School bands battle for title

Up and coming rock bands will be raising the roof across Staffordshire over the next few weeks as this year's annual school rock contest gets under way. Staffordshire Rocks 2007 is now in full swing.

A total of 60 school bands are now preparing to take part in regional heats to be in with a chance of winning.

The annual contest is organised by Staffordshire Performing Arts (SPA) and gives bands formed in Staffordshire schools a platform to perform.

Five regional semi-final heats have been organised by SPA and the winners will compete in one of three regional finals in the hope of being selected for the grand final.

Semi-finals will be held at Alleyne's High School, Stone; in Leek, Staffordshire; at Blake Valley Technology College, Cannock; at the headquarters of Staffordshire Performing Arts, in The Green, Stafford; and in Kidsgrove, Staffordshire

Councillor Maureen Compton, cabinet support member for culture and heritage, said: "Staffordshire Rocks is a fantastic opportunity for young people, with more than 60 bands will be taking part this year."

The three regional heats take place on July 4 to 6 at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, with the grand final on July 7, also at the Gatehouse.

Schools and colleges from Stafford, Cannock, Lichfield, Stone, Uttoxeter, Cheslyn Hay, Codsall, Great Wyrley and Burntwood have all entered bands into the competition.