FOLLOWING on from the successful start to this year's Battle of the Bands competition, another big crowd filled Okehampton's Charter Hall for the second heat last week. Before the heat started, the Mayor of Okehampton Paul Vachon made a presentation of £1,000 to the Battle of the Bands from the town council in support of the event. Following the presentation, four new acts took to the stage determined to fill every second of their 20-minute sets as they tried to secure a position in this year's final, making it a difficult decision yet again for the judges. Tavistock-based band Orangutan Wheelbarrow took to the stage first, weaving original rock with classic covers from the likes of The Foo Fighters. They also received the award for the best mascot of the year with their 4ft orangutan. Plymouth-based Southern Storm, only six months old, then played to the crowds. Battle of the Bands veterans Western Approach notched up the volume bringing thrash to the competition, while lead singer, Whits, bounced around the stage. Okehampton youngster and DownFall member, Mack Hodgson, stepped in to play for Western Approach. The final band of the night, Beacon Fire, brought a more mellow sound to the stage, taking influences from the likes of Marillion and Pink Floyd. Their sound captured the judges imagination, and after a lengthy debate they were announced as the overall winners of the heat. Battle of the Bands organisers expressed thanks to everyone involved with supporting the event and to all the contributions made to the competition. Five more bands were due to go head to head for the final heat of the competition yesterday (Wednesday) as the Times went to press, including Okehampton-based the Copperfield Ensemble and Jordan Hookway, plus a headline set from Okehampton rockers and 2013 finalists DownFall. For more details visit http://www.okehamptonbattleofthebands.org.uk">www.okehamptonbattleofthebands.org.uk