Young and talented musicians from all over Staffordshire flocked to Stafford’s Gatehouse Theatre to compete in a battle of the bands.
The annual Staffordshire Rocks competition came to a head at the theatre, when Madeley band Nuclear Safari was crowned Band of the Year 2011.
Regional heats had been taking place all over the county before the eight finalists competed at the Gatehouse Theatre.
The winning band get a Blackstar Stage Head 100 Amplifier and Cab worth over £1,000, a guest appearance at the National Rock and Pop Competition, and a £50 music voucher for each band member courtesy of FOSYM.
The Irony, from St John Fisher Catholic College, in Newcastle-under-Lyme, were first runners up in the competition. They win a Blackstar HT-1 Combo Guitar Amplifier worth £300 and a £15 music voucher for each member of the band.
Shed Exhibition, from Nether Stowe High School, in Lichfield, were second runners up. They win a Blackstar HT-1 Combo Guitar Amplifier and a £15 music voucher for each band member.
County Councillor Mike Lawrence, cabinet member for children’s wellbeing, said: “This year’s competition has been incredibly tight. We always have a high standard of bands coming through, and this year it has been incredible.
“It’s really encouraging to see the sheer diversity of talent in Staffordshire, from classical to rock. Every band has performed well this evening, and it really was a tough decision to pick a winner. I want to congratulate Nuclear Safari on their win, and also every other band who has competed in this extremely hard-fought competition.”