LET battle commence — the Charter Hall will be rocking next week as the first heat of this year's Okehampton Battle of the Bands takes place.

The event, sponsored by Steven's Estate Agents and the Plymouth Inn, promises another great contest. Seventeen bands will compete for places at the Party in the Park finale over three heats.

From rock, to acoustic indie, pop-punk and dirty blues, the heats promise something for everyone.

Okehampton will be represented strongly in this year's competition, with entries from local acts DownFall, Freedom Falls and Josh Bickley.

The 2012 winners Badland Bandits will play a headline set at the third heat.

Doors for heat one on Wednesday, July 3 open at 7pm, with the first act taking to the stage at 7.30pm. Admission is free but donations are encouraged and the event relies on public support. The Plymouth Inn will run a licensed bar at each heat.

Heats two and three take place on Wednesday, July 10 and Wednesday, July 17, with the Party in the Park finale on Saturday, August 3. The event promises a day of great entertainment with music, food, a bar, and the Queen tribute band the Bohemians performing as the 2013 headline act.

For more information on the Battle of the Bands, visit http://www.battleofthebandsokehampton.org.uk">www.battleofthebandsokehampton.org.uk or follow their Facebook page.