THE Gazette is giving local bands a chance to play on the big stage with a great competition.

At the start of the year Soundcheck ran a competition, in conjunction with the Colchester Arts Centre, to find a support band for top Colchester outfit Angry Vs the Bear and the response was so successful we ended up choosing two support bands, Manic Minor and This Blank Page.

Now we’ve teamed up with our friends at the town’s prestigious music venue once again to put on our very own night of some of the best musical talent around.

The Gazette’s Colchester New Music Night will take place on August 7 at the Colchester Arts Centre and we need three top local bands to take part.

So, if you fancy playing a venue that has hosted the likes of Coldplay, the Strokes and the Killers, then this is the competition for you.

All you have to do to enter is send in your most recent demo to: Neil D’Arcy-Jones, Gazette Soundcheck, 43 North Hill, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TZ. Entries to arrive no later than July 23.

A panel of judges will then choose the winning bands, who will then play the arts centre at our music night.

If you fancy seeing some of the best musical talent the town and surrounding area has to offer, then tickets are now on sale, priced £5, available from the box office on 01206 500900.

Alternatively, book online at www.colchesterartscentre.com