Talented bands from York schools will get the opportunity to win a recording deal as part of this year's Best of Bands competition.

The annual event is organised by City of York Council's Arts and Culture service and is being hosted by BBC DJ Alan Raw, presenter of Raw Talent and manager of Raw UK music. The aim of the event is to support and encourage local school based rock bands.

The competition has highlighted bands that have gone on to international success, such as Shed 7.

Winners of Best of the Bands 2006, Breakout Project, are playing again this year, as  a ‘guest’ band.

Theo Issitt from Breakout Project, said: "Since winning last year, the band has been playing numerous gigs around York and have a headlining gig coming up at Fibbers. We’ve recorded an E.P. and have just released a new demo. Winning Best of the Bands has definitely helped us a lot with getting gigs. It’s given us an edge."

A total of 14 talented groups from across York will battle it out in a variety of award categories, including best live band, best presentation, best original song, best cover version and best individual performer.  There will also be an award for the best studio recording.

Tim Brooks, City of York Council's music consultant, said: "The Best of the Bands gig is always an exciting and exhilarating event with a great atmosphere. There are some amazingly gifted young people in York schools.  Performing on stage at the Grand Opera House to a sell-out audience of about 1000 is a great confidence boost for them and an opportunity to promote this wealth of musical talent. We are very grateful to the sponsors for providing the prizes and to Alan Raw for compering the evening.  It is this support that helps keep this such a high profile event.  It is regarded by many as the most important annual musical event for young people in the city.”

Tickets are £4.00  and are available through the Grand Opera House, Clifford Street, York, only on 01904 678703 or email yorkboxoffice@livenation.co.uk

ENDS

Best of the Bands is sponsored by Cube Media, Fibbers, John Hornby Skewes, MOR Music, Nestle, Pig Hut Studios, Shepherd Building Group Ltd, City of York Council and Arts Education.  The top prize of four days' recording time is being offered by Nestle and Pig Hut.