ORGANISERS of the one-day charity music festival Oxjam Darlo say the event was a huge success and has raised thousands of pounds.

Organiser Chris Jenkins had been targeting an attendance of about 600 for Sunday’s (October 12) event.

With more than 650 wristbands sold, he said the event more than lived up to expectations.

The festival, which saw more than 50 bands perform at seven venues in Darlington town centre, raised funds for Oxfam’s work in the world’s most impoverished areas.

Early indications suggest that the region has raised substantial funds for cause.

Mr Jenkins said: “We’ve raised between £4,500 and £5,000 so far – and this is before online donations have been taken into consideration.

“Once they come through we should be looking at about £7,500.”

The event also proved successful beyond the fundraising aspect.

Mr Jenkins noted that most of the venues he’d spoken to since Sunday had been “very, very happy” while all the bands had been delighted to have been involved.

Having spent months arranging bands and venues alongside his own full-time job, Mr Jenkins spoke of his relief at how the event turned out, especially having never organised anything like it before.

“Seeing so many people out with the wristbands was fantastic,” he said.

“Everyone we’ve spoken to who attended said they had a great time, and would happily attend again.”

Mr Jenkins is an avid music lover, and added: “On a personal level, being involved with the bands was great.

"Discovering new bands beforehand and listening to the music on the night – that was probably what I enjoyed the most.”

He has thanked everyone who took part, including bands, volunteers and gig-goers.