9.97°C On Tuesday night, Colchester’s Battle of the Bands 2025 took place at Three Wise Monkeys. The competition, which provides an important platform for emerging artists, concluded with joint winners for the first time: Pulse and The Four Humours.
I hear both winning bands delