Battle of Bands is A Sell-Out Success

Last night’s ‘Battle of the Bands’ at Bradley Stoke Community School, organised by Joel Ip and Sam Beaumont as part of their World Challenge fundraising activities, was a massive success. All 200 tickets snapped up in advance by local music fans.

Thornbury-based CASSETTE secured the highest number of votes from the enthusiastic audience, earning themselves a £200 First Prize courtesy of Bradley Stoke Matters as well as the chance to play a set at the Bradley Stoke Festival 2011, courtesy of Southern Brooks Community Partnership.

Runners-up, with an incredibly close number of votes, were Pan Arcadia – who very generously described the winning act as ‘awesome’ and Rasta Man Time.   All nine acts had the audience foot-tapping, arm-waving, clapping and – as the mood became more laid back – ‘moshing’ in a great music festival-like atmosphere.

Cassette told Bradley Stoke Matters “We are stunned and gobsmacked to have won. It’s surreal. We didn’t think we stood much of a chance against the local competition, especially Pan Arcadia who were amazing.”

Georgia Orwell (17), Rachel Osborne (17), Tim Boothman (16), Pete Brown (16) and Ed Ashford (16) have been playing together for 18 months, and previously came second in the Marlwood Battle of the Bands. This is their first competition win and they are delighted.

Organisers Joel and Sam were also delighted with the outcome. The event has added £1190 to their fundraising total, bring them a step closer to the experience of their lives of travelling to Cochin India.

Joel’s Mum, Kandis said “This has been a fantastic achievement on two levels. The first is the fact that it has really brought the community together, that so many people have been prepared to give up their time and resources to support the event. The second is that it has been such a great opportunity for young people to share their love of music. We really appreciate the publicity and sponsorship from Bradley Stoke Matters and would like to thank everyone for making the event such a success.”

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