BOURNEMOUTH-based band Sirpico will be battling it out with other musicians from across the country for a chance to win a £1,000 cash prize and a chance to play alongside chart-topping Scottish rock band, Biffy Clyro.

After a nationwide search, Irish pub chain O’Neill’s has selected a handful of regional finalists out of hundreds of applicants in its search for the UK’s best new act as part of their Sound of Summer music competition.

Having triumphed in their local heats, Bournemouth band Sirpico, will be competing at one of the six regional finals taking place at O’Neill’s pubs across the country against the likes of country rock and pop band The Gareth Nugent Band and Electric Milk a five-piece rock band from Hampshire. Locals are invited to go along and show their support.

The six acts will take it in turns to perform at O’Neill’s Reading this Thursday, August 15.

They will then go on to battle it out with the five other regional winners from across country in the grand final, before the panel of expert judges crowns the national winner who will secure a three-date UK tour culminating in the opportunity to support chart-topping Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro at this year’s Jack Daniel’s Presents event in Birmingham.

James Ireson, marketing manager at O’Neill’s, said: “We were overwhelmed by the number of entries we had for Sound of Summer this year and this is definitely set to be our biggest one yet!

“The standard of this year’s entrants is higher than ever before. We’re so excited to be giving upcoming artists the incredible opportunity to perform alongside Biffy Clyro.”

For more details, see oneills.co.uk/soundofsummer