THE countdown to the first heat of the 2011 Okehampton Battle of the Bands has begun.
This year's event, sponsored by Steven's Estate Agents and the Plymouth Inn, promises to be the biggest and best yet, with 21 bands competing to take part in the Party in the Park.
All musical styles will be covered, from rock music to pop-punk. The first heat takes place on July 22 at the Charter Hall, with the competition's first seven bands lined up to kick off the competition in style.
Organiser Chris Hodgson said: 'Preparation for the Battle of the Bands has gone really well. In spite of the financial doom and gloom that is nestling over Okehampton at the moment, businesses have really got behind us this year, and we are confident that it is going to be a good one.
'The 21 available places went really quickly and although bands are generally from across Devon and into Cornwall and Somerset, we also have the band Umbilical Chord travelling from Scotland, and the Naked Indians coming from the Isle of Wight.
'From Okehampton we are represented by First Requiem and the Monkey Glands Blues Band. Lots of musical genres are covered.'
Heat one has a mixture of styles and genres. Crediton band Backbench Rebellion, list their influences as the Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party and Kings of Leon. The Fret are a garage rock duo from Torbay, citing their influences as the White Stripes and the Beatles.
Launceston band Forty Seasons deliver a relaxed grunge sound. In stark contrast are the Devil Riders, a Plymouth-based three-piece that deliver classic rock with a twist.
The Doones return to the competition having been the opening act of the 2010 Battle of the Bands. They return with a new dance sound, but still cite rock band Muse as their main influence.
MIU from Brixham will bring their unique brand of punk rock to the first heat. The line up is completed by Barnstaple band Fuzy Logik, who describe themselves as an alternative rock band.
Doors open at 6.30pm, with the first act on stage at 7pm. Admission is free but donations are encouraged, as public support allows the event to run each year.
Great music is guaranteed and there will be a licensed bar thanks to the Plymouth Inn.
The second and third heats take place on July 29 and August 5, with the Party in the Park finale in Simmons Park on August 13. The finale promises to be a fantastic event with plenty of entertainment beside the great music. The headline act for the day will be tribute band 'Ultimate Madness'.
For more information on the Battle of the Bands visit http://www.battleofthebandsokehampton.co.uk">www.battleofthebandsokehampton.co.uk or the event's Facebook page.