THIS year's Sounds Like Summer band competition has been gathering speed in recent weeks, as the closing date for submissions grows ever closer.

The Alley Theatre in conjunction with the Strabane Chronicle, is offering musicians both young and old of any genre, the chance to star in their very own music video via the 'Sounds Like Summer' band competition.

Sounds Like Summer is offering 16 acts the opportunity to compete for an essential prize for any aspiring act - the chance to professionally record an original song and shoot a music video.

The competition will take the form of four outdoor concerts on the Alley's new Piazza, which will decide who will perform in the grand final. All 16 participants will receive £100 towards the cost of transport, while the four Sounds Like Summer finalists will receive a further £200 each.

Performances will be held on August 8 and 9 and on August 15 and 16, with the winning act being announced on the evening of the Sounds Like Summer final on August 22.

To enter, acts are invited to forward a short artistic CV and sample CD. The CD must contain at least one original composition by the artist/band. Submissions must be received by the Alley by Friday, June 20 at 4pm.

The Alley and the Chronicle are hoping to make this an annual event, however the response to this year's music marathon will determine the future of Sounds Like Summer.

So local bands are urged to make their entries original, make them different and most of all, make them count. Get recording today and hopefully you will be joining the cream of the local talent in competing for this brilliant opportunity.

To receive an information pack, including competition schedule, contact Pauline O'Neill at the Alley on 02871 884760 or email poneill@strabanedc.com. Meanwhile, packs can also be obtained from the Alley or the Strabane Chronicle office.