THE wildcard entry to the finale of the 2013 Okehampton Battle of the Bands claimed victory in Simmons Park on Saturday night.

The competition kicked off in July, with three qualifying heats, and Saturday's Party in the Park saw the four bands who had navigated their way through the heats take to the stage, alongside headline act the Bohemians.

The first band on stage were 3's a Crowd from Tavistock. The band impressed judges in the heats with their unique take on classic covers, performing crowd-pleasing material with an original twist.

They impressed again on the night, kicking the night off with a party sound.

Second to the stage were Plymouth's Fifty Shilling Tailors, whose indie rock sound and charismatic front man is reminiscent of Oasis and the 90s Britpop era.

Next on stage Okehampton's own DownFall, a band that counts Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Motley Crue among its influences.

The band had to fight through some power issues, but still managed to put on a great show.

2011 finalists Ten Zero One were last on stage, and the band gave a polished performance of mainstream rock hits.

Their energy and slick showing proved that the band has matured since their appearance in 2011.

The performances left judges with a difficult decision, and wildcard entrants Fifty Shilling Tailors were eventually chosen as the winners of this year's contest, with their charisma and showmanship helping them to clinch the title.

The band won the Battle of the Bands trophy and an EP recording with Alive Music Studios.

DownFall won a slot at Chagstock 2014, Ten Zero One won a stage backdrop courtesy of South West Highways Signs, and 3's a Crowd won a £100 shop voucher with Project Music.

There were also individual accolades to hand out, with the musician of the night going to Mack, the drummer of DownFall. Jack and Shaun from 3's a Crowd won awards for performer of the night and lunatic of the night respectively.

Organisers expressed thanks to sponsors Steven's Estate Agents and the Plymouth Inn, and to prize suppliers Skate Warehouse, Project Music, Rockhen's Coop, Alive Music Studios, South West Highways Signs and Chagstock.