Bands signing up for battle

The finest unsigned bands from Shropshire and Mid Wales are lining up to try to win £6,000 worth of prizes in the Shropshire Star Battle of the Bands.

Nine groups have entered so far and many more are expected to submit tapes, CDs, MySpace addresses, videos and biographies in coming weeks. Today contest spokesman James Shaw said: "The competition is starting to hot up.

"We want as many bands as possible to send their entries in. We received three more entries in the past few days and a number of other bands plan to take part.

"With such great prizes on offer, it's no wonder bands are getting in touch."

Mr Shaw said there was no age limit on the competition, so bands featuring friends from schools were just as welcome as established unsigned acts playing local bars and clubs.

He added: "The Shropshire Star Battle of the Bands is all about showcasing new talent. We know there are lots more bands out there.

"Our message is simple, send us your music and you've a good chance of winning £6,000 worth of prizes."

The competition is being sponsored by Salop Music Centre, Wolf At The Door Records, Soundscape Studios, The Buttermarket at Shrewsbury and Telford FM.

Prizes include a PA, a drum kit, guitar pedals, bass equipment, 100 CDs, mentoring, studio time, a £100 spot prize for best musician and a professional photo shoot.

Among the bands entered so far are The Icelandic Traffic Badgers (www.myspace.com/icelandictrafficbadgers); Fight The Bear (www.myspace.com/fightthebear); The Chance (www.myspace.com/thechance3859); Can You Eros? (www.myspace.com/canyoueros); The Anonymous; Dezima (www.myspace.com/dezima); 49 Fables (www.myspace.com/49fables49); The Outline and Ravenhead.

Bands can send their entries to James Shaw, Shropshire Star, Waterloo Road, Ketley, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 5HU, or call (01952) 242424.

No employees of MNA or their immediate relatives may enter.

The Editor's decision is final, prizes cannot be transferred and no correspondence will be entered into.

Bands have until March 9 to submit entries and the finals will take place across two nights at the end of March, at The Buttermarket, in Shrewsbury.

Competition sponsors:

Shropshire Music Centre - the main sponsors, offering £3,000 of band equipment www.salopmusic.co.uk

Telford FM -supporting and highlighting the entrants www.telfordfm.co.uk

A Wolf at Your Door Records - offering 100 demo discs and advice www.wolfatyourdoor.com

Soundscape Studios - offering four hours studio time http://soundscape-studios.co.uk

The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury - venue for the Battle Of The Bands finals www.buttermarket.com