A BLAZE of sunshine, a blare of horns and the first Y Rock festival got under way in Rowntree Park on Saturday.

Thirteen bands competed against each other in front of a crowd of more than 300, with Leeds outfit Saw Throats - whose lead singer, Karl Thompson, was the best vocalist on show - completing the roster.

New York St8 kicked things off with a slab of funk, brass and busy, intricate composition. But it was Helmsley band One Night Only that first got their sound together. Fronted by 13-year-old George Craig, this outfit belied their years with plenty of purpose in their music.

Sadly, the rain came down and the crowd dwindled - but those who remained were treated to some sharp performances. There was the powerhouse, staccato-effect sound of Unapproved, an impromptu but amiable set by Dillon Lyska, a pounding outing by Hedcage, a fine set by The Sigma - heavily influenced by the likes of The Coral, and the superb !ron!c turned things on with a set of blistering potential.

But the judging saw !ron!c miss out on the top three - with rockers My Friend Juliet in third after a performance which grew from a slow start. York pop outfit 3 Days Forward grabbed second after a sparky, lively set. Top place went to Pickering rockers Chu Ma Shu, after a performance rich in humour, warmth and emotion.

Lead singer Jake d'Alquen said: "I'm gobsmacked. But it was great to be playing here and meeting new people."

Organiser Sam Meegan, 18, lead singer with Unapproved, was disappointed with the weather, but pleased with how the event had gone.

He said: "It's a good experience. Everyone has appreciated all the bands that have played, which is really good."

Will there be a Y Rock 2? "If I can get the funding together, definitely."

Updated: 11:07 Monday, June 21, 2004