HOME grown music sensation Rosalita are today preparing for the gig of their lives after winning the chance to perform at one of Britain's biggest music events.

HOME grown music sensation Rosalita are today preparing for the gig of their lives after winning the chance to perform at one of Britain's biggest music events.

The five strong Ipswich-based band beat 3,000 hopefuls and were crowned winners of Channel 4's Road to V television talent show.

The band will now perform a 20 minute set on the stage at Chelmsford's Hylands Park on Saturday opening the massive V Festival.

Currently recording their new song, the band spoke of their shock and delight at winning.

Drummer John Randall, 23, of Merlin Road, Ipswich, said: “It was a complete shock to hear we had won. We've been working towards this kind of exposure and it means a great deal to us. It is just what we needed. I'm really excited about being on that huge stage.”

The band's guitarist Richard Tyler said: “We are absolutely ecstatic. Once we got into the final four the hardest part was waiting to hear. We are cutting our teeth as a band and this will be an excellent experience.”

The band, who cite Talking Heads, The Stranglers and Maximo Park as their influences, were joint winners with Grimsby-based The Brightlights, who will open the festival at Weston Park, Staffordshire.

Rosalita vocalist Kris Andrew, 22, of Duke Street, Hadleigh, said: “I've been to V festival but I never thought I would be one of them playing on the stage.”

Ben Groom, 23, of the Stoke Park area of Ipswich, plays keyboards.

He said: “We were all a bit numb at first when we heard we had won but we have played in front off quite large crowds before so I don't think we are too nervous.”

Bass player Jay Goodrich, 22, of the Chantry estate area of Ipswich, said: “It's a fantastic chance for us. This should elevate us to the next level. I feel proud the judges thought we were worthy to open such a big event.”

A spokesman for Road to V show said: “Rosalita wowed both judges and audiences alike with their unique electro pop sound, professional performances and steady confidence on stage.”

The band will be joining a stage line-up which includes; Basement Jaxx, The Kooks, Lily Allen and The Fray.

To watch the bands performances at V and to discover what really happens back stage, tune in to the final episode of the Road to V series on Channel 4 at 00:10 on 23rd August.

Are you going to the V Festival? What do you think of Rosalita? What do you think? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk