COULD YOU BE SOUTH YORKSHIRE'S NEXT ROCK SUPERSTAR?

STUDIO time, a single release and a support slot at one of South Yorkshire's top music venues are all up for grabs in a new talent contest.

The competition, named Ballot of the Bands is the brainchild of staff at Rotherham College of Arts and Technology's Roland Music Academy.

It will give aspiring bands the chance to rock out against the competition in front of a live audience, who will then be asked to vote via a ballot for their favourite performance.

The winner will receive £250 worth of musical equipment vouchers, an internationally-distributed single release and a supporting artist slot at Sheffield's O2 Academy.

The heats will be held in Rotherham, Sheffield and Barnsley and, to qualify, entrants are required to submit their demo, band name and contact information via email to [email protected] by Monday, October 12.

Entrants must be aged 14 and over.

All demo entries will be reviewed by a panel of music industry professionals, who will inform 15 bands that they have been chosen to perform in one of the three heats.

The most successful band from each heat will then go on to compete at the live final at Sheffield's O2 Academy.