THE stage is finally set for this weekends Okehampton Battle of the Bands final, following an exciting competition last Thursday.

The audience at the Charter Hall were treated to a fantastic display of talent, as two more bands went forward to the battle finale on Saturday.

The bands varied in style, which made the judges task particularly difficult on the night.

Exeter-based four-piece, Anti Silence, delivered six original songs with a confident rock swagger and held their own against the more experienced metal-heads.

Okehampton-based singer and song writer, Ashley Clark, armed only with his acoustic guitar, had a warm reception from the crowd.

Metal band Caesura followed and displayed musical brutality, tinged with thrash metal and a taste of chaos.

Okehampton-based band, The Situation, enjoyed their first gig and finished the set with four original tracks that were appreciated by the audience  another great band to look out for in the future, according to battle organisers.

But winning the heat, and the first tribute band to enter the battle competition was Dookie, who ripped through a 20-minute Green Day set.

In second place were Dawlish-based, four piece band The Aurora Skies, who took the sound levels back down, performing four original indie songs.

Coming in third was Volcanicore.

The line-up for the grand final is Alternative Plan, Rough Cut, Dookie, The Vics, First Requiem and The Aurora Skies.

Okehampton Battle of the Bands chairman, Chris Hodgson, said this years final would be the best ever.

He said: This is going to be a huge community party a music orientated, family night out.

As well as the music, we have inflatables and laser tag, with OCRA on site and also Oke Freeriders.

We have a licensed bar for the first time thanks to the Plymouth Inn, and we have everything in place for a brilliant night.

On top of all of that, we have our fantastic headline act, The Hamsters, who really shouldnt be missed.

Where else can you enjoy a festival atmosphere with superb music for just the price of a donation to our fund?

Two special prizes can be won at the finals by audience members. The first is an electric guitar and guitar lessons that will be presented to the 2010 air guitar champion.

To stand a chance of winning, participants will need an inflatable guitar, available for £2 from Rockhens Coop in Okehampton or at the event on the night.

Another electric guitar will go to the audience member that finds the finals lucky program, which will be distributed on the night.

Guitar prizes have been donated by Richards Time Machine.

The 2010 Battle of the Bands Committee expressed thanks to main sponsors, Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions, the public and the businesses and organisations in Okehampton who have given their support.

The Battle of the Bands 2010 final will be held in Simmons Park, starting at 6pm.