YOUNG musicians are fighting for a chance to play at this year’s Copmanthorpe Carnival.

The bands of 11 to 18-year-olds are competing at a Circus Of Noise battle of the bands competition on Saturday to decide which local young talent will perform to thousands of people on the main stage at the annual festival.

Tadcaster Grammar School student Romy Gregory, who is organising the competition after holding a battle of the bands competition in Tadcaster in November, said: “Most of the other events are aimed at younger children and adults, so this is something for teenagers.” Bands from schools in and around York entered the competition, which is being held at The Global Centre in Acomb, at 6.30pm.

Six bands have been short-listed to go head to head: Sonic Tractor, Zebrabird, Shupadum, The Muskateer Is Dead, Ker Plunk! and One Way Street, which range from rock and pop to a one man “experimental act”.

The favourite, as voted by the audience, will play the first slot at the Copmanthorpe Carnival on July 2.

Robbie Stuart, front man of KerPlunk! said the competition was a great opportunity. “We would love the chance toshare the stage with Oceans on the carnival stage – a band we have admired and followed over the years,” he said.

Tickets cost £2.50 in advance from copmanthorpe.org.uk/carnival/2011/battle or £350 on the door.