Southport Battle of Bands all set for very close grand final.

Four bands will battle it out in Southport town centre on Friday night to win the prestigious title and £1,000 cash prize, writes Martin Hovden.

As a judge for every single round, I've seen all bands perform at least twice in the competition (three in the case of CONEHEADS who made a guest appearance in an earlier heat) and the question I've been asked all week is: who's going to win?

The simple answer is: I've absolutely no idea.

All four are extremely talented in their own way, guaranteeing an exciting night with an exceptionally high standard of live music and brilliant entertainment in the Banff.

And all the members of each band are likeable, friendly and committed and passionate about what they do.

So, we're in for a night when any band could win, it's that close.

What I can tell you is that at least two of the finalists think Southport pop punkers SLICK CUPID are the ones to beat.

So let's take a closer look at each band, starting with SLICK CUPID.

I've known these guys for a large chunk of my life as I first saw them more than 15 years ago when they were known as Same Old Monday. They were taking part in the very first Band Royale contest in Cafe Matisse in Cambridge Walks in the town centre. And it's been a real pleasure to watch them develop and mature both in terms of their musicianship as well as growing into really decent, positive, caring young men. 

SLICK CUPID will deliver an energy-packed, hugely entertaining 30-minute set on Friday night. But they know the score. Anything can happen on the night. They will take nothing for granted.

I can also reveal that Southport trio CONEHEADSs are the contest's wild card. They first appeared in heat three as guest performers when one band pulled out at the last minute. They did very well but were disappointed they couldn't enter as they are just 17. However, the organisers decided to make an exception and allowed the guys to be contestants. And they fought their way through quite rightly to the grand final. 

CONEHEADS describe their genre of music as pop rock with a touch of DIY punk and they are very entertaining to watch. They have flashes of brilliance and are fast becoming a very solid and tight band. And because of their age, they are the future of live music in our town.

Hoping to snatch victory from the Southport bands are Liverpool indie rockers LAZY SUNDAZE, all graduates of the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) and it shows. They offer a rich mix of lively and audience pleasing songs – they are very much a class act. And the band are the only one to have a girl member. She's pictured in this post with the lads in an earlier heat but missed the semi-final as she was on holiday. Fingers crossed she'll be back in time for Friday's final. 

And finally, Burscough pop punk band SOME TIME TODAY. These guys are quite simply excellent and they always come up with a set full of energy, enthusiasm, fun and memorable songs. They know how to get the audience on their feet and are yet another band who ooze that wonderful “feel good” factor and it's a real pleasure to watch them. They also have a back catalogue of some amazing and catchy songs, many of which I played on a regular basis on my Live Sounds radio show.

And I must give special mention to the fact that members of SOME TIME TODAY attended every single heat of the contest to not only perform but also to offer their support other bands. Well done.

There you have it. Four excellent bands and any one could win. I'm so pleased - and relieved - I don't have to make the decision on my own and look forward to joining my fellow judges Hayley Jones, Miles Jones and Darren Leonard.

Yet again, full praise to organisers Dave Aston (host), Hayden Birch and Martin White for staging such a highly successful competition. And thanks to Banff manager Nial Carloss and his staff.

And as it's the grand final, there will be a very special performance (outside) by Southport's very own fire-eater Aharon Sugden. I interviewed Aharon many years ago when he opened his own music studio in the town. Small world.

So, if you want to see live music at its very best, don't miss the final this Friday (26 August) in the Banff, West Street. Doors open at 7.30pm with admission at just £3.

I'll be posting the result in the early hours of Saturday, with a video of the event hopefully released on Sunday/Monday.