Portlights win place in Shropshire's Next Big Thing final

An indie band whose members originate from Shrewsbury and the Welsh border is the first group to win a place in the final of Shropshire's Next Big Thing.

Portlights swept into the final following the competition's first heat on Saturday at Oswestry's Ironworks. The gig featured three more bands: The Innocent, Misty Blue Trio and Fight The Dice.

Portlights singer David Schwarz said he was delighted that his trio had won and they would now be focusing on the final. He said: "It was a great start to the event. All of the bands that played were extremely good."

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Portlights were pushed close during the heat, with judges split on who should go through. The Innocent, fronted by former Shropshire Star Battle of the Bands winner Adam Howes, were close behind.

Competition organiser Andy Richardson said: "The bands exceeded expectation and the night was a great showcase of the best unsigned groups from our region. All four bands exceeded expectation and there were some seriously talented groups and musicians on the stage."

Portlights now go through to the competition final on July 22 at the Walker Theatre at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, while the remaining three bands could win a wildcard, following an online vote in July.

Portlights thrilled fans with masterly alternative indie anthems. The three band members combined vocals reminiscent of David Bowie and Black Francis, with the soulful instrumentation of early Radiohead and uplifting choruses similar to Arcade Fire.

The band have previously supported such artists as Miles Kane, The Automatic, The Boxer Rebellion, The Chapman Family, The Rifles, and performed at festivals such as BBC Big Weekend Fringe, Osfest and What Fest. They have also been interviewed on BBC Radio 1 and played by such DJs as Annie Mac and Nick Grimshaw.

Three further heats are planned, with Secret Year, Jump The Shark, Not Completely Blonde and Thompson Oldeman lining up this Saturday at The Haygate, in Wellington. Admission is £3 and bands will be on stage from 8pm.

The third and fourth heats will take place at The Hive, in Shrewsbury, on June 30, featuring The Making, Arcade Parade, Albert Jones and Ridolfi; and at Ludlow Assembly Rooms on July 8, featuring Twisted Species, Plastic Empire, Judas Johnson and Thin Vision.