "demanding action til they're blue in the face", getting painted up blue as part of a giant visual petition calling for a fair and safe deal at the climate change negotiations in Copenhagen this December. Urgent action is needed to ensure emissions are reduced and poorer countries are supported as they deal with current and future impacts of climate change - we hope that Oxjam will play a part in making this happen.

How much do you want to raise?

We hope to raise over a hundred thousands pounds for Oxfam’s work around the world in 2009 alone.

But Oxjam depends on you - the more people who take part the more money we raise! Raising £120 can buy more than 50 Oxfam buckets with a tap and lid to keep water clean. But imagine if thousands of people each raised £120 - that's a lot of lives changed for the better. So please get stuck in and make it happen!

When can I put my Oxjam event on?

The Oxjam Music Festival kicks off on the 1st October this year and continues for the whole month. So it is best to put your event on then.

Lots of small events taking place around the country at the same time will make a really big noise! But you can organise or tag an event or even get sponsored throughout the year to make music, raise money and help end poverty.

How does Oxjam raise money?

Oxjam is about using your talents and energy to beat poverty. By organising fundraising events with a musical theme, and/or getting sponsored to do something musical you can raise funds for Oxfam.
We’ve got some ideas to start you thinking about what you can do and we’d love to hear your ideas too!

Where does the money go?

Oxfam will use the money to support its work in more than 70 countries around the world. Small amounts of money can make a huge difference – so thank you for fundraising for Oxfam.
Visit Oxfam.org.uk to learn more about our work.

Will I get a budget to organise my event?

Unfortunately not. We'd love to give you a nice big cheque to kick-start your events, but Oxfam is a charity! You'll be responsible for your own expenses. From the total money raised you should be able to cover your costs, so you won’t be out of pocket - and you’ll be richer in that glowing feeling of goodness! See ‘Money matters’ in your Toolkit for help with budgeting your event.

I want to organise an Oxjam rave, with glowsticks... is this OK?

We want Oxjam events to be as diverse and quirky as possible. This could be just the excuse you need to put on that 24-hour recorder marathon you've always dreamt of! But read through the info in your Toolkit to make sure everything’s safe and legal, and if you’ve questions please get in-touch.

Do clubs provide a sound system / engineer for my event?

Check with your venue about this. Most nightclubs/music venues will, but it’s worth checking beforehand. If your venue doesn’t provide a sound system then ask around to see if any of your bands/artists have one you could use.

I want to organise an outdoor event. What do I need?

Outdoor events usually take a lot of organisation. Small events are usually much more successful than big events. More successful because up front expenses were either much less - or non-existent! Plus big events - especially outdoors - can be stressful if you don't have a lot of experience - and we want you to be happy and have fun. So keep it small - and do a few different events if you want to raise more money for Oxfam.

However if you do feel experienced enough to organise an event anywhere live music is not usually heard - the most important thing that you need to consider is a Temporary Events Notice (TEN) These are usually available from your local council. Find out more from www.culture.gov.uk .

Some other things you might want to consider:

Sufficient waterproofing for all your electrical gear is essential. Don't stand anything electrical or valuable directly on the ground to avoid puddles forming unexpectedly and causing damage. Make sure everything is well tied down in case of high winds.

Is there anyone organising an event in my area who I could work with?

With Oxjam volunteers all over the country, there is bound to be someone near you. Visit our events listings page at www.oxfam.org.uk/oxjam or check out our Myspace - where we list the profiles all over the country.

Will my event be insured?

Any event involving the public requires Public Liability Insurance. This can be purchased from a number of insurance companies.
BUT – its likely that your venue is already covered, so just ask the venue owners/managers about it.

For any clubs that don’t have Public Liability Insurance - it’s normal for them to ask their 'sub contractors' (which is what you are) to have their own Public Liability Insurance (PLI). The club will have a small 'package' policy that will not provide liability cover for performers/ exhibitors etc at any events they organise.

