PLACES are still available for talented local bands who want a shot at glory in Okehampton?s popular Battle of the Bands competition. The competition, now in its third year, was launched last month with the announcement that this year the event would be headlined by The Animals, best known for the 1960?s hit single The House of the Rising Sun. Organiser Richard Appleby who runs Millenium Music in the Arcade, says he still has space for a couple more bands per night before the first heat gets underway in five weeks time. That?s just enough time for any aspiring bands or musicians to get together a 20-minute set of material, which could include covers or their own compositions. The top two bands from each of the heats as chosen by a panel of judges, will then go through to the grand outdoor final. Richard said: ?We have got a good mix of bands, but I?d love to see even more different styles. It would be great to have a reggae band, or some funk, or a jazz band. ?What makes this event so exciting is not knowing what to expect, you can have the most lovely slick sounding musicians and then somebody comes on who is really raw and that is also great.? Richard said he was already looking forward to another enjoyable competition. ?I am very excited. The buzz is starting to build,? he added. Heat number one will get underway on Thursday, July 20, from 6.30-11.30pm at the Charter Hall in Okehampton. The second and third heats will be held on the following Thursdays. The event is free and the hall can hold an audience of around 250-300 people, so the larger the crowd the more thrilling for the competitors. The final takes place outdoors in the majestic surroundings of Simmons Park on Saturday, August 12. The Animals will play a full set at the end of the final, and Richard said he hoped they would help make it a family event, with sixties music fans coming along as well as the supporters and schoolfriends of the young bands. Richard said the prize for the winning band was recording time for a demo CD at Aardvark Studios. The other prizes include a 100 watt PA system from Strings and Things, an Ovation electro-accoustic guitar from John Hornby Skewes, a vintage electric guitar and a vocal training course from Wren Music. If you are in a group, or know someone who is, Richard would love to hear from you. To find out more, contact him on 01837 659249, call into Millenium Music or visit the website http://www.millenium-music.net">www.millenium-music.net, where you can download an entry form.

RICHARD WEVILL