Horsham Battle of The Bands goes ahead

Against all 2020 odds, the 28th annual Horsham Battle of the Bands is going ahead on September 19 and 20 at Horsham’s REC Rooms.
Jamie ‘Stan’ StanleyJamie ‘Stan’ Stanley
Jamie ‘Stan’ Stanley

BOTB committee chairman and veteran of the competition Mark Daly said: “The venue has recently converted what used to be the site of the old laser quest under the bowling alley into a fully kitted out, much larger second room, complete with state of the art sound and lighting – perfect for safe, seated, socially distanced live music events.

“To be honest, at times it looked like Horsham BOTB wouldn’t happen this year. Major professional events had been pushed back into 2021 so what were our chances? Fortunately, our sponsors Woodstock IT stood by us and thanks to The REC Rooms we have a fully compliant COVID-19 secure venue. The bands are keen to put on a show, and we’re really looking forward to continuing the nearly 30-year unbroken Horsham BOTB legacy in 2020.”

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BotB committee secretary and event compere Jamie ‘Stan’ Stanley said: “This year’s BotB heats and finals were originally due to take place in July with a full compliment of bands – until COVID-19 stopped play.

“We really didn’t want to let the bands and local live scene down by postponing until next year, so since the easing of restrictions we’ve been trying to figure out how to stage it safely before the end of summer. We lost a few bands along the way, mainly due to lack of rehearsal time and space, and our usual outdoor venues proved to be less than cost effective post-COVID. But happily, The REC Rooms’ plan to expand their operation and re-open in September provided us with the perfect opportunity. We’ve had to dispense with heats, which is a shame, but we’ve got just enough acts for a stand-alone final in each of the three categories and, at last, a perfect home for them. So the show must go on!”

Cover Acts Competition (Sept 19):

12:00 – Doors open

13:00 – Stone Cold Sober

13:40 – Lease of Life

14:20 – Fat White Dukes

15:00 - The 19 Naughties

15:40 – Special Guest: Alter Ego (2019 winner)

16:30 – Results

Originals Bands Competition (Sept 19)

17:00 - DOORS OPEN

17:40 - Adalia

18:20 - The Doomsville 3

19:00 - Artaca

19:40 - Kosta D and the Fortune Tellers

20:20 - Soho Dukes

21:00 – SPECIAL GUEST: Machina (2019 winner)

21:50 - RESULTS

Acoustic Originals Competition (Sept 20)

13:00 – Doors open

14:00 – The Lord Lucans

14:40 – Antenna Shelley

15:20 – The Strum Loving Criminal

16:00 – Tony Whiting

16:40 - Danny Dangerously

17:20 – Rebecca French

18:00 – Nick T Band

18:40 – Special Guest 1: Liam Carter (joint 2019 winner)

19:30 - Results

19:40 – Special Guest 2: The Golgis (joint 2019 winner)

The cover acts winners will receive £250 cash. The original bands and acoustic originals winners will each receive an Audiobeach Studios single recording package, a single release with AWAL and a photoshoot with Chilledvondub-Photographic. Tables must be booked in advance. Tickets work out at between £2 and £3 per head (per session).

Face masks to be worn at the bar and when moving around.

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