OKEHAMPTON has been a tuneful place to be these past few weeks, with musicians practising their instruments ahead of the town?s inaugural Battle of the Bands competition, which kicks off next Thursday (July 22).

The event, organised by Okehampton music shop owner Richard Appleby, will see a range of different musical styles performed over four evening showcases.

Taking part in the first heat in the Charter Hall on July 22, are the following acts:- Blue Steel, a metal/funk band; Beggars Belief, Two Foot Giant, funk/metal; One Night Band, pop/rock; EXP, Hendrix-style rock; Flick, three-piece punk; Raucous Pigeon, rock/rap and Alias Jones, original AOR.

The second heat takes place on the following Thursday (July 29), the third heat is on Thursday, August 5 with the grand final to be held on Thursday, August 12.

Richard said: ?People are improving their musical skills, bands are being formed and one band have reformed for the occasion. I am also hoping to kick-start a lively Okehampton music scene. It is not just about the competition, it is a celebration of local music.?

Richard said he had been overwhelmed by the response to the competition.

Indeed, the event proved so popular that there were 15 bands that applied to take part which Richard could not to fit in, but he said he hoped they would be able to be involved next year.

He said he had also been contacted by a number of DJs who had made enquiries about the possibilities of holding a DJ night, an idea which Richard said he was keen to explore.

Richard advises people to come along early due to the amazingly high level of responses to the competition. The first band on each night will take to the stage at 6.30pm.

There will be eight bands appearing each night, all playing a 20 minute set, with the running order drawn by lots on the night.

A couple of gigs are being held at the Kings Arms in Okehampton to serve as warm-ups for the Battle of the Bands.

Last Friday, Rock Salmon played a show at the pub and tomorrow night (Friday) sees the return of Crazy Train, who pulled in an enthusiastic crowd of 175 people when they played last month.

Entry to the Battle of the Bands evenings is free, but numbers are limited to a maximum of 200 people, with tickets available on the door.

Richard said many bands from the Okehampton area were taking part, as well as some coming from as far afield as Launceston, Tavistock, Plymouth and Exeter.

Prizes up for grabs include a day in a recording studio, vocal coaching, and a choice of guitar from Millennium Music, a prize which had captured the imagination of many of the young bands taking part, Richard said.

?They are getting very excited about it. Some of the youngsters have had their noses pressed up against the glass admiring the guitars,? he joked.