Dumbarton’s Waterside Inn is giving local musicians a platform to showcase their skills - and win a collection of top prizes – when they host their first battle of the bands event next week.

The live music night on December 14 is in aid of a Christmas lunch to feed less fortunate members of the community and will give bands and singer/songwriters the chance to win a paid gig in the pub, as well as a full day’s recording at Transmission Room Studios in Clydebank and a photo shoot.

Gary McInnes, general manager at the Waterside Inn, said: “There are a lot of talented musicians, bands and solo artists in Dumbarton and over the last few months we have been trying to give them a platform by holding gigs on Sundays.

“We have had up and coming artists in regular slots and their confidence has been rising by playing in a busy venue.

“So we decided to have a battle of the bands night and we have had a fair amount interested. Every bit of hard work organising it is down to our assistant manager Sophie Davies, who is also a musician.”

As of last Friday, Gary was only looking for two more bands or artists to sign up to take part.

He added: “The judges are Paul Callanin from Dancing with Dakota, Alan Jones, who was a guitarist and songwriter with the Shakes in Dumbarton and then The Holy Pistol Club, Robert McCain who owns Big Sparra Vinyl in Dumbarton East and Paul Shearer who still plays locally and is very talented.”

Dancing with Dakota will be performing an acoustic set and judge Paul will also be performing on the night.

It will, however, not just be the best band and best singer/songwriter and overall winner picking up some top prizes, but also the audience – all of whom will receive a number when they arrive, with a prize giveaway during the evening.

The event starts at 6.30pm. All spectators must buy a ticket. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 for under 18s. All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult and will be asked to leave at 10pm. Buy tickets at watersideinndumbar ton.com or at the pub.