THE Coleford Festival 2002 Battle of the Bands Competition will take place at Berry Hill Rugby Club on Sunday, May 5.

The event will begin at noon and last until 11pm. Unlike the 2001 event, which was spread over a few weeks at different pubs in the Forest, the 2002 event will be one gigantic show, and a full day's entertainment for all the family.

Stalls, family attractions and a line-up of the best local bands all competing for the top prize of a spot on the main stage at the Coleford Music Festival will ensure that this will be a day and night to remember, say the Switched On Arts and Entertainment Group.

This year the audience will have the opportunity to cast their own vote for the band of their choice. A panel of judges will also be on hand, but audience views will count for 50 per cent of the final vote.

Since local band Dirtyboy won last year's event entries have been pouring in to the Switched On committee. It is anticipated that nine bands will be selected to appear at the event, and competition looks like being fierce.

Festival director Amanda Smith is keen to receive CDs, tapes and band information from as many local bands as possible.

"This year's Music Festival has already generated a lot of interest from TV and radio stations – and there's a very good chance that the winning band will feature in the live broadcasts planned for Coleford over the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend," she said.

All entries need to be in by April 15. Interested bands should contact Amanda on 07980 357747.