TEENAGE singer-songwriter EJK was declared the winner of the first heat of this year’s Okehampton Battle of the Bands.

The 17-year-old earned herself a place in the Party in the Park final on August 6 in an opening night at the town’s Charter Hall that featured a real mixture of acts.

Performers included Okehampton’s own punk band Quorum.

Other competitors were Eskimo, four grunge instrumentalists from Exeter, People’s Republic, a rock band from Newquay, and Exeter hard rockers Skyborn.

Organiser Jay Hadland said: ‘’This year we had over 30 bands apply which we narrowed down to 18 for the heats.

‘The standard is higher than previous years so it’s been hard for the judges, and we’ve had applicants from as far as Cheshire and Bournemouth as word has spread of the quality of the competition.

‘It’s been great to see more female fronted bands and solo artistes, one in particular, EJK who won heat one with her awesome lyrics, unique style and confident interaction with the audience, a deserving winner.

‘Audience feedback so far has been fantastic: to see six great performances in one night at a free entry show has been a talking point. We raised over £100 in donations at heat one.’

The second heat takes place tonight (Thursday) at the Charter Hall — entry is free but donations are encouraged.

Competing are hard rockers Rising Tide and Dulluhan, both from Exeter, Launceston progressive four-piece Black Water, 50s and 60s influenced the Fixties, from Bude, alternative rock group Wise Intentions, from Axminster, and MandySteveMusic, a duo from Wellington in Somerset.

This year’s Party in the Park and Battle of the Bands final will take place on August 6 with two stages and two headline acts, Motorhead tribute band MotorKill and official Iron Maiden tribute act Hi-On Maiden. There will also be circus workshops, craft workshops, children’s fairground rides and entertainers, walkabout acts, food vendors, local traders and more.