Calling all young musicians to join the new Youth Battle of the Bands

band poster

31 October 2023

Calling all young musicians to join the new Youth Battle of the Bands

Tamworth Borough Council are inviting all young and enthusiastic musicians to join an iconic and beloved musical event at the Assembly Rooms, as Battle of the Bands gets ready to return to the stage.

The popular Battle of the Bands that performed at the Assembly Rooms for more than 20 years from 1985, is set to return with a new format. The renowned competition awarded winners that included Wolfsbane in 1987, ahead of their American tour to support bands such as Guns N’ Roses; and Reprobate in 2004, who were made up of five 14-year-olds from Polesworth High School.

The competition, that in the past has seen local bands battle it out on the stage for the winning title, will only be open to young people from the region who are aged between 13 and 18 years old and renamed ‘Youth Battle of the Bands’(YBOTB).

YBOTB is open to bands and solo artists, who compose their own original music material. This could be anything from a five-piece band, a two-piece duo, or even a solo DJ. The same rules apply to each entry regardless of the size of group. However, we do encourage bands to form as it creates an intrinsic part of the Battle of the Bands experience.

The entire event will be hosted at the Tamworth Assembly Rooms, including the heats and the grand finale, commencing from early July 2024. We’d recommend getting involved sooner than later so that interested young musicians have the best opportunity to work together and allow enough time to develop their music.

If you believe that you, your school or club would be interested in hearing more about the new Youth Battle of the Bands, then get in touch with via email TARArtsdevelopment@tamworth.gov.uk to receive more details.

Applications are now open until 31 March 2024.

Councillor Andrew Cooper, Portfolio Holder for Entertainment and Leisure said: “With so many young talented musicians living locally, I’m delighted to see this new opportunity for young musicians to showcase their skills at the Assembly Rooms next summer.

“The Assembly Rooms team have been working hard in the background to bring to life what will be a great opportunity and investment for young people.

“I hope that young musicians will see how excited we are to help promote live music in the younger generation. Find out more today by emailing the team.”