JUST like Christmas, it comes around so quickly it takes us all by surprise! Yes, it s hard to believe that now is the time to get your entries in to the Red Stripe Cambridge Band Competition. Held at The Junction every Wednesday in March, this band comp

JUST like Christmas, it comes around so quickly it takes us all by surprise! Yes, it's hard to believe that now is the time to get your entries in to the Red Stripe Cambridge Band Competition.

Held at The Junction every Wednesday in March, this band competition is one of the most prestigious in the area.

The winning band will receive a cash prize of £1,000, the runners up will receive £400, both will be given recording and mastering time at a top local studio, other prizes will be announced nearer the time.

The bands will be judged by a panel of music industry professionals on their song-writing, musicianship and sign-ability - in other words, whether the judges think they can make a career out of music and sign that all important recording contract.

Last year's Band Competition saw the first ever three-way tie, with The Alex Harris Band eventually emerging as winners over Symbo and The Beards, but there was barely a hair's breadth between them.

2004 Winners, Lounge, underwent a name change and re-emerged in 2005 as New World Record.

They have now secured a management deal with Heavenly management and look set for great things. Their storming show at this year's In The City music industry bash in Manchester was really well received and we wait with baited breath to hear if they are going to get the elusive record deal that their music deserves.

Plus, of course, there'll still be the audience vote in each heat, where Red Stripe will provide the prize for the band that elicits the biggest Beer Cheer.

If you are in a band and you think you've got what it takes, get in touch with The Junction as soon as possible.

The competition is open to anyone playing original music from within Cambridgeshire or from within a 30 mile radius of Cambridge. Bands should enclose a demo CD of their original songs, a photo and band biography with their application form.

The chosen bands will be announced on Wednesday, January 10. The four heats will be held on each Wednesday throughout March 2007, the final on Wednesday, April 4.

INFORMATION: Download an application form The Junction website - www.junction.co.uk, ring 01223 511511, or email tickets@junction.co.uk or go to The Junction in Clifton Road, Cambridge (off Cherry Hinton Road near the Leisure Park) and pick one up.

The closing date for entries is 5pm Monday, January 8.