Arctic Monkeys fans descend on Oxfam

A CHARITY shop in Ipswich is today preparing for an invasion of music lovers after one of Britain's biggest acts announced plans to exclusively release their new single at the store.

Volunteers at Oxfam in The Buttermarket expect to be besieged by fans of Arctic Monkeys following the band's decision to launch new track Crying Lightning at the charity's 700 shops.

The limited edition seven-inch, which will be available at Oxfam stores from 9am on August 17, is the first to come from the Brit Award-winning four-piece's new album, Humbug.

However, demand will certainly outweigh supply - the shop is only likely to receive 40 copies of the �2.99 release.

Store manager Richard Webb said: “I would imagine we will be besieged.

“People are already asking when they can buy it so I am sure there will be a big response because they are such a popular band.

“For them to do something like this for Oxfam is great.”

Mr Webb is also calling on fans to bring any unwanted albums or singles when they visit the shop to help Oxfam continue to turn yesterday's hits into vital funds.

He added: “Music fans from all over Ipswich and Suffolk love to dig through our collection of donated music to find hidden treasures and they'll be delighted that they can now pick up something as exciting and exclusive as this.

“Every copy sold and every record donated to the shop will help us raise money to fight poverty around the world.”

The single is the first to be released at Oxfam for 25 years.

Sheffield-based Arctic Monkeys shot to fame in 2005 with the release of their number one hit, I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor.

Humbug goes on sale on August 24 and Arctic Monkeys are set to headline the Reading and Leeds festivals on August 28 and 29.

Will you be queuing outside to get your hands on a copy? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk