THE judgment day is almost upon us.

This weekend sees the culmination of the 2008 Essex Battle of the Bands competition at Eastwood School with a live final.

The five bands selected from 15 in the audition stages of the Echo-backed competition, will play live on Friday evening when a panel of judges will select the winners.

Eastwood School relaunched its Battle of the Bands competition for 2008 thanks to five aspiring musicians and entrepreneurs; Michael Bromfield, Lewis Foster, Sheila Lord, Tom Ratcliff and Ashleigh Winship.

The sixth formers organised the event, as part of their music studies, following the hugely successful event back in 2006 The five finalists; Caleb from Westcliff, Reissue from Benfllet, 4ft Pimp from Southend, Crimson Cross from Billericay and Great Dunmow's The 27 Club will be battling it out at the 2008 final in the hope of scooping the coveted title.

The winning band will also get their hands on a glittering a prize package including a day's recording at the BBC's Maida Vale studios and airplay on BBC Essex.

The final is in the Eastwood Studio Theatre, at Eastwood School, and starts at 7.30pm.

David Streames, a West End actor most notable for his appearance in Les Miserables, will be hosting the evening final and 2006 competition runners-up CB6 will be performing.

The judging panel includes Tom Keenan, lead singer in Southend band the Lucky Strikes, Echo features editor Claire Borley and John McIntosh, producer and station sound manager for BBC Essex.

For more information visit www.eastwoodbotb.co.uk Tickets cost £8 on sale from the school reception or by calling Susan Lynn on 01702 524341.