Performers praised for high standard at Battle of the Bands event in Milton Keynes

Performers have received praise for the high standard of entries at this year’s Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) Battle of the Bands competition, staged at The Stables in Wavendon.

Edith Dog, who are based at Bedford Modern School, triumphed in the event which brought together student bands from across the four BLMK areas (Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes).

Edith Dog, a band based at Bedford Modern School, were crowned winners of this year's edition of the BLMK Battle of the Bands

placeholder image — Edith Dog, a band based at Bedford Modern School, were crowned winners of this year's edition of the BLMK Battle of the Bands

Luton Youth Rock A (LYRA), a 13-strong supergroup based in Luton, finished as runners-up in the competition.

A total of 12 bands competed in the final of the event, with three representing each area of BLMK.

Luton Youth Rock A (LYRA) finished as runners-up in this year's edition of the BLMK Battle of the Bands, staged at The Stables in Wavendon near Milton Keynes

This year’s edition marked the first time that all four areas of BLMK had participated at an event that traditionally featured only Bedfordshire schools, despite The Stables being its home for the past 15 years.

Local sponsors Marshall and Kawai donated prizes to the winners, which included LYRA winning a new keyboard for the Luton Music Service.

Ben Garraway from organisers the Bedford Music Service said: "The Stables is a fantastic venue that gives young musicians a genuine taste of performing in a professional, large-scale theatre.

"The event's popularity has soared and the standard was exceptionally high this year, with many bands staking their claim for the top spot."