SIMMONS Park was the place to be last Saturday as six of the best hand-picked bands gave their all to win the grand final of the Okehampton Battle of the Bands 2010.

Great weather and plenty of entertainment meant more than 1,000 spectators enjoyed an evening of music and sports.

First up to take to the stage were Dawlish-based youngsters The Aurora Skies, who warmed up the crowd with a six-song set-list.

Tribute band Dookie followed and put on another great Greenday set, which had the audience singing along to their favourite hits.

With the crowd nicely warmed up, tight metal three-piece First Requiem exploded onto the stage with four original songs and some outrageous posing.

The band treated the audience to a special performance of Sullivans Plague, in memory of recently deceased Avenged Sevenfold drummer, Jimmy, The Rev, Sullivan.

Heat one winners Alternative Plan offered four original tracks, fusing classic rock, grunge, indie and metal, with an impressive set of vocals from Robbie Mackenzie.

First reserve band Sidmouth-based The Sherpas came in last minute and mesmerised the crowd when they merged original tracks of great rock classics.

The band delivered a version of Led Zeps, Moby Dick, with a drum solo from James Fuke.

The final band of the night was Plymouth-based four-piece The Vics, who impressed the crowd with a four-song set.

First place eventually went to The Sherpas, who won a combined prize of a professional photo shoot from Paul D Smart Photography, a full produced music video from Off the Planet Productions, recording time at Aardvark Studios, billing at Chagstock 2011, plus two bottles of champagne, donated by Waitrose.

In second place were First Requiem, who won recording time at Aardvark Studios and vocal coaching from Wren Music Trust.

Third were The Vics, who won £60 worth of vouchers from Project Music in Exeter.

The top three bands also took away the prestigious Battle of the Bands trophies, donated by Pearsalls the Jewellers.

Okehampton Battle of the bands chairman Chris Hodgson said the event was the best yet: Everyone had such a great time this year. The whole thing exceeded my expectations and it was one big party.

The Sherpas did fantastically well, they came in last minute to fill a slot and they were great.

All the bands played beyond our expectations and were so much better than when they performed in the heats  they really did put on a magnificent show.

Between acts, visitors were treated to breathtaking performances from top elite trial rider Andrei Burton.

Mr Burton, who rides for the British team, was joined by cyclists from Oke FreeRiders, who stunned the audience with tricks, including jumping bikes.

The crowd also enjoyed an air guitar competition.

Mr Hodgson said: Andrei Burton put on a fantastic show and kept the crowd entertained.

Id also like to give a big cheer to Oke FreeRiders, they did brilliantly with a world class rider and the crowd were absolutely amazed at what they saw.

Battle of the Bands 2010 was drawn to a close with a 90-minute set from the Hamsters, who pleased the crowd when they performed some great rock blues tracks.

The 2010 Battle of the Bands Committee expressed thanks to main sponsors, Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions, and all the businesses and organisations in Okehampton who gave their support.

The committee also thanked the public for their continuous help and support.

Mr Hodgson added: Its not just about the music, there was a really great atmosphere and a few people have said they want to get involved next year.

Weve already started organising for it  its all about taking it to the next level.

We really think the event has moved on so much and I hope everyone walked away happy.