CERTIFIED 2005, the band contest at Certificate 18 in Gillygate, York, will kick off on June 22 and run until October 28.

Application forms are available from the venue, and bands requiring further details can contact event organiser Phil Gallagher at philflow88@hotmail.com. All applications must be submitted before May 31, in writing, to Certified 2005, c/o Phil Gallagher, Certificate 18, 54 Gillygate, York.

"This year promises to be just as exciting as 2004 as the prizes grow in size and stature," says Phil.

"Not only is a £1,000 cash prize from Certificate 18 on offer, but the winner can look forward to three days in a state-of-the-art recording studio, courtesy of Cube Media, and a year's contract with No-Code Music, just for starters. Many more sponsors are joining the throng with generous offers day in, day out, and many more are welcome."

Explaining his commitment to showcasing new music, Phil says: "I'm not content with the rest of the world believing that Shed Seven and the Seahorses are 'it' as far as York's contribution to the music industry goes."

Certified 2005 will comprise two sets of heats, the semi-finals, a wild-card play-off and the late-October final. The final will feature a celebrity judge, whose identity is a closely guarded secret. The first two sets of rounds will be 50 per cent audience vote, 50 per cent judges' vote; the semi-finals are judges' decision only, as are the wild-card play-off and the final.

Updated: 16:15 Thursday, May 05, 2005