Thousands raised by Harpenden Battle of the Bands competition

The Battle of the Bands, which took place at Harpenden Public Halls, was organised by Harpenden Lions with Izzy Johnston and McBusted’s Harry Judd to raise money for the Eyes Alight Appeal for the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust (BIRT).

Georgia Horsley, Harry Judd and Danny Jones

In addition to celebrity presenter Georgia Horsley and judges Harry Judd, Chantal Abel, Edd Gibson and Ed MacFarlane, the audience of over 320 were treated to a surprise guest appearance by another of Harry Judd’s band mates Danny Jones, who joined the judging panel.

The Whales, from St George’s School, whose members are aged 12 and 13, won the prize for ‘Best Cover Performance’. Godfrey, with band members from both Roundwood Park School and Sir John Lawes School, won the award for ‘Best Original Composition and Performance’.

The other bands taking part were ATLAS and Threshold both from Roundwood Park School, the Blue Tongued Skinks from Beaumont School St Albans, and Red Horizon from St George's School.

The judges complimented all of the bands on outstanding performances and said that it had been very difficult to choose the winners.

In his concluding remarks Harry Judd said that the judges had enjoyed the event so much that they would love to return for another Battle of the Bands in 2015.

The money raised will go towards new facilities at Kent House in Aylesbury, a specialist residential centre providing continuing rehabilitation and specialist care and support for people with acquired brain injury.

The Eyes Alight appeal was set up by Miss Johnston and her family after her brother Rupert Johnston suffered serious brain injury in a near fatal car accident.

Rupert, who is a resident at Kent House, attended Battle of the Bands with his carer, celebrated his birthday on Saturday and was treated to a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday from the audience before drawing the winning raffle prize numbers.