The West Midlands’ most talented unsigned bands are being urged to battle it out for the chance to make it big in the music world.

Wolverhampton Civic Hall bosses are on the lookout for musicians to sign up for the next prestigious Battle of the Bands contest.

Bosses are expecting more than 100 bands to take part in the contest, which was launched in its original form 15 years ago.

Among those who have already signed up are Dudley-based band Signify, who played their first gig with its full line-up during the contest last year and made it through to the finals. The rock band recently won a similar contest featuring other groups from across the country and has now been invited to perform in New York.

The latest competition will run from January 7 through to April.

A website will be set up during the competition featuring an interactive on-line voting system, giving listeners the chance to nominate their favourite band. Bands will have to impress judges, and viewers watching the live web stream to progress to the next round. The band which receives the highest number of votes from people viewing over the internet will be given automatic wildcard entry to the finals.

The last winners were indie pop band CCL, based in Shropshire. The group played a celebration gig in Claverley after the win and have since recorded a debut record.

Jonn Penney, Civic Halls spokesman, said: “This is a great chance for the multitude of local bands crying out for a venue to play in and an opportunity to show off their talent. We are especially excited at the prospect of hosting next year’s competition at our new venue.”

Let battle commence

* The first round of heats start on January 7 at the new Little Civic, in Broad Street

* The finals are set to take place in April at the Wulfrun Hall

* Winners will bag a £1,000 prize and their very own bespoke website run by Surge Music. They will also win a recording session at M2 Studios and a professional photo shoot

* Anyone wishing to sign up to Battle of the Bands 2010 should email Phil@wolves civic.co.uk