VIDEO: Perfect weather for Horsham’s Battle of the Bands finals

Horsham’s Battle of the Bands 2015 has been hailed as a success after rock ’n’ roll fans enjoyed a sun-drenched weekend in the Human Nature Garden, Horsham Park.
Organisers from left: Sam Albrow (High Gain), Rebecca Thompson (Sussex Soundhouse), Sam Clayton (Malt Shovel landlord) and Jamie Stanley. Picture by Lawrence SmithOrganisers from left: Sam Albrow (High Gain), Rebecca Thompson (Sussex Soundhouse), Sam Clayton (Malt Shovel landlord) and Jamie Stanley. Picture by Lawrence Smith
Organisers from left: Sam Albrow (High Gain), Rebecca Thompson (Sussex Soundhouse), Sam Clayton (Malt Shovel landlord) and Jamie Stanley. Picture by Lawrence Smith

The venue pulled in the crowds on both Saturday and Sunday, August 8 and 9, as musicians fought each other at the annual contest’s grand finals.

The competition was divided into three categories – covers, originals and acoustic.

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The covers winners were Catfish (first place), Flying Low (second), Valdezz (third) and The Girl Who Cried Wolf (People’s Choice).

Organisers from left: Sam Albrow (High Gain), Rebecca Thompson (Sussex Soundhouse), Sam Clayton (Malt Shovel landlord) and Jamie Stanley. Picture by Lawrence SmithOrganisers from left: Sam Albrow (High Gain), Rebecca Thompson (Sussex Soundhouse), Sam Clayton (Malt Shovel landlord) and Jamie Stanley. Picture by Lawrence Smith
Organisers from left: Sam Albrow (High Gain), Rebecca Thompson (Sussex Soundhouse), Sam Clayton (Malt Shovel landlord) and Jamie Stanley. Picture by Lawrence Smith

The originals winners were Team New Band (first), One Click Malice (second), Bedhed and Fruitcake (joint third) and Bedhed (People’s Choice).

The acoustic winners were: Jodie Munday (first), Hollie Rogers (second), Mark Ben-Wilson (third) and Danny Dangerously (People’s Choice).

Heavy metal enthusiasts were catered for on Saturday with a headline gig from 2012 BotB winners Killing Vegas, complete with a sparking display from two women wielding angle grinders.

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The weekend also featured a bar and food vendors, as well as circus workshops for kids.

Team New Band. Picture by Lawrence SmithTeam New Band. Picture by Lawrence Smith
Team New Band. Picture by Lawrence Smith

Speaking on Sunday, before the acoustic finals, organiser Jamie Stanley (aka Stan or Mailman) said the festival had been fantastic.

“It’s been a really, really good turnout,” he said. “The bands have all been great and it’s just been beautiful weather.”

He continued: “The performances were great and I think the right bands won as well. Two great bands, Catfish and Team New Band, are deserved winners, definitely.”

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Stan also thanked the sponsors of the event, including Horsham District Council, the Horsham District Live Music Alliance, Sussex Soundhouse, Funktion One, Aardvark AV, High Gain Event Services and all the individuals who made it possible.

Catfish. Picture by Lawrence SmithCatfish. Picture by Lawrence Smith
Catfish. Picture by Lawrence Smith

Speaking to the County Times, Team New Band said they were amazed to win the originals contest because of the fierce competition.

Mark Docherty, lead vocalist, said: “It’s a real pleasure to win and it’s a fantastic organisation. So many people have done so many great things to bring it to everyone.”

“It’s also really nice that people are supporting live music,” he added.

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Paul Long, keyboardist for Catfish, said: “What I thought was great was to see so many young bands playing.”

“That’s what I always like to see,” he continued. “It’s a very good afternoon for live music when you’ve got these young kids playing and everybody turning out.”

Visit www.horshambotb.co.uk to find out more about the competition or enter next year’s event.

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