Musical talent

The winners of South Lanarkshire’s annual Battle of the Bands have been crowned.

Run by the council’s Instrumental Music Service, 12 bands took part in this year’s event at Hamilton Town House.

The winners were Sheridan Theatre from Carluke High School, with Cory Sneddon winning outstanding instrumentalist for his drumming as part of Attack of the Stick Insects from Larkhall Academy.

The outstanding singer was Cristina McConville, the lead vocalist from Mush the Room from Duncanrig Secondary School.

Chair of the Education Resources Committee, Councillor Lynsey Hamilton, said:“Huge congratulations to the winners and everyone who took part in this year’s Battle of the Bands.

“It’s always wonderful to see our young people showing such unbelievable talent and I am sure many of them will continue making music for the rest of their lives.

“I know that the standard of performance was through the roof and the young people’s confidence was first class. Congratulations again to everyone involved.”

Instrumental music co-ordinator Elaine Duffy said:“We thought that last year’s Battle of the Bands was one for the memory books, but our rock and pop stars raised the bar yet again. It was thoroughly heart-warming to see our pupils supported by their adoring fans. We had dancing, singing, chanting and screaming (in a good way) – everything you would expect from an amazing rock gig.

“As always, thank you for the unstinting support you show to our young musicians, they could not benefit from this lifeaffirming experience without an audience.”