FOLLOWING a brilliant start to this year's Battle of the Bands competition, the Charter Hall was again full to capacity for another fantastic night of music last Thursday.

Seven new acts took to the stage, determined to fill every last second of their 20-minute sets in a bid to secure a place in the final.

The high standard of performers made it difficult for the judges as they were treated to a wide range of musical styles.

First on stage was accapella duo Possible Solution. The audience welcomed Okehampton-based Will Harrison, who performed with his hip hop partner Chase.

The second act, Rough Cut, also had Okehampton connections through their vocalist, Dru Durman.

They captured the audience's attention when they performed classic rock riffs with a rough cut twist.

Next up were Progotron, who brought prog rock back to the future, followed by North Devon band Baltic Sirens, who bounced onto the stage with an indie rock set featuring a rich twangy guitar sound, mixed with a strong rock edge and clean cut vocals.

The third Okehampton connected band of the night were First Requiem. The audience enjoyed a brilliant set with a great sound and rip roaring drumming.

New band JERM, who had only been together for a few weeks, also braved the stage and took on a competent set of covers.

The night ended with These Ruins, who performed the heaviest rock act in Battle of the Bands history.

In another closely fought battle the winners of heat two were Rough Cut, followed by First Requiem in second place and Baltic Sirens third.

Rough Cut will join last week's winners Alternative Plan at the final on Saturday, August 14 in Simmons Park, along with four other bands and The Hamsters.

Organiser Chris Hodgson said: 'The support we have had from the public has been fantastic.

'They have been really generous with their time and money which is brilliant and I hope they all join us at the finals.

'We are really pleased with how it is all going, we have an excellent standard of bands and a good diverse mix, which is great for the future of the competition.

'There's also been no trouble whatsoever —we've had the police looking in, the bar is run properly and we have security on the door, so everything is running as it should be.

'There's a real party atmosphere, people are enjoying the music and enjoying the event, which is what it is all about.'

The final heat will be held today (Thursday), when another seven bands will take to the stage. The first will be on stage at 6.30pm. A licensed bar will be provided by The Plymouth Inn.

Battle of the Bands organisers expressed thanks to their main sponsor, Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions, and to all the businesses and organisations in Okehampton who have given their support.

For more information on the Okehampton Battle of the Bands visit http://www.battleofthebandsokehampton.co.uk">www.battleofthebandsokehampton.co.uk