MUSIC fever has gripped Okehampton with a phenomenal response to the town?s inaugural Battle of the Bands competition which was launched last month.

The competition is the brainchild of Richard Appleby. of Millennium Music in the Arcade, who said there had been an ?incredible response? with more than 20 groups signed up to play.

Richard said there was a diverse range of musical styles among the groups entered: ?We have had everything from out and out heavy metal to someone who plays a ukulele and is influenced by Chas and Dave.?

Richard said he started the event to give a break to up and coming musicians and boost the local music scene.

A number of entries had been received from bands formed at Okehampton College as well as musicians and groups from further afield. Some bands had formed specially for the competition.

The genesis of the idea for the competition came from seeing the number of musicians who came into his music shop.

Richard said. ?I sell quite a few strings each day, which means there are guitarists in this town. There are a lot of people out there and this is giving them an opportunity to play in front of an audience.?

Richard said the response had been so enthusiastic, it had helped to reignite his passion for playing live music again. His own rock band Crazy Train will not be taking part in the competition but have scheduled a gig at the King?s Arms tomorrow (Friday). The hard rock four-piece includes guts and glamour and plays music from rock legends old and new.

Richard is a veteran of the live music scene having played literally thousands of gigs across the country over the years since forming his first group at the age of 17.

He thanked the sponsors, including local artist Malcolm Livingstone who donated the artwork to advertise the competition, and Inkprint of Okehampton for printing leaflets and entry forms.

Mayor of Okehampton Cllr Tony Leech said he was delighted the competition was causing such excitement in the town.

He said: ?It is wonderful. There has been a great response from all around; it will bring different bands into the town.?

Cllr Leech said the event was good for the youth of Okehampton and he hoped people would come along and support the grand final in August, which takes place in the evening of Okehampton Show day.

Cllr Leech, who used to be a drummer in his younger days, said music was something which could remain with people for life. ?I might have to get the kit out again,? he joked.

Bands which have applied so far include: Fosta, Speed, Paradox, Rock Salmon, Raucus Pigeon, St Paul, Remember The Alamo, Freakbywire, Mister Perfect, Zen Pixies, Black Tulip, EXP, One Night Band, And Others, Shockwave Generators, Two-Foot Giant, Blue Steel, Flick, Splits, Wishful Thinking, Beggars Belief, God Stand Up, Nell Hubbard Band and Alias Jones.

Heats for the Battle of the Bands will be held in the Charter Hall, on July 22, 29 and August 5, with the grand final taking place on August 12. All entrants receive a year?s free membership to the Musicians? Union, which is helping to sponsor the event.

Among the prizes lined up so far is a full day recording at Aardvark Studios, a place on a Wren Trust vocal training course, a choice of guitar from Millennium Music, an Ovation electro-acoustic guitar from John Hornby Skewes and dinner and bed and breakfast for two at Upcott House in Okehampton.

Richard has used his contacts in the music business to invite two A & R men from London to come down to the final to support the event.

Anybody wishing to help with sponsorship or to donate a prize can contact Richard at Millennium Music on 01837 659249.