Who will be crowned Band of the Year at Real Time Live, Chesterfield?

This week they will find out who will be crowned this year’s champion and walk off with a stack of prizes.

The big night of the year is at Real Time Live in Chesterfield on Wednesday, March 11.

Among the contenders will be Silverback, House Of Thieves, Fly On Byrd, Fly On, Firebomb, Black Thorn and Spitfire.

Firebomb at the Band of the Year semi-final

Casting their beady eyes over the competitors will be the following judges: Damon Down, songwriter and musician; Mark Black, guitar tutor and musician; Maria Harris, owner of TallBird Records; Ben Ibbotson, musician and frontman from last year’s winners Somewhat Unprepared.

The winners will walk off with the coveted Band of the Year trophy and a number of prizes.

Generous sponsors have donated the following prizes for the finalists:

Band goody bag from D’Addairo, including Evans drum heads, Pro-mark drumsticks and selection of strings;

Spitfire in the final of Band of the Year

£50 voucher from Matlock Music Shop;

Three rehearsal slots from Chesterfield Rehearsal Space;

A recording session from The Foundry Recording Studio;

Support slot at Real Time Live;

22ins cymbal case from Hard Case.

Real Time Live is at Marsden Street, Chesterfield, and doors will be open from 7pm. Admission £3.

Photos by Heather Burns of Rock Shots