IT 'S guitars at dawn as music-makers prepare to go head-to-head in a new and very democratic battle of the bands.

Organised by owner of Kendal music bar Dickie Doodles Shaun Bainbridge the event later this year sees a £1,000 PA system up for grabs.

"The battle of the bands has grown from our jam nights really," he explained. "It's sort of got everything going, lots of bands have been formed I thought there was lots of talent about and many bands could do with a hand."

The Kendal music man is hoping to get 20 local bands involved and the play-offs will see two bands go head-to-head in a series of knockout rounds until only the winners are left.

The system will, unusually, see bands voted for by the crowd no judges.

"I know a lot of people don't think it's fair when it's left down to a panel of judges," Shaun explained. "This way when people come along they'll be given a scorecard and we'll add up the points at the end of the night the crowd will decide."

The night is open to all genres and all age groups and Shaun hopes to see both fledgling and well-established bands stepping on to the stage.

"I don't care if it's a new band or a band that's been on the scene for many years," he said. "I'd like to see more experienced bands get involved, if anything, just to help give the younger ones more confidence."

"Any band from Cumbria can enter and, if it works, I'll do it next year and involve more pubs."

Interested bands should call Dickie Doodles on 01539-738480 or Shaun on 07989668854.