FOUR aspiring young bands in the North-East are coming together for a special charity concert in aid of Oxfam.

The concert is part of the Oxjam Music Festival, which is coming to Shildon for the first time on Saturday, October 11.

The event, at Shildon Civic Hall, will be headlined by Spennymoor-based The Silence, the band having toured Spain in the summer with Brit Award and Mobo Award winners Rudimental.

Also performing will be Warning!, from Gateshead, Shildon alternative rock band Black Nevada and funk rockers Working Class, which boasts members from County Durham, Wearside and York.

Oxjam Music Festival is an annual fundraising activity, with concerts organised by volunteers at a wide range of venues across the UK.

Management at Shildon Civic Hall have donated the use of the venue, plus staff, free of charge to the Oxjam gig, and the bands are all playing for free, in support of the charity.

Concert organiser Paul White said: “This is a great opportunity to catch four up and coming bands and help raise money for Oxfam’s excellent work around the world.”

“The Silence have built a great following, not only in the UK, but in Spain and even America, where they have been featured on MTV’s University channel and had successful tours.

“Warning! have a fantastic energy and are one of the best live bands on the scene, while Black Nevada’s year has included slots on a number of festivals, supporting some big names.

“It’s also great that Working Class, who are making some great music and growing in popularity, have come on board for a great night.”

Tickets cost £6 from Shildon Civic Hall, and the doors open at 7pm.