THE hunt for musical talent is on again – and this year’s Fenland Battle of the Bands is set to be bigger and better than ever.

Last year so many bands entered the heats that there wasn’t time to fit them all in. Now a new selection round has been introduced to give every entrant a chance to show how good they are.

Any band keen to enter should send in a demo before July 31. Then 16 will be selected to play at the heats on September 3 and the best eight will be invited to play at the final on September 24.

Last year’s winners, the Rusty G’s, will be special guest performers at the final. Since their victory they have enjoyed a great year, playing numerous shows and festival slots, including a big charity concert at the Sheffield Motorpoint Arena in February.

The Battle of the Bands is organised by Fenland District Council in partnership with Art and Soul Magazine, with the heats and final taking place at the newly refurbished Manor Leisure Centre in Whittlesey.

Councillor Steve Garratt, FDC’s portfolio holder responsible for young people, said: “Last year’s competition was a fantastic success and opening it up to more bands means we’re bound to attract even more talent this time. As the Rusty G’s’ experience shows, this is a great opportunity for local young people to make a name for themselves and go on to national success.”

This year’s winning band will receive a custom-built website, a slot at one of Art and Soul’s showcase gigs at Club Revolution in Peterborough and one free day’s recording (worth �250) at Grange Farm Studios in Emneth.

Bands wishing to take part should either send demos electronically through the Fenland Battle of the Bands website at www.fenlandbotb.co.uk, or post them to Fenland Battle of the Bands, 1-3 Church Street, Whittlesey, Peterborough, PE7 1DB.

Tickets for the heats and the final will cost �4. To check on ticket availability, or for more information on how to enter, call Art and Soul Magazine on 01733 772 095 or visit www.fenlandbotb.co.uk.