The entry date for Battle of the Bands has been extended to allow bands more time to register for the competition, offering a prize worth more than £1,000.

Applications must now be in by Saturday, March 13, giving local musicians one extra week to enter.

Owner of the Fusion music venue, Neil Stevenson said: “We have had six entries so far. We would like 12 in total, so we have decided to extend the entry date by a week to give bands a little bit more time to register.”

The overall prize includes everything that is necessary for bands with ambition, including a recording session, photo shoot, and an all-expenses paid trip to Glasgow to play in King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut.

One of Scotland’s most popular music venues, King Tut’s is the place to perform. Musicians hoping to make it in the music industry claw their way around Scottish venues in the hope of finally getting a foot in the door there.

Known as a regular spot for talent scouts, it has helped some of the biggest stars in music make their names, including Britpop rockers Oasis.

Another perk of the prize is a chance to build up your portfolio. Every band should have a demo, and publicity photographs behind them, as many places will not book an act without these. Even if your ambition is simply to play in venues outside of Orkney, you will need both of these.

The prize will include all of the above, and a trophy to mark the occasion.

The competition, sponsored by The Orcadian, is open to anyone in Orkney, whatever the composition of their musical outfit.

Everyone from solo acts to full-size bands will be in with a chance, and all are urged to enter, even if just for fun. It is also a competition for people of all ages, and any musical style is welcome.

All acts must play a 20 minute set, including at least one original song. Neil hopes that this stipulation will not deter local bands who had hoped to enter, but he believes that original material is the way forward for musicians who hope to make it.

Battle of the Bands will be judged by four judges, including a representative from DF Concerts, the people behind T in the Park. Bands will be judged on presentation, content, crowd response and the ‘X factor’.

Bands who enter only need to provide their instruments – the club will provide all drums, PA, lighting, and microphones.

Any effects pedals for guitars and bass guitars should be provided by the entrants themselves, and drummers should take their own bass drum pedal and drumsticks. There is no registration fee and entries must be returned to Grooves by Saturday, March 13.