BATTLE of the bands kicked off this week with 36 bands thrashing it out in Stratford to win the competition. The 19-week musical competition held at Cox's Yard in Stratford offered 36 bands from far and wide to play to audiences with the winning band walking away with £3,000. The various bands featured at the yard, from heavy metal to pop played to audiences at Cox's Yard on Wednesday night. The competition which is in its fourth year now will sees bands with members from the ages of 14 to 36 thrashing it out each week to win first place in the contest. This year four runners-up will be awarded with a prize as well as the overall winner. To find out more about the battle of the bands competition contact Hannah MacDonald on 01789 404600 or Geoff Alan Jones on 01789 299038 at Cox's Yard.