THIS year Okehampton Battle of the Bands promises to be the biggest and best yet — and is set to welcome a headline act described by BBC Radio 2 presenter Bob Harris as 'one of the best live bands in Britain'.

The band in question is The Hamsters, who are a renowned Hendrix and ZZ Top blues and rock band.

Dan Rose, spokesman for the event, said: 'There are some fantastic prizes to be won by both the winning acts and some lucky members of the audience.

'This year's first prize is estimated to have a value of £15,000 and comprises of recording time, a photo shoot, the production of a music video and billing at Chagstock 2011.

'For the audience there is a fantastic air guitar competition with a prize of an electric guitar plus some lessons.'

There will be four air guitar events and each heat will have a 'just for fun' practice event.

However, the grand final will have the ultimate Battle of the Bands Air Guitar Competition, with the eventual winner voted for by the audience.

Dan said: 'To help to perfect your air guitar technique you can also show your support for this year's event, and for our air guitar competition, by investing in the ultimate air guitar prop — the inflatable guitar.

'These will be available from Rockhen's Coop and at each of our events.'

There are limited places still available for bands to enter in this year's competition.

The three heats will be held in the Charter Hall on Thursday, July 22nd, Thursday, July 29 and Thursday, August 5.

The grand final will follow in Simmons Park on Saturday, August 14.

Entry is free but donations would be appreciated to help the funding of future Battle of the Bands events.

Dan said: This year's Battle of the Bands is sending a wave of expectation through Okehampton and local businesses have rallied and shown their support.

'The committee want to say a big thank you to everybody that has come on board — it's a fantastic demonstration of the local community coming together to put on a great community event.'

Public support can be viewed through the Battle of the Bands Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/battleofthebandsokehampton">www.facebook.com/battleofthebandsokehampton

Businesses or organisations who want to get involved with the Battle of the Bands can find full details on the website or phone 01837 608039.