From the 28th September to the 1st October, a series of celeb-packed gigs launched Oxjam '09 in style. They took place in the unlikely venue of a converted Oxfam shop in Tooting, London, a venue kept top secret until just 1 day before the gigs began.

Here's a look at what went on...



Monday night, Master Shortie, Just Jack and V V Brown crammed into the converted Oxfam shop in London. Fans went wild and photographers tirelessly snapped away, as three of Britain's big names joined with thousands of you across the UK, making music to fight poverty across the globe.

Only 100 tickets were available each night, but that certainly didn't inhibit the noise or vibrant atmosphere of Monday night's gig, Master Shortie had the crowd literally jumping!

Just Jack's 'The Day I Died', was one of the highlights from his set and VV Brown had fans singing along to 'Shark in the Water', her biggest hit to date.

Tuesday night saw a new set of celebs cram into the very same shop, which had been a second-hand record store all day, drawing in music-lovers across London, and morphed again into the coolest gig venue at night.

If you've ever wondered whether or not an hour long jam session involving Tony Allen on drums, Nitin Sawhney on keys, Shlomobeat-boxing, the Magic Numbers on guitar and bass, and Roots Manuva and Roses Gabor on vocals could possibly work, tonight provided the answer. It works brilliantly. Nitin Sawnhey and Shlomo's earlier individual sets also didn't disappoint, Sawnhey producing beautiful tunes in an array of genres, and Shlomo leaving the crowd open-mouthed in amazement at the range and scope of his vocal talents.

On Wednesday night, Stereo MCs, Basement Jaxx and Fatboy Slim partied the night away, with some classic tunes.



The atmosphere was electric as 100 fans filled the floor and danced. The heat was astonishing but the crowd danced right on through, going wild for classic tunes such as 'Where's Your Head At?', and for brand new mash-ups ('Rockafeller Skank' mixed with the Stones' 'Satisfaction' was a particular high point).

Thursday night was the final gig, and was a fitting finale. Up-and-coming band White Sunday started the night off, followed by a lively set from local boys Good Shoes. The night's headliners were Editors, playing a special acoustic set, which made for a beautiful, chilled out end to a hectic week of music making.

We cannot wait for all the music events happening across England, Scotland and Wales this month. With this celeb style kick-off, it's looking set to truly be a month to remember! Check out all the events happening near you so you don't miss out this October.

Oxfam's climate change campaign took a front seat at each of the gigs, with funky blue face painting offered to all. Blue stars, hearts, moustaches, lightning bolts (etc.) appeared across faces throughout the room, including on stage, as everyone turned blue in the face about climate change.