Over 100 students have been involved in the 3 categories - Factor X, Classical Brits and Battle of the bands. Round one began in early January and it has been even harder than last year to get to the list of semi-finalists! The final 8 in each category performed lunchtimes on the 11th, 12th and 13th February in the hall to a student audience and panel of judges made up of teaching staff at Commonweal.

The final 4 of each category then performed on the evening of the 14th February in the Grand Final! This year the final fell on Valentine's evening which led to a 'love' theme for the competitors! The winners in each category will enjoy a day in a recording studio and a copy of their winning track on CD as well as a trophy.

The judges were Bill Mead, Heather Harris, Sue Derrick, Maz Wakefield and Steve Pugh. Also on the judging panel was Nick Beere from Mooncalf Studios in Chiseldon who are supporting the competition by offering the recording studio prize at a reduce rate. Thank you Nick for your help and support.

Winner in the vocalist category was Lauren Humphries. Instrumentalist was Matt Harris,who also recently won the Swindon Young Musician of the Year and the Battle of the Bands was won by Steaming Nina.

Congratulations to all who took part throughout the whole programme of events, it isn't an easy thing to perform infront of an audience. 

Click here to watch a video of the winners recorded by Ed White Yr 8.