JUDGEMENT day looms for local bands bands battling for a place on stage at this year's Bingley Music Live festival in Myrtle Park on the first weekend in September.

The final of the annual Emerging Talent contest takes place on Friday at The Exchange Music and Arts Venue, Russell Street, Keighley. Admission is free and the first band on stage is at 7pm.

The competition, hosted by the The Exchange in partnership with Bradford Council, has comprised of 24 acts over four heats.

These have been whittled down to eight acts, who will battle it out for four slots at the Council-run festival.

Two of the bands will get to play on the Main Stage over the weekend and two will appear on the Discovery Stage.

All the heats have been judged by representatives of Bingley Music Live who will also give the final verdict on Friday.

The eight finalists are: As Sirens Fall, Your Illuminations, Vanessa Maria, Voodoo Bats, Fling, Pusher, Sleepy Jake and the Duvets and Neon Dolls.

Andrew Wood, Bradford Council's Leisure Events Manager said: "The standard of bands over the heats has been brilliant which has made it difficult to select just eight bands for the final.

"I’d like to thank all the bands that entered this year’s competition and The Exchange for pulling it all together. ”

For tickets and more details visit www.bingleymusiclive.com