The Formula are Robin 2's band of the year

Walsall indie rockers The Formula came out winners in the Robin 2's annual Band Of The Year competition for 2011.

The final was held at the Bilston venue last night, with second place going to The Limelight, a rock/indie band from Wednesfield, and third place to The State Of Things, an indie/acoustic band from Walsall.

The celebrity judging panel consisted of Jim Lea (ex Slade), Mark Stuart (M2 Studios), Shaun Ryan (Ryan's Gig Guide), Sophie Brady (Riff Rooms), Shaun Burton (Big Noize Music), Chris Brady (Brady's Catering), Tony Mottram (music photographer), Vince O'Malley (Musical Exchanges) and Roland Link (Base Studios, Stourbridge).

Ecstatic winners The Formula walked away with a fantastic set of prizes including a £1,000 cash prize, two songs professionally recorded and produced at M2 Studios, a Base Session including interview by Base Studio, a professional photo sShoot by international music photographer Tony Mottram, and the Robin 2 Live Band Of The Year Trophy, to be kept for one year.

The Formula said: "We would like to thank all our fans who have supported us throughout the competition, to The Robin 2 for staging such a great competition and our best wishes to the runners up."

Competition organiser and Robin 2 owner Mike Hamblett said "There was a great sense of camaraderie between the grand finalists, it was a great atmosphere and a great night. I would like to thank all the bands for their participation and all the judges for taking the time out to be part of the competition and our sponsors."