MUSICIANS have been raising hundreds of pounds for Oxfam as part of a month-long music festival.

Thousands of events have been organised across the country - from large scale gigs to local sponsored busks with music lovers across Kent coming up with some imaginative ideas to fight poverty in the third world.

Bands and barmen from Medway gig venues battled it out on the pitch in five-a-side football tournament at Rainham Mark Grammar School. Sixteen teams took part and the event raised around £300.

The final was a closely fought match between staff from The Barge in Gillingham and Medway band Maker but at the final whistle it was The Barge who emerged triumphant, beating Maker 5-2.

Oxfam volunteer David Bowdler from Strood organised an evening of Japanese music at St Luke’s Methodist Church, Rochester. The concert featured music from The Japanese Sankyoku Society which included folk songs and traditional court music. The night raised £458.

Musicians also gathered together in Rochester High Street for a nine-hour buskathon.

The relay-style busking session started at 9am and performers included Sean Collins, James Doyle, Paul Morhen from Get Ape, Ant Martin, and Theo, Daz and Jerome from Aliquot Flow.

The busking was designed to suit all tastes and instruments included guitars, saxophones and bongos. The event was a great success and raised £315.