Pop punkers Slick Cupid snatch victory in closely fought Southport Battle of the Bands grand final

Southport band Slick Cupid won the prestigious Battle of the Bands contest in Friday's grand final and said they were “utterly humbled” by the result, writes Martin Hovden.

They've been going more than 10 years and were clearly very emotional when the result was announced, but stressed they want their victory to encourage young Southport bands to come through onto the local music scene.

The lads – Jonny Thrash, Danny Green, Lee Linaker and Ged Teevan - won a cash prize of £1,000 which will go straight into band funds to help pay for their new single and music video.

More than 200 excited live music fans packed into the Banff in West Street to watch four excellent bands battle it out for the top prize. It was very much a night to remember.

Liverpool indie rockers The Lazy Sundaze came a very close second and there's no doubt we'll be seeing a lot more of these very talented guys in the future.

Runners-up were Burscough pop punk band Some Time Today and Southport pop rockers (with a bit of “DIY punk”) Coneheads.

The contest started with 16 bands last month and all four finalists can hold their heads high, or as one supporter said: “they were all winners on the night”.

Guest judges were Darren Leonard, Miles Jones and Martin Hovden.

The evening also included some spectacular displays (outside) by Southport's very own fire eater Aharon Sugden.

Organisers Dave Aston (host), Hayden Birch and Martin White, plus Banff manager Nial Carloss, said they were delighted by the success of the contest and there are plans to hold another one next year with more bands and spread over more weeks. 

And spurred on by its huge success, there are plans to hold live music nights twice a month in the Banff. Watch this space.

My video of the amazing grand final includes live performances plus band interviews and much, much more. I'm hoping to release that Sunday/Monday.

Meanwhile, keep music live in Southport!