Student band wins place in Shropshire's Next Big Thing final

A youthful ska quartet from Bishop's Castle has secured a place in the final of Shropshire's Next Big Thing after triumphing in the event's fourth and final heat.

Thin Vision won in a highly competitive heat at Ludlow Assembly Rooms that also featured Telford metal quartet Twisted Species, Snailbeach blues/rock trio Judas Johnson and Shrewsbury indie quartet Plastic Empire.

Thin Vision now join Portlights, Thompson Oldeman and Arcade Parade in the event's final on July 22 at the Walker Theatre, in Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury.

A fifth and final band will be selected as a wild card entry.

Thin Vision won the judge's vote during the final heat on Sunday, though wthe band was pushed hard by the others in the final. Afterwards, the group members they could not wait to play on July 22.

Singer Ollie Farr said: "We didn't expect to get through. We're thrilled."

The band comprises four GCSE students all aged under 16 who attend Bishop's Castle Community College. They play gigs most weekends and are appearing at a number of local festivals, including Sheep Music Festival, Landed Festival and Farmer Phil's. They have also played bigger venues, including the O2 academy in Birmingham.

Competition organiser Andy Richardson said: "The standard through all four heats has been exceptional and we've got a great final in prospect at the Walker Theatre, in Shrewsbury.

"Tickets are already on sale and they're selling pretty briskly. We're hoping that plenty of people from across the county will support the event. They'll be in for a treat because the standard of bands is excellent."

The winning band will open the bill at Shrewsbury Fields Forever, at the County Showground, in September, playing alongside star names during the region's biggest independent festival for indie, dance and rock music. It will also receive a free professional video shoot from event sponsor Furrows and a professional photo shoot.

Further details will be revealed in the run in to the final.

Tickets are available, priced £5, at www.theatresevern.co.uk or by calling (01743) 281281.