A YOUNG band from Fenland have sailed through to the regional final of the country’s biggest original music competition.

American House Party impressed judges at the audition stage of Live and Unsigned - a competition for unsigned artists which has attracted more than 50,000 entries in the last five years.

The five-piece punk band will now be vying for the top prize - a �50,000 recording contract with Future Music.

The winner will be crowned at the Live and Unsigned Festival at the 02 Arena in London and will also be sent on a world tour and on all-expenses-paid trips to Italy and India.

American House Party will take to the stage at the Bedford Corn Exchange on April 2nd in a bid to reach the London festival.

The festival judges will include former Slade frontman Noddy Holder, R’n’B star Shola Ama and Radio One’s Annie Nightingale.

The best auditionees at the regional final will also get the opportunity to play support slots with a selection of major headlining acts.

American House Party are made up of Josh Fish (Guitar/Vocals), Pat Jolly (Lead Guitar/Vocals), Josh Shippey (Bass Guitar/Vocals), Jes Kerr (Drums/Vocals) and Shaun Hubbard (Trombone/Vocals).

They describe themselves as “delivering pure ‘get up’, ‘fists in the air’, ‘punch-line’ punk rock” and claim “they’re set out to make the music - not themselves”.

Chris Grayston, Events Director of Live and Unsigned, said: “Live and Unsigned is all about originality, live ability and credibility. We don’t accept demos or submissions and everyone auditions live.

“We’ve got some fantastic prizes up for grabs this year in a �100,000 prize pool, so there are lots of opportunities for everyone entering. Plus the Live and Unsigned Festival means 2011 will be the biggest competition yet.”

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit: www.LiveandUnsigned.UK.com