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FAQs

  • How do I register as an Organiser/Volunteer/Performer?

    Registration for Oxjam is now open. Go to www.oxfam.org.uk/oxjam/get-involved and follow the links.

  • I own / run a venue, how can I support Oxjam?

    If you would like to host an Oxjam event but not organise one, we recommend you contact your nearest Oxjam regional team - details will be on our website soon. Register as an gig maker and we'll give you a call and put you in touch with the regional team who might be able to match you with a local event organiser or takeover team.

  • I work for a company. How can we support Oxjam?

    If you would like to support Oxjam, we recommend you contact your nearest Oxjam regional team - details will be on our website soon. Register as a Gig Maker and we'll give you a call and put you in touch with the regional team who might be able to match you with a local event organiser or takeover team.

  • How do I contact an Oxjam Event Organiser?

    Once you have filled out the form to get involved with Oxjam 2013, you will have access to the Oxjam online community. Once you sign in, you can use the forum to find other Oxjammers in your area to make it all happen where you are.

  • What support do you offer?

    Email: oxjam@oxfam.org.uk, or phone us on 0300 200 1255.

    Register as an organiser, volunteer or performer now to access our online resources and advice www.oxfam.org.uk/oxjam/get-involved.

  • What is an Oxjam Takeover?

    An Oxjam Takeover Event is a multi-venue event which takes place over a town or city for the night and showcases the best local talent.

    These events are organised by teams of Oxjam volunteers who spend over 6 months putting them together, and are led by Takeover Managers. Takeover Managers are recruited by the central Oxjam team in February-March.

  • How do I join an Oxjam Takeover team?

    Our Takeover Managers recruit their core team of volunteers from April - June.  You can look on our website for details during those months.  They are also always on the lookout for volunteers to help with fundraising, production, promotion and on-the-day help.

  • Why is there no Takeover event in my area?

    Some areas may not have a Takeover team in their near vicinity and this is due to the initial recruitment of teams, as we only appoint Takeover Managers who we think are able to pull together a truly exceptional event.

  • I’m organising an event – can this be a Takeover event?

    Oxjam Takeovers are different to normal Oxjam events and work to a specific model. Each one is organised by a Takeover Manager and team of volunteers and takes about 6 months to organise and fundraise for. We'd prefer if you didn't refer to your event as an Oxjam Takeover to avoid confusion with these events.

    If you would like to be a part of a Takeover team please keep an eye on our website for details in April-June, when Takeover Managers will be recruiting volunteers in their local area.

  • Does my event have to be in October?

    Whilst October is the Oxjam month long music festival it is possible to have it any time that suits you. Oxjam Event Organisers (or 'gig makers') usually start thinking about their events approximately four months in advance to allow enough time for planning and promotion. Your event can be held any time of the year but ideally we would like as many events to take place in October as possible. This way you benefit from the national marketing and buzz Oxjam are creating to publicise Oxjam as a month long festival.

  • I want to organise an outdoor event – what do I need?

    Oxjam doesn't usually recommend holding an outdoor event. They carry a high risk (especially in October) and take a lot of organisation. The best formula for a successful event is an existing, inside, licensed venue which has the equipment that you and your bands will need.

    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.

    It sounds obvious, but don't forget - 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.

  • Can I do an event for under 18s?

    Yes on the proviso that the venue you're using does not hold a licence for over 18s only. If you want to be an Oxjam Event Organiser and you are under 18, we recommend you ask a parent or guardian to sign up on your behalf.

    It is important that whenever approaching a venue you ask if there are any age restrictions. Usually venues are over 18s only, some venues have an over 14 or over 16 licence, or can obtain one for special events. 14-17 year olds MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times.

  • Can I put on an Oxjam event overseas?

    Yes, although we don't recommend this for the following reasons:

    The Oxjam central team won't be able to support you and all of the the advice that we provide (especially on the legal side) is only relevant for the UK.  Also only UK events will benefit from our promotion and national exposure.

  • I want to approach a big name artist – how do I do this?

