Talented young musicians invited to join the return of the Battle of the Bands!

poster with blue and pink background and details about BOTB
  • Battle of the Bands returns to the Assembly Rooms
  • Open for musicians aged 13-25
  • Competition starts in June

 

Tamworth Borough Council are inviting 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 for 2025.

 

The popular Battle of the Bands (BOTB) was a regular at the Assembly Rooms for more than 20 years from 1985. It returned last year with a successful youth competition, and this is back again with the age range being opened to 25-year-olds, to attract even more young talented local bands and artists.

The renowned competition awarded winners in the previous years included Wolfsbane in 1987 who went on to support bands such as Guns N’ Roses while launching their own American tour; and Reprobate in 2004, who were made up of five 14-year-olds from Polesworth High School. 

 

The competition, that sees local bands battle it out on the stage for the winning title, is open to musicians and singers from the region aged between 13 and 25 years old.

Last year, the competition relaunched for artists up to the age of 18 for a ‘Youth Battle of the Bands’. Winners Pulse, then headlined an outdoor Arts & Events performance in September 2024, along with runners-up band Rory and the Revellers.

 

BOTB 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 is hosted at the Tamworth Assembly Rooms, including the heats and the grand finale, starting in June 2025. We’d recommend getting involved sooner rather than later so that interested local musicians have the best opportunity to work together and allow enough time to develop their music. 

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

 

To enter you must be:

  • From the Midlands, between the age of 13 – 25 (at time of entry).
  • A band which plays their own instruments.
  • Singer/songwriter solo artist, also including DJs.

Applications are now open until 30 April.

 

Councillor Lewis Smith, portfolio holder for people services, engagement and leisure for Tamworth Borough Council, said: “Last year the BOTB returned for youth musicians aged 13 -18, and we saw some incredible music. It was amazing to see young talented musicians on our stage. This year we’re opening the age limit to 25 to give more opportunities for local talent to shine.

“Our staff have been working hard in the background to bring to life what will be a great opportunity and investment for talented people.

 

“I hope young musicians will see how excited we are to help promote new and original live music. Find out more today by emailing the team.”