LOCAL musicians are being given the chance to play alongside headline acts in front of thousands of music lovers in a Battle of the Bands.

Former Snow Patrol member Mark McClelland will help judge the winners of the contest, who will play at a concert at Musselburgh Racecourse to mark next year’s Riding of the Marches (ROTM).

The Gig At The Grandstand, next July, will showcase the winner chosen from bands and solo performers who can take part in the competition, alongside big-name acts.

McClelland, co-founder, bass guitarist and songwriter with hit band Snow Patrol, has agreed to judge the two heats and the final, which will be held at The Brunton on Friday, October 9 this year.

Kerra McKinnie, chairperson of the entertainment committee for ROTM 2016, said: “We are really fortunate in Musselburgh to have a talented pool of young artists and this event will give them all a chance to showcase their work.

“We want to provide something for everyone in the town and beyond and thought that this would be a great opportunity to appeal to young people. We would like to thank Mark for agreeing to be one of our judges.” Organisers are in discussion with bands to headline the Gig At The Grandstand.

McClelland, who won a prestigious Ivor Novello Award for his work on Snow Patrol’s breakthrough album Final Straw, is now performing with Glasgow-based Memory Man.

He said: “I’m really happy to be involved with the Riding of the Marches Battle of the Bands; I think the prize of a day’s recording and the concert slot will be a great way for the winners to make a step forward in their careers.

“I hope my love for leftfield and independent music will bring a good balance to the judging and present an opportunity for those making more ‘out there’ music to come along and be heard. No Snow Patrol covers please.” The first heat for the contest will be held at Edinburgh College CRE:8 Auditorium on Friday, September 4, and will be followed by heat 2 at Queen Margaret University Student Union on Friday, September 11.

The only restriction on bands entering the competition is they must be 26 or under and entry forms can be found at www.rom2016.co.uk/events.html The Riding of the Marches happens once every 21 years in Musselburgh and dates back to 1682, but is believed to go back centuries earlier. It is a week-long celebration and pageantry and celebrates the ancient boundaries of the burgh.

The official party – under the close protection of the armour-clad town champion – tour 12 boundary stations around the town to cut a sod turf and proclaim “it’s a’oor ain!”.