THE former Blur bassist Alex James has offered his support to a charity event which will be held to raise vital funds for Kingham Primary School.

A night of live music will be held on Friday, December 9, at the Town Hall in Chipping Norton to raise money for charity Clic-Sargent and the school’s music department.

In September, the school organised a full line-up of seven bands to play at Alex James’ Harvest Festival but is still owed £7,000 from the festival’s promoters Big Wheel, after the firm went bust.

To make up the deficit, another night of live music has been organised by Commotion, the family festival held every year at the school.

In a statement last week, Mr James said: “I am appalled at Big Wheel’s financial mismanagement of what was a lovely event held on our farm in September.

I was particularly shocked and angered to discover Big Wheel were unable to make the contribution they had promised to support the Kingham Primary School’s music department.

“I am proud to live in Kingham. It is a wonderful community. There is such an excellent level of support for the school locally – all of it done on a voluntary basis.

“I am deeply impressed and heartened at how the organisers of Commotion, the school’s principal fundraising event, have refused to be beaten, and immediately rallied round to try to meet the deficit.

“I will be pleased to make a personal contribution to match the funds raised on December 9, and I very much look forward to attending the event.”

The Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band will be playing along with blues guitarist Krissy Matthews and singer-songwriter Beth Thornton. For more information visit commo tionfestival.

co.uk.