Ashton Sixth Form College recently hosted the first Battle of the Bands for local school pupils in years 10 and 11. The event was a huge success with live music and DJ performances from music and music technology students from the college including “Masquerade” and “Pretty in the Head”.

The winning band “Faster Than Lightning” were made up of Brandon Smith-Warner (Vox & Guitar), Adam Fendall (Guitar), Hasmat Kolchar (Bass) and Sam Hulme on Piano all from Audenshaw School and performing original material.

“Faster Than Lightning” will receive recording time in the newly refurbished recording studio at Ashton Sixth Form and the resulting demo will receive GUARANTEED AIRPLAY ON TAMESIDE RADIO! Students from Audenshaw school will also be offered the chance to take part in a workshop in the college’s recording studio.

“These Charming Men and Ben” from Audenshaw and Wright Robinson school came very close to snatching the win with their awesome rendition of The Arctic Monkeys ‘I Bet You Look Good on The Dancefloor’. ‘These Charming Men’ were Benluca Bettoni (Guitar & Vox), Cameron Bromly (Guitar) and Saha Black (Drums).

A big shout also goes to “Critical Acclaim” for having the determination and courage to perform as only 2 of their 5 members could make it on the night, despite this they impressed staff, students and the audience with their paired down sound.

A massive thanks to all the bands, staff and students for making the event a huge success, especially to Music and Performing Arts technicians, Jon Ellis and Adam Flynn.