SIMMONS Park became Okehampton's very own 'Mini-Glastonbury' as the Battle of the Bands 2009 reached it's climax at the Grand Final recently, with victory for 'The Sum Of' from Bude.

A huge crowd of all ages gathered in the park to enjoy a feast of live music, colourful sideshows, tasty food and the biggest inflatable slide we have ever seen!

Organiser Richard Appleby was particularly pleased to see so many extended groups of families and friends in the park and added: "I think it is very important for people to get together in company like this and to celebrate some of the good things in life. It is easy to lose sight of simple values in our stress-filled world and for me at least, music and community spirit make the world a much better place."

There were six bands on the bill who had all won their places by qualifying at the heats. The 2009 series had produced the strongest line-up ever, and each of the Big Six were worthy of victory.

First to play were 'Half Price Waffles' from Exeter, the youngest band of the night with the toughest job to do. From the start they showed a class and maturity beyond their years with a tight, well-rehearsed set of rather darker material than we saw at their heat. Featuring a young lady just 15 years old on lead vocals, the Waffles set a high standard for others to follow.

Next-up four-piece Jonny Black from Barnstaple continued from where they had left off in the heats. Driving, thinking-man's punk plus the dynamic stage presence of vocalist Butters (fabulously charismatic and a great mover as well!) got the crowd on their feet as the sun went down.

'The Sum Of"' feature forked-bearded vocalist Ralf, backed by John Bluett (vocals, lead guitar), Wes Hutchinson (bass, piano) and Paul Feasey (drums). They generated an incredibly tight and energy-filled performance, which reached out to all parts of a very diverse audience - think of a heavier Coldplay, and a funkier Led Zeppelin! They had that rare quality of unity where the whole is indeed greater than 'the sum of' the parts.

From Exeter, Sunshine Getaway came bouncing onto the stage with all their trade mark energy and orange hair in place.

Band after band had continued to raise their game on this outstanding night of live music, and Go Green Monkey really had to pull out all the stops to stay in touch — no problem, that's exactly what they did.

By contrast, 'The Sam Dowden Band' from North Devon were predominantly semi-acoustic, with a more organic and considered sound.

Once again, the judges had the nigh-on impossible task of putting the bands into some kind of order, but to their eternal credit this they managed to do — in first place, 'The Sum Of,' who chose a recording session presented by Aardvark Studios at Sourton.

Second were the 'Sam Dowden Band' who selected an electric guitar donated by Richards Time Machine mobile disco. In third place, 'Jonny Black.'

Richard added: "With the formalities over, the rest of the evening belonged to Special Guest Band 'Staid as Quo' who delighted the audience with their hugely enjoyable set of classic Status Quo hits. The moon rose over the scene and added to the light show as we were 'Rocking all over the Park' - see you next year!"