THE 2015 Okehampton Battle of the Bands comes to a crescendo this Saturday with the Party in the Park finale.

Five acts will take to the stage in Simmons Park following the three qualifying heats in July.

The three heat winners — Ten Zero One, Pseudomorph and Black Static — and the two wildcard entries The Elixir and Skyborn — will all perform at the finale which kicks off at 6pm.

The theme of the 2015 Party in the Park finale is ‘Best of British’ and in line with the theme ‘Who’s Next’, one of the UK’s top The Who tribute bands, will headline the event. This also coincides with The Who’s 50th anniversary in 2015.

To coincide with the theme, spectators are being asked to bring their Union Jack flags and embrace the theme with fancy dress.

The competition had been at risk of folding after organisers Chris Hodgson and Ben Boulton, who had given countless hours of their own time to organise the contest, decided to step down.

Their hope that people would come forward to take over the running of the event looked futile after an initial appeal proved unsuccessful.

But following a meeting last October, a new chairman and secretary were appointed, with more committee members joining in November.

Ben Boulton continued to help organise the 2015 event alongside new chairman Jay Hadland, Teresa Edwards and Lee Croad.

Teresa Edwards said: ‘It has been very hard work to get it together this year and the team — myself, Jay, Lee and Ben — have worked extremely hard over the last few months to get this event on.

‘Please, everyone who can make it, come on down and give generously to such a good event for the town.

‘We hope people bring their Union Jacks and dress up and really get in the spirit of the event.’

The evening will be hosted by MC Professor Elemental, an award winning ‘Steampunk musician’ who has enjoyed regular appearances across the globe at events like Glastonbury Festival, San Diego Comic Con, Bestival and the Canadian Steam Expo.

As well as the great music there will be a licensed bar, food stalls, craft stalls, traders and entertainment for children.

Everyone is welcome to the event from 6pm.

For more information visit the website at www.okehamptonbattleofthebands.org.uk