THE battle of the bands commences at the Iron Road Rock Bar at The Railway Hotel in Evesham on Friday, May 9, with a head to head performance and an appearance from an award winning band.

The first bout of the competition, called Band Slam 2014, sees two bands, Worcester band Bear Witness take on Khaos Theory who hail from Redditch, take to the stage in the fight for top prize of £1,500.

The following night winners of the crown of best New band at the prestigious Pure Rawk awards, Voodoo Vegas from Bournemouth, arrive in Evesham, as they start their European tour that will take in seven countries in support of their new album.

Also on the bill will be blues and rock trio The Greasy Slicks.

Entry to the event is £4.