A WINCHESTER band will perform in front of their biggest audience yet at a Hampshire music competition this weekend.

Rift have already made a name for themselves after performances at The Railway in Winchester and the Joiners in Southampton, and now will bring their heavy metal sound to Thornden Hall for the Hampshire Battle of the Bands final.

Made up originally of three 15-year-old Year 10 Westgate School pupils – Alex O’Connor, drums, Tom Spriggs, guitar, Emma Rowland, lead vocals and guitar – the band has a new member, Alfie Marles, 15, to fill the spot of a bassist.

He also plays with Unmentioned, and joined Rift just last week.

Alex said the foursome are looking forward to the contest.

“We’re nervous but we are getting in as much practice as possible, to give ourselves the best chance,” he said.

“We are excited as well. We have always wanted a bassist, and Alfie really completes our sound.”

They will be competing for the title ‘Best Young Band in Hampshire 2014’ in the Hampshire Music Service contest this Sunday.

They have just released their first EP, Hollow Point, and will also be playing at City Behaviour Festival at Winchester City Football Club on August 24.

Tickets for the contest cost £7, or £5 concessions, and are available from the Box Office on 023 8024 6555.