The good news, however, is that band insurance is quite cheap. Search “band insurance” in Google and you will find a number of companies offering various levels of cover and you can arrange your policy and pay for it online.

Alternatively, being a member of some societies such as the Musicians’ Union will give you PLI as a membership benefit.

Please remember:
Don't bring Oxfam's name into disrepute or commit Oxfam to underwrite the costs of any event or provide insurance cover for any event without the express consent of Oxfam in writing. Check with Oxfam if you are unsure about any arrangement you are asked to enter into by promoters, venue owners or suppliers.

Do I need a licence to perform?

Most venues that put on live music regularly will have appropriate licences. Not sure about yours? Check what licences are needed by checking with your local council.

Temporary Events Notice
If your event is taking place somewhere that doesn't usually put on live music and so doesn't have a licence, it may be worth getting a Temporary Event Notice – used to authorise fairly small-scale events involving no more than 499 people. This may also apply if you want to sell alcohol somewhere without a licence.

Alcohol licence
It’s very likely that your venue will have a licence to sell alcohol, but check this. If not, see above – in Temporary Events Notice

What happens if my event is a disaster, no-one turns up, and I don’t cover my costs?

Oxfam encourages you to research every aspect of your event thoroughly to make sure you are not taking any undue risks. Please don’t risk a lot of money on your event – it will create stress. We would rather you planned something small and had fun. Oxfam cannot take responsibility and will not reimburse any money lost through events you put on.

I want to adapt the Oxjam logo. Can I make my own?

We want you to make Oxjam your own. This means that you can design your own artwork and add the Oxjam logo that we provide. However, we ask that you don’t alter the Oxfam logo in any way. And refer to the Keep it Legal section of the Oxjam Toolkit as you’ll need to include certain bits of text.

We know you will use your top-notch judgment when using Oxfam's name, but please: Don't bring Oxfam's name into disrepute or commit Oxfam to underwrite the costs of any event or provide insurance cover for any event without the express consent of Oxfam in writing. Check with Oxfam if you are unsure about any arrangement you are asked to enter into by promoters, venue owners or suppliers.

Include the following on your flyers, posters etc:

"An Oxjam event for Oxfam registered charity number 202918"

"Oxfam works with others to find lasting solutions to poverty and suffering."

How much of the entrance fee you think will go to Oxfam.

Can I ask a celebrity to play at my event?

Celebrities - just say no!

Please don't try to get in touch with big name celebrities - we are contacting labels and artists about Oxjam. Please, please, please don't jeopardise the relationships we're building by asking the same people again.

If a celeb wants to get involved in your area - we will let you know by email or on the website. If you want to raise more money - you could put on a few different small events starring up and coming local acts, instead of one huge mega, extravaganza - that might eat up your wallet and make you twitchy with stress.

Again, let us know if we can help you with anything at Oxjam HQ - just ask for any of the Oxjam team - we're here to help!

My band would like to play at an Oxjam event. Who should I talk to?

Visit www.oxfam.org.uk/oxjam to view listings of events going on in your area. Alternatively check out our Myspace - which lists lots of Oxjam profiles from around the country.

I want to record my event. Is this OK?

So long as all your artists have agreed to being recorded this shouldn’t be a problem. Be clear when telling them how you are going to use the recording, and perhaps offer them a copy as a gesture of goodwill?

I have some really technical music questions (e.g. how do I change the digital latency FX2000 mixing desk/ using a remote mackie control?)

A good site to check for all your technical enquiries is www.soundonsound.com

Will the money raised at my event, including donations/collections, be eligible for Gift Aid?

Admission charges, money paid for raffle tickets, from collections, sponsorship and so on at your event are not eligible for Gift Aid. If you want to boost your fundraising total - you could organise a small extra something - take a look at your toolkit for ideas.

How can I sell my Oxjam tickets online?

Glad you asked! First class Oxjam online ticketing is now available with WeGotTickets.com - follow the link to get all the info you need about friendly, effective ticketing from the fabuous WeGotTickets team.