All four finalists – You Will Fail, House on Fire, Population Four and Blackbird – told the Lancashire Evening Post they are raring to go – and each are determined to do their best to win what may be the last ever Lancashire Evening Post Battle of the Bands crown.

Organiser for the last five years, Des McIlroy, former owner of The Venue, Preston, where the contest is staged, is stepping down. Des left The Venue, in Lords Walk, off Church Street, Preston, in March this year. So the bands are acutely aware that this may be the last time the title is up for grabs.

Heavy metallers You Will Fail had their first ever gig at The Venue and believe that the Battle of the Bands final could be their most exciting show there yet.

Organiser Des said: "I've had an amazing time over the last five years and I truly believe this is the strongest final we've ever had. But now I think it needs to change and move on. I really hope the competition can do that."

The Lancahsire Evening Post Battle of the Bands Grand Final is tonight, Friday September 5, at The Venue, in Lords Walk, Preston, between Church Street and the bus station. Entry £5 and doors open 8pm.

* If you think you might be able to help the Battle of the Bands to continue, write to Judith Dornan at Lancashire Evening Post, Oliver's Place, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9ZA or email judith.dornan@lep.co.uk