THE last heat of this year's Okehampton Battle of the Bands took place last Friday with another six bands entertaining the crowd in the Charter Hall.

In another tight heat this year's youngest entrants, Ten Zero One, were announced as the night's winners. The four-piece band from Tavistock, whose members are aged between 12 and 14, played with a confidence and ability far beyond their years, and wowed the judges with their composure on stage.

The wild card slot for the finale was given to Okehampton-based metal band First Requiem, who played a frenetic and passionate set in the final heat, despite missing their vocalist through illness.

With the heats now over, attention turns to the highly anticipated Party in the Park finale on Saturday August 13.

As well as the music, top UK mountain bike trials rider Andrei Burton will be showing his amazing riding skills, supported by the Okehampton FreeRiders, who will be running a BMX tricks competition.

There will also be bouncy castles, inflatable assault courses and bungee runs, laster tag, a licensed bar and refreshments.

In keeping with the party spirit of the finale, the headline act are Ultimate Madness, who will provide a high-octane fun-packed set to close out the 2011 Battle of the Bands.

Chris said: 'This year's Battle of the Bands finale will be better than ever.

'This is the Party in the Park, with something for everybody — a music-orientated fun family night out.

'Andrei Burton will be wowing the crowds with his trials riding skills, OCRA are going to be there with Dance Fusion, and, of course, we have our headline act, Ultimate Madness.

'This year we are looking to create a real family party atmosphere. We want this to be a community event, and we hope that people will come along and support the bands at the final.

'Where else, other than in Okehampton, can you enjoy a festival atmosphere with superb music for just the price of a donation to our fund?

'Bring yourselves, your family, and a picnic. A great night is guaranteed, no matter what the weather. There is no set admission, we just hope that people will donate what they can afford on entry.'

The Battle of the Bands committee expressed thanks to Stevens Estate Agents and the Plymouth Inn for being the event's main sponsors for 2011, and thanked all the other businesses and organisations in Okehampton that have supported the event.

The finale starts in Simmons Park at 6pm, with the first band onstage at 7pm. For more information visit http://www.okehamptonbattleofthebands.co.uk">www.okehamptonbattleofthebands.co.uk or follow the Battle of the Bands Facebook page.