    Oxjam is all about local music, global impact. We can't say strongly enough, Please don't contact big name artists for your event.This is for the following reasons:

    • Oxfam GB is building relationships with celebrities to build media awareness of the vital humanitarian that Oxfam GB does work and these relationships can easily be damaged by more than one person contacting artists to request support.
    • When Oxjam does work with celebrities we do this for one reason only - to deliver media coverage to raise awareness of the Oxjam music festival as a whole. This then means that venues and local artists are much more willing to get involved and the public are much more willing to buy tickets. This is managed by the small central team and we are supported by our friends in the music industry to make this cost-effective and successful.
    • The concept of Oxjam and the reason why it is successful is because it highlights the best local music all around the UK and the brilliant people who organise gigs. Getting celebrities in doesn't really fit.
    • Oxjam is about raising money, gaining music experience and having fun. The riders, legal considerations, and general stress of ensuring that celebrities are looked after can really detract from this.
    • The only option that we recommend is if there is an event already happening with signed musicians - then if you feel it's a good fit with Oxjam who could consider contacting the promoter to see if they would like to tag the event as an Oxjam one and give some of the proceeds to Oxjam.

  • Will Oxfam get me acts, venue, sponsors, sound engineer, tickets for my event?

    Our regional Oxjam teams of staff and volunteers are there to support you and give you guidance on the best ways of doing this, however the challenge and the fun of putting on an Oxjam event is up to you. Remember, an Oxjam event can be whatever you want it to be.

    We'll have details about how to contact your local team on the website in 2013. You can sign up as an organiser and receive your Oxjam gig maker pack, which is full of helpful advice, and also gain access to our online resources to help you plan and promote your event.

  • Can I ask my local Oxfam shop to help me?

    Yes of course you can approach your local shop.

    Please be aware although shop staff they are employed by or volunteer for Oxfam, in no way are they obliged to help you as Oxjam is a different project.  But many of our shops have helped teams and organisers put on brilliant events, and some shops even put their own on.  Our Dalston, Manchester and Glasgow shops have also hosted high profile media launch events for Oxjam, so if you don't ask you don't get!

  • How can I access resources?

    You can now register as an Organiser on the Oxjam website and receive your Oxjam Gig Maker pack, which is full of helpful advice. Once you have created your account you will be able to gain access to our online resources via the Oxjam community to help you plan and promote your event. Once you have listed your event on our website, you will receive everything you need to make your gig look like an Oxjam event. If you can't find what you need, get in touch. Email: oxjam@oxfam.org.uk, or phone us on 0300 200 1255.

  • How do I go about fundraising?

    You can fundraise before and during your event to raise even more for Oxfam. Register as a Gig Maker and you will receive a free Gig Maker pack that will give you some guidance on fundraising.

  • How should I promote my event and when should I start?

    You can register as an organiser on the Oxjam website and receive your Oxjam gig maker pack, which is full of helpful advice on how to promote your event. It's never too soon to start promoting your event. Get your artists and venues to promote to their networks, use social media to invite all your contacts and post regular tweets. Never underestimate the power of word of mouth promotion! And don't forget to list your event on the Oxjam website so that gig goers in your area can find out all about it.

  • How do I pay the money in?

    Money raised from your event should always be paid to Oxfam directly and this can be done in numerous ways. Paying in online is by far the quickest and easiest method, but you can also pay by cheque or via an Oxfam shop by completing the paying in form. You may also wish to look into setting up a Just Giving or Virgin Money page as this is a great way to get people to sponsor your event.

  • What if I don’t raise as much money as I pledge?

    Putting on an Oxjam event is a challenge and we try to help as much as possible with training and resources to make your event a success. We recognise that some events make more, and some make less than their initial fundraising target. It isn't a problem not to meet your target and Oxfam are grateful for all the money that you do raise.

  • What do I do if I cannot put on my event?

    Sometimes it just isn't possible to go ahead with your event. We ask that you let us know and remove your event from the listings and any social networking sites. We also recommend that you offer to refund any tickets. Email: oxjam@oxfam.org.uk, or phone us on 0300 200 1255.

  • How do I buy a ticket for an Oxjam Event?

    Oxjam Event Organisers have different methods for selling tickets. Some will choose to sell their tickets through our partner We Got Tickets - www.wegottickets.com. You can also use our online map to locate local venues that will be able to advise you further on how to purchase tickets. The online map will be on our website as soon as Gig Makers begin to list their events.

  • What if I still have a question?

    We are here to help! Email: oxjam@oxfam.org.uk, or phone us on 0300 200 1255.

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