Bands battle it out for Ayr Racecourse slot

Dec 26 2008

UNSIGNED bands will get the chance to share a stage with some of music’s hottest acts.

The AYRPLAY contest is Scotland’s greatest battle of the bands competition. And the winning band will open next year’s Burns Rock at the Racecourse concert.

This year’s main stage was headlined by rock legends, Status Quo, who performed to a crowd of more than 7000 fans.

Bands have until January 16 to get their entries in before the 13-week competition starts in February, with heats being held at Ayr’s renowned live music venue, The Auld Hoose.

Producer Liz Hobbs revealed: “AYRPLAY aims to give bands throughout Scotland the opportunity to break into the local music scene and ultimately onto the world’s music stage.

“This year’s AYRPLAY competition proved to be hugely popular and AYRPLAY 2009 is already attracting interest with bands keen to win the chance to perform at Burns Rock at the Racecourse.”

Next year’s Homecoming Scotland celebrations mark the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns. And the burns an’a’That! Festival is now recognised as the largest cultural festival in the west of Scotland.

To enter the contest, visit www.ayrplay.co.uk or www.burnsfestival.com.