After a successful show last year, the Greater Gwent Battle of the Bands competition is back.

It is thought by the organisers that the quality of the groups in 2004 was good enough to warrant a repeat performance.

Last year's winners were Foregone Conclusion.

"The standard of performance and material was amazing last year and, thanks to the Gwent Music Support Service, the whole event was such a professional experience for all the young bands involved," said the chairman of the judging panel, Dai Lloyd, who is also head of Cardiff's Dockrad Records, home of local bands such as Skep. "We are really looking forward to this year's event."

Heats are due to kick off in May leading to a grand final in the Riverfront Theatre, Newport, pictured, in July.

There will be four heats with two bands from each going through to the final.

Bands of any style from comprehensive schools and colleges across Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen are eligible to enter.

The purpose of the battle is to provide an opportunity to groups of school age to perform in front of an audience other than their mates.

"Young bands that have bags of talent but don't have many gigging opportunities," a spokesman for the competition said. "With professional PA, lighting and backline they get a fantastic platform to play to an appreciative audience and, through the judging panel, each band gets a comments sheet remarking on their set."

It is hoped that local music shops and recording studios will repeat last year's excellent support by providing prizes and recording time for winning bands.

Bands interested in taking part can obtain entry forms through their music department or by contacting the Gwent Music Support Service on 01633 223196, gwent.music@newport.gov.uk or via www.gwentmusic.net.

* The dates for the heats are Saturday, May 7, in The Riverfront Theatre, Newport; Saturday, May 14, in Coleg Gwent, Ebbw Vale Campus; Saturday, May 21, in the Workman's Hall, Blaenavon; and Saturday, May 28, in the Bridges Centre, Monmouth.