Bands to battle for festival slot

BANDS from across Queensland are preparing to battle it out for a spot on the stage at this year’s Airlie Beach Music Festival, with an Airlie Beach ‘Battle of the Bands’ event now officially set for July 19-20 at Magnums Hotel.

This year, seven regions are taking part in the Passport to Airlie competition.

Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Brisbane and the Gold Coast are all joining with Airlie Beach in taking entries for their events.

Regional heats will take place in ALH venues with some of Australia’s hottest up and coming bands battling it out for a spot on the 2014 festival line-up.

The grand prize for one successful musician or band also includes $1500 cash, accommodation in Airlie Beach for the festival dates of November 6-9 and VIP festival tickets, which cover food and refreshments in the main tent.

The second place winner scores $500, festival tickets and accommodation for the festival time.

Nine acts have so far signed up for the local Passport to Airlie competition, at Magnums Hotel. Each act will have a 30-minute slot to woo the judges and crowd.

Acts will be expected to perform at least three original songs.

During the festival, regional winners will battle it out again at Magnums Hotel on November 7-8 as part of a ‘Super Battle of the Bands’ competition.

The final winner will earn a spot on the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s main stage on Sunday, November 9, playing alongside Aussie rock legends such as Mark Seymour, Jon English, Shane Howard, The Radiators, Phil Emmanuel, Eurogliders, John Paul Young and Richard Clapton, to name a few. This will be a chance of a lifetime for the winners and possibly a stepping stone to stardom.

The Battle of the Bands event is free of charge to attend.

PASSPORT TO AIRLIE

What: Battle of the Bands, Airlie Beach Music Festival competition

Where: Magnums Hotel

When: July 19-20

Cost: Free