The Brook, Southampton, May 16 - 18

IT MAY not have the flash and dazzle of the Eurovision Song Contest, but, if you're a member of a local band, the Emergenza Battle of the Bands is every bit as exciting.

From Thursday at The Brook, you can see the second round of the contest.

The triumphant bands will go into the next round, which will be held in London, with the possibility of reaching the grand European final. On Thursday you can see The Final Score, Transition, Livewire, Monecristo, Dilutral, The Score and Six Bearded Fish. The line-up for Friday consists of Metropolis, Sacred Ace, Hidden Agenda, Dust, Spyderbaby, Counterpoint, The Elishe and RIG.

Finally, on Saturday, you can see Vynil Frontier, Hybris, Adria, Tamashi, Sounder, Lifestylers and The Tenterhooks. PG

Thursday to May 18. Tickets: £8. Box office: 023 8055 5366.