THE Battle of the Bands is returning to Okehampton after an absence of two years – with a contest in The Kings Arms pub garden.

Six bands will battle it out on May 26 competing for a top prize of headlining at this summer’s Chagstock music festival.

The event aimed at encouraging young talent is being organised by Chris Hodgson, who ran the Battle of the Bands for five years until 2014.

It is part of the Open Arms beer and music festival at The Kings Arms.

‘Last year I ran the Open Arms festival because I heard that the Battle of the Bands wasn’t going ahead,’ said Chris. ‘It went well so this year I thought I would bring the Battle of the Bands element into it.

‘Rob Bass, landlord of The Kings Arms, has given me the venue again. We are using his beer garden on Friday and Saturday, May 25 and 26. Saturday is the main day, and we are running it outside from midday until 9.30pm. It is free to anybody who wants to come along.’

The contest is open to anyone, with bands invited to apply on the Open Arms Facebook page.

Chris and a group of judges with a musical ear then assess bands on their talent, listening and watching YouTube clips of their performances.

So far they have selected three bands – with three places still up for grabs.

‘It is all about helping aspiring musicians,’ he said. ‘We look at some clips of their performances and pick the bands we think the audience will like the best and the bands that will get the most benefit out of getting more exposure.

‘For the first time in ages, we have had some interest in local bands, some very good local bands. It is open to anyone from anywhere, though. The only rule is “no tribute bands” and you need to be able to play some original material because cover bands are all over the place. We want to see some bands that are interested in making real music.’

While the event is on a much smaller scale than the Battle of the Bands, it has the same aim of encouraging musical talent. And like the Battle of the Bands, it is free.

Last year’s Battle of the Bands was cancelled several months before it was due to take place in August, with organisers blaming a lack of volunteers, sponsorship and community support.

The event had been a highlight of the summer calendar in Okehampton for 13 successive years. The three-heat competition always culminated with the Party in the Park finale in Simmons Park. At the last one in 2015, 15 bands and performers showcased their talents in front of an audience of 20,000, with musical acts coming from as far afield as Manchester, Brighton and Birmingham. Headliners over the years have included Madness and ACDC.

This year’s Battle of the Bands will have their own high profile headliner – Blinked 182 – who will perform on the Saturday alongside local band Quorum.

‘Battle of the Bands is back in the form of a party although not in the park,’ said Chris. ‘The same aim of introducing people to live music is there though. It is about giving people in the town something to do and look forward to and have a bit of fun with.’