Hundreds of people are expected to descend on venues across Witney this week for the 10th birthday of Witney Music Festival as organisers revealed they were "thinking bigger".

The 18-day spectacular launched last night and will see more than 100 performers offer free shows at pubs, bars and even barber shops in the town.

Founder Stuart Foster said organisation had proved "hard work" but said the festival could reach new heights in its anniversary year.

He said: "We have now pushed through that barrier and we're an industry-standard festival. 

"We always joke that there are three tiers: Glastonbury, which we will never be because Witney's size, then the second tier, which is Wilderness and Cornbury, then us."

Last night music fans flocked to venues including The Angel Inn, Como Lounge and Fat Lil's to enjoy a range of accoustic, blues and rock tunes from talented local performers.

Events will run for the next two weeks, culminating in a day-long free event at The Leys on Jule 11 featuring The Jam bassist Bruce Foxton.

Tonight the Elm Tree pub in West End will play host to The Longest Johns, a shanty band with a history of pulling in the crowds.

Landlord Neilson McDermott said: "They're one of the best bands, I reckon. When they left everyone was raving about them.

"Initially the festival was a bit short in terms of time but this year it's two full weeks. I think that shows the amount of support the town gives it."

The festival was first held in 2006 in memory of Mr Foster's sister Jo Marie, who died in her sleep of heart failure at the age of 21.

All proceeds and donations from events will be split between local branches of the British Heart Foundation and MacMillan Cancer Support, as well as 7C's Foundation, a music academy in Witney helping youngsters develop through music.