Oxjam FAQs
How does Oxjam raise money?
Oxjam is about using your talents and energy to beat poverty. By organising fundraising events with a musical theme, and/or getting sponsored to do something musical, you can raise funds for Oxfam Ireland. We've got some ideas to start you thinking about what you can do and we'd love to hear your ideas too!
So Oxjam's all about the music then?
That's a big part of it, for sure, and we hope that through Oxjam, people will become interested in the issues behind our work, too, and become more involved with Oxfam Ireland. For example: Sign up as a campaigner with Oxfam Ireland and join a worldwide movement of people wanting to do something to end poverty once and for all. Bring a petition to your Oxjam event and get others to sign up to support our campaigns too.
Can I organise an event before or after October?
We'd never stop you! But if you want to help us build the biggest-ever festival line-up in Ireland - October is the time to Oxjam.
Where does the money go?
Oxfam Ireland will use the money to support our work throughout southern, eastern and central Africa. Small amounts of money can make a huge difference - so thank you for any contribution.
Will I get a budget to organise my event?
Unfortunately not. We'd love to give you a nice big cheque to kick-start your events, but Oxfam Ireland is a charity! You'll be responsible for your own expenses. From the total money raised you should be able to cover your costs, so you won't be out of pocket - and you'll be richer in that glowing feeling of goodness!
Will my event be insured?
Any event involving the public requires Public Liability Insurance. This can be purchased from a number of insurance companies. BUT - it's likely that your venue is already covered, so just ask the venue owners/managers about it. For any clubs that don't have Public Liability Insurance - it's normal for them to ask their sub-contractors (which is what you are) to have their own Public Liability Insurance (PLI). The club will have a small 'package' policy that will not provide liability cover for performers/exhibitors etc at any events they organise. The good news however, is that band insurance is quite cheap. Search 'band insurance' in Google and you will find a number of companies offering various levels of cover and you can arrange your policy and pay for it online.
Alternatively, being a member of some societies such as the Musicians' Union will give you PLI as a membership benefit.
Do I need a licence to perform?
Most venues that put on live music regularly will have appropriate licences. Not sure about yours? Check what licences are needed by taking a look at www.prs.co.uk or www.imro.ie
Temporary Events Notice
If your event is taking place somewhere that doesn't usually put on live music and so doesn't have a licence, it may be worth getting a Temporary Event Notice - used to authorise fairly small-scale events involving no more than 499 people. This may also apply if you want to sell alcohol somewhere without a licence.
Alcohol Licence
It's very likely that your venue will have a licence to sell alcohol but check this. If not, see above - in Temporary Events Notice.
What happens if my event is a disaster, no-one turns up and I don't cover my costs?
Oxfam Ireland encourages you to research every aspect of your event thoroughly to make sure you are not taking any undue risks. Please don't risk a lot of money on your event - it will create stress. We would rather you planned something small and had fun. Oxfam Ireland cannot take responsibility and will not reimburse any money lost through events you put on.
I want to adapt the Oxjam logo. Can I make my own?
We want you to make Oxjam your own. This means that you can design your own artwork and add the Oxjam logo that we provide. However, we ask that you don't alter the Oxfam Ireland logo in any way. And refer to the Keep it Legal section of the Toolkit as you'll need to include certain bits of text.
Can I ask (insert your own megastar...Madonna? Bjork?) to play at my event?
Oxfam Ireland in-house is already in contact with a lot of celebrities and music artists. Please bear in mind that celebrities get approached a lot and it is very difficult for them to respond to every request. So please don't plan your whole event relying on securing a celebrity. Celebrities come in many shapes and sizes. Perhaps you could develop your own star of the show (just think of Chantelle!). Most villages or towns have a character who is well known to everyone down at the local pub for their, er. let's say 'unique' dress-sense or their bad jokes. Could they become a figurehead for you? What about local dignitaries or people who have done extraordinary things like volunteer in an Oxfam Ireland shop for more than 40 years? They're real stars.
If you do want to approach a local celebrity, please think carefully about what you would like them to do and what the purpose of their involvement would be. Is it to get the press at your event, or will having them as a star attraction help you to sell tickets? Unfortunately, Oxfam Ireland is not able to provide contact details for any celebrities. If you already have a contact for any big stars (eg Kaiser Chiefs, The Sugababes or even Madonna) and would like to involve them in Oxjam please email us at oxjam [at] oxfamireland.org before you contact them to check they have not already agreed to do something for us.
Please remember that celebrities are very busy and often inundated with requests, so please have all your groundwork done before you make any approaches.
My band would like to play at an Oxjam event. Who should I talk to?
Email us straight away for your toolkit to get you started. Visit the calendar to view listings of events going on in your area. Alternatively contact us and we will try to put you in touch with an event organiser.
I want to record my event. Is this ok?
So long as all your artists have agreed to being recorded this should not be a problem. Be clear when telling them how you are going to use the recording, and perhaps offer them a copy as a gesture of goodwill?
I have some really technical music questions (eg how do I change the digital latency FX2000/mixing desk using a remote Mackie control?)
A good site to check all your technical enquiries is www.soundonsound.com
Will the money raised at my event, including donations/collections, be eligible for Gift Aid? (Northern Ireland only)
Admission charges, money paid for raffle tickets, from collections, and so on at your event are not eligible for Gift Aid. But if you are holding a sponsored event then you can collect Gift Aid pledges from sponsors who are registered UK tax payers. The Toolkit sponsor form tells you what information you need to collect. Gift Aid allows Oxfam Ireland to reclaim an extra 28% on each donation - so it's worth doing!
Do you have a question that has not been answered here? Email us!
