TIME is running out to show that your band is the best in Suffolk.The Evening Star's Battle of the Band contest has just one week left for the county's musicians to enter before the fans voting starts to see who should go through to the big contest.

TIME is running out to show that your band is the best in Suffolk.

The Evening Star's Battle of the Band contest has just one week left for the county's musicians to enter before the fans voting starts to see who should go through to the big contest.

Once shortlisted, the top five bands get to perform in front of the crowd and judges at the Circle Bar at The Regent as well as supporting headline act Prego, formed by Edd Simpson brother of Charlie Simpson of Busted and Fightstar fame.

And the band that battles through to win, will get a weekend of recording with Punch Studios for up to three tracks including the mixing and mastering of the CD.

Joe Bailey, from Punch Studios said: “I think it's incredibly important to get enter the competition. It's good exposure, not just for the bands, but for the talent of the county.

“I would like to see a lot of variety. There are so many bands in Suffolk with different musical styles, there is a lot out there.

“The competition is open for all musical abilities and is a great chance to show off your talents.”

Bands have until October 1 to get their entry on line free at The Evening Star's music site, lovemusic24.co.uk, before the voting starts on October 5.

Fans can vote either by text or online at the lovemusic24 site.

Voting ends on October 30 and the top five finalists will be announced the week commencing November 2.

All five finalists will have a feature about them published in The Evening Star and on lovemusic24.co.uk in the week before the big battle.

To find out more about what taking place on the Ipswich music scene visit www.lovemusic24.co.uk

What do you think is needed for the music scene in Ipswich? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

PANEL

WHAT IS LOVE MUSIC ALL ABOUT?

www.lovemusic24.co.uk is a social networking site for anyone who loves or is involved in local music.

Whether you are a performer, a promoter, venue or a fan the site is the place for you to let everyone know what is going on in your music world.

The site features gig info, event listings, photo galleries and band profiles as well as the chance to chat and make friends with others on the music scene.

Membership is free and signing up is easy.

THE PRIZE

A weekend of recording with Punch Studios for up to three tracks including the mixing and mastering of the CD

Punch Music Academy is also offering a year's free membership to the winning band who will be able to benefit from discounts at selected music stores and further discounts at Academy's rehearsal rooms and at Punch Studios.

Outsource marketing and web design will provide the artwork for the CD and sleeve design.

THE JUDGES

James Young from IBC, Steve Hicks from ICR, Jon Barnes from The Evening Star and East Anglian Daily Times and Bronwyn Cooper from Road to V winners, Underline The Sky.

Battle of the Bands homepageEnter now - Join the Battle of the Bands groupVisit lovemusic24.co.uk