Battle of the bands

WINNING line-up: singer Jonathan Feasey, guitarist Chris Batty, bassist Oliver Andrew, custom percussionist Damian Byron and drummer Cameron Tetlow

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Rising stars crank up the volume — in the library
MUSICIANS certainly weren’t told to keep the noise down at a Battle of the Bands event at Oldham Library.

More than 160 people turned up to watch the free show, held as part of the Get it Loud in Libraries campaign, designed to give young people who love music a good time between the bookshelves.

The evening, presented by Go! Oldham and plugged by DJ Clint Boon, showcased some of the borough’s best musical talent and received a host of entries from loud local bands. But the undisputed under-16 winners were metal band, Unholy Messiah, who won iTunes vouchers and will get the chance to perform at the Oldham Children and Youth Alliance Fun Day in Alexandra Park in June.

Indie rockers Urban Empire were the over-16s winners and earned a support slot for an unconfirmed artist at a regional Get it Loud in Libraries event.

Jonny Brown, of Oldham three-piece Twisted Wheel, who are signed to Columbia Records, performed an acoustic set before judging the contest.

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for citizens and neighbourhoods, said: “It was a fantastic night and to see so many people through the doors was brilliant.

“There is so much talent and a lot of passion in those young people. I think it was enjoyed by all.”