The Trinity Park Battle of the Bands is set to become an annual event after the success of Friday’s inaugural event.

Eight acts from secondary schools and colleges across the county took to the stage to perform at the evening, which aims to give up-and-coming musicians a chance to perform to hundreds of people in a professional venue.

Among the bands performing were Halley’s Comet from Ipswich School, Whipped Cream from Alde Valley Academy and Urban Fall from Westbourne Academy.

The night also featured solo performers including Leon O’Leary from Saxmundham Free School, Ella Crowther and James Noble from One, Georgie Allen from Ipswich School and Tom Phelan from Kesgrave High School.

Georgie Allen scooped the ‘Most potential’ award, winning a singing lesson from judge Martin Warden, while Whipped Cream won the indie rock category – their prize being a Town 102 tour courtesy of judge Wayne Bavin.

Leon O’Leary won the acoustic category for the Town 102 tour, as well as honours for best overall performance which was rewarded with a studio tour and meeting with record producer judge Cenzo Townsend, who has worked with Tom Jones and the Kaiser Chiefs.

Organiser Leanne Carhart from Trinity Park said: “The judges were blown away by the talent of the students, it made their job a lot tougher than they first thought!

“The bands were a real asset to their schools and they all showed such enthusiasm and professionalism.

“Trinity Park hope to make this an annual event as it is a great opportunity for our local bands to experience performing in front of a large audience and to receive comments from professionals such as Cenzo, Wayne and Martin.”