TODAY'S the day!Let the Battle of the Bands begin.

James Marston

TODAY'S the day!

Let the Battle of the Bands begin.

The competition will see the best of Suffolk's music world go head-to-head and from today bands can upload their tracks on Ipswich music scene website www.lovemusic24.co.uk until October 1.

Music fans will be able to either text their vote or go online to vote from October 5.

Evening Star news editor Jessica Gallagher said: “Today is the day Ipswich bands have been waiting for. Bands can now enter the competition and upload their tracks on www.lovemusic24.co.uk and it is totally free.

“This is a fantastic chance for Ipswich to showcase its huge talent and find out who really is the best out there.

“So spread the word about the competition and get on the lovemusic24 site to upload your tracks.”

Held in the Circle Bar of the Regent on November 14 and in conjunction with website www.lovemusic24.co.uk, the competition winner will enjoy a weekend of recording at Punch Studios.

The band will be able to record up to three tracks and the prize will also include the mixing and mastering of the CD.

Mrs Gallagher added: “Not only do the top five bands from the competition get to play at the Circle Bar in front of a panel of judges on the night but they also get to support headlining band Prego, formed by Edd Simpson, brother of Charlie Simpson of Fightstar and Busted fame.”

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

The competition is free to enter and will be judged by a team of four judges.

And all five finalists will get a feature on them in the paper and online in the week before the big battle.

To find out more visit www.lovemusic24.co.uk

Do you have a favourite Ipswich band? Are you in a band in the area? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Featuring gig info, events listings, photo galleries and band profiles, lovemusic24 is social networking site dedicated to the Ipswich music scene.

The site also includes a music classifieds section, blogs and festival information.

Membership is free.

PREGO have built up a reputation as one of the best new bands on the live music circuit.

The indie-rockers have been tipped for the top by many DJs and critics and are currently recording their debut album.

Fronted by Woodbridge-raised Edd Simpson, they released their debut single, Cause and Resolve, last year, followed by Answers, both of which received rave reviews and heavy radio airplay.

Edd, who went to Framlingham College, is the older brother of Fightstar (and ex-Busted) singer and guitarist Charlie Simpson.

The five-piece band also includes guitarist Simon Britcliffe, from Saxmundham, and bass player Caspar Williamson, from Aldeburgh.

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 the prize of a year's free membership to the winning band.

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

Visit lovemusic24.co.ukBatle of the Bands homepageJoin the Battle of the Bands group for regular updates