Wokingham

Budding Wokingham musicians are being invited to take part in a Battle of the Bands contest which is being organised by the Winnersh Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG).

The event, which is open to youngsters throughout Wokingham Local Police Area, will take place on January 18 with auditions being held at the Wokingham Youth Centre, in Reading Road, on December 8.

Pat Rowell, chairman of Winnersh NAG, said: “The major priority for the Winnersh NAG still remains anti-social behaviour and we are constantly looking at different ways we can engage with our young residents and help them to participate in worthwhile activities which can help them to find constructive futures.

“If the event is successful we hope to be able to arrange a family summer event.”

PC Emma Johnson, who arranges the popular Kaos nightclub events for Wokingham youngsters, (which was an original Winnersh NAG idea) is involved in the organisation of the contest along with Richard Ferguson from Wokingham Youth Centre and Penny Bradshaw from Forest School.

She said: “We realise that the Kaos events may not appeal to everyone and we think that it is important to look at arranging activities for other teenagers.

“There are a lot of young people playing in bands and we think it would be really good to give them the opportunity to play in a proper venue in front of a crowd.”

The competition is being supported by the Rotary Club of Easthampstead who are paying for the sound system at the event.

Their President Robin Wood, said: “It is nice to feel we can be involved in the development of the young people in the area through such things as a battle of the bands competition.

“This is an exciting new venture that deserves to be supported.”

Anyone wishing to take part in the Wokingham Battle of the Bands competition should contact Penny Bradshaw from the Winnersh NAG on 07766222646.

Thames Valley Police ~ Wokingham