**LIVERPOOL SOUNDZ LAUNCHES SECOND EDITION OF BATTLE OF THE BANDS KICKING OFF JAN 2027** **ROUND 3, HEAT 2** After a successful inaugural edition in 2026, including coverage from The Guide Liverpool and Wirral Globe, Liverpool promoter The Good Times are set to return with their second battle of the bands competition next January. The contest invites North West-based bands from all musical genres to compete at venues across the city, with the chance to win cash prizes and press support. Across 4 rounds, 32 bands will go head-to-head to fight for the title of Liverpool's most exciting new act on the live circuit. Bands will be selected by the public voting for their favourites after each round of performances, supported by a panel of local industry professionals who will judge each act based on a number of criteria and ensure finalists are selected on musical merit as well as crowd appeal. The Good Times have linked up with four of Liverpool’s favourite venues for this edition, with early rounds taking place across Tunnel, District, and Rough Trade, while the finale will be hosted by Camp & Furnace. There will be a huge cash prize pot £1000 for the winning act who will also win help with press via a bespoke press release from renowned Music PR company, Sonic PR. All finalists will also win a cash prize. Applications are open now. Bands based in Merseyside/the North West can apply to take part here >> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc3YxsfaBTL2y435-9jU2yC_ruiIzG87rVOukNHpoiqlFjRNg/viewform The deadline to apply is 30th October. The competition aims to platform new voices on the Merseyside music scene and provide an entryway for Liverpool Soundz to support emerging artists. Drawing on years of experience in live events and a strong international network, Liverpool Soundz is a passion project dedicated to expanding opportunities for local artists and celebrating the region’s distinctive talent. The Good Times will consider bands for future support slots, including bookings for their Fresh Finds new band showcases at Rough Trade and all-dayers So Long Good Friday and Loud & Clear. Founder Craig McVeigh says: “We want to highlight the musical diversity of the city of Liverpool and are looking forward to helping to discover the next big thing to come out of the area."