IT'S even bigger, even better and even more entertaining — Okehampton Battle of the Bands is this year set to wow audiences with fresh new talent.

The popular community event has been handed over from original event organiser, Richard Appleby, to a new Battle of the Bands management committee.

This year Battle of the Band entrants could win a substantial sum, with the estimated first prize value in excess of £15,000.

The music festival has become a calender event in Okehampton since 2005 and has continued to grow to become a full on Party in the Park.

Mr Appleby said: 'It's fantastic to be part of a bigger Battle of the Bands structure.

'The new group members bring fresh energy to the project and I know that the Battle of the Bands will grow in strength and stature.'

Applications for this year's heats are already coming in, but event organisers are looking for more.

Chairman of the Battle of the Bands Committee Chris Hodgson said: 'I'm really looking forward to this year's event and public support.

'What we're looking for now is for people to get themselves entered —we've got some bands, but we need more.

'Battle of the Bands has been re-branded and re-launched, but maintains its philosophy of promoting and presenting a free, family-orientated music event, with a grand final in the fantastic surroundings of Simmons Park.

'This relaunch includes a new website plus Facebook and Twitter links and on-line public voting.

'We are also looking to develop the event into a major themed evening of entertainment.'

Mr Hodgson said discussions are ongoing with Okehampton Free Riders, in association with Moor Cycles, and with other sports-based organisations.

He added: 'We would welcome contact from any business that would like to be involved or who has ideas to build on this.

'There will also now be a licensed bar in the Charter Hall and we have permission to have alcohol in the park, providing its managed.

'We will be selling real ale because it's easier in the barrels.'

This year the main headline act will be premier rock and blues band, The Hamsters, who were described by Radio 2's Bob Harris as 'fabulous — one of Britain's very best live bands'.

The band have performed more than 3,750 concerts over a 20-year career.

Heats are being held in the Charter Hall on Thursday, July 22, Thursday, July 29 and Thursday, August 5.

Up to eight bands per heat will perform a 20-minute set with the heat winner going through to the grand final in Simmons Park on Saturday, August 14.

Three more bands will be selected from all the other bands who have competed in the heats, with the grand final line-up confirmed on Saturday, August 7.

The management committee is actively seeking sponsorship and is working alongside Simon Ford of Chagstock Music Festival.

For an application form for the Battle of the Bands 2010 visit http://www.battleofthebandsokehampton.co.uk">www.battleofthebandsokehampton.co.uk or find them on Facebook.

Applications must be received no later than Saturday, July 17 and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Anyone interested in joining the Battle of the Bands Committee, in having a trade stand at the grand final or who wants to get involved in this year's event through sponsorship, can find full contact details on the website.