FIVE acts took to the stage to battle it out in the second heat of Okehampton Battle of the Bands.

The five new acts in the Charter Hall last Wednesday were all looking to secure a place in the Party in the Park finale on Saturday August 11.

First on stage were BOTB veterans, the Devil Riders, delivering their rock-a-billy twists on classic rock tracks, intermingled with original material. They were followed by Cornish band Red on You, delivering a feel-good set of pop punk songs.

The Aurora Skies, who played in the Party in the Park in 2010, were back, providing a polished set of indie tracks. Plymouth-based Melofobia were the evening's fourth band, a female-fronted four-piece rock outfit.

Rounding off heat two were another Cornish band, The Rites — citing Razorlight and Muse among their influences, the band gave a confident performance.

Judges again struggled to make a final decision, but the eventual winners were The Aurora Skies, who will join the winners of the first heat, Dirty Dusk, in the Party in the Park final.

The final heat took place in the Charter Hall last night (Wednesday), with six bands fighting it out to win the third heat and progress to the final.

Taking place in Simmons Park on Saturday August 11, the finale includes a headline set by Joey the Lips, fire-eaters and lots of other entertainment.

The BOTB organisers expressed thanks to sponsors Herbs 'n' Spices, Steven's Estate Agents and the Plymouth Inn, and to all the other businesses in the town giving their support to the event.

For more information about the competition visit the website http://www.okehamptonbattleofthebands.co.uk">www.okehamptonbattleofthebands.co.uk or follow the event through the Battle of the Bands Facebook page.