Bands to battle with new sound

Budding musicians across Lichfield will be cranking up a new sound and light system at a youth club tomorrow night for a Battle of the Bands final.

Young revellers will be getting their money's worth from £7,000 worth of musical equipment at Nether Stowe Youth Club.

The new sound and lighting system, paid for with a Staffordshire County Council grant, will be in full use for the competition final. A trio of local bands are taking centre stage after three tense heats at the centre.

All of which have used the sophisticated sound system bought with a £7,000 Youth Opportunity Fund grant.

Hands of Hate, China Red and Flight Arrival will give it their all in a bid to win, but it would not be possible if it were not for a consortium of community-minded youngsters who initially bid for the cash.

The Youth Opportunity Fund is delivered by Staffordshire Youth Service, which allocate grants to community groups to give young people more places to go and things to do in their area.

Councillor Eric Drinkwater, cabinet support member for lifelong learning, said: "A consortium made up of young people and business enterprise students from The Friary School came together to bid for some money from the Youth Opportunity Fund.

"They were successful and used the money to pay for a mixing desk, speakers, amplifiers, sound system, DJing equipment, laser lighting and a stage kit.

"The equipment is portable and is used in different venues by different youth groups in Lichfield, one of which is the battle of the bands competition.

"It has already been used in a DJing competition and the idea is that it will cater for a wide range of musical tastes.

"I am chuffed that the equipment is proving so popular with young people and is providing opportunities such as the battle of the bands competition"

The three bands competing tomorrow night will all be hoping to scoop the top prize of £100 cash.

The event is part of a series of music initiatives being held in the Lichfield area for young people.

It starts at 7pm and takes place at the youth centre on St Chad's Road.