Bands battle it out

Nov 13 2008 by Mark Smith, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

THIS year’s Battle of the Bands competition is heading into the home straight. Over the last six weeks, 18 amateur live acts from across Halton have clashed each Wednesday in the competition, held at Bar Reef in Widnes.

The acts have been independently judged by Peter Phillips, Michael Williams and Dennis Glynn from Riverside College, as well as Bar Reef’s Peter Kelly and John Hughes.

Bands have been marked on specific criteria with a view to receiving feedback on their strong points and advice on how they can improve.

Now there are only two semi-finals left, with the winners of each heading to the final showdown on December 3.

There they will lock horns for the chance to claim a £1,000 cash prize and a day in a recording studio,

The first semi-final takes place on Wednesday, November 19 and features bands The Prestige, The Cut and The Tide.

The second is on November 26, with Coalhouse, The Critchley Stance and The Peaks fighting it out.

Lee Kelly, of Bar Reef, said this latest incarnation of Battle of the Bands had seen some outstanding acts taking to the stage.

He said: “This year the competition has exceeded any expectations.

“The quality of original material has been very high and the heats have always been close.

“Widnes needs a competition like this for young bands to perform in front of experienced judges and knowledgeable music lovers.

“I’m sure the next four weeks are going to be close, thanks to all the bands who entered, but may the best band win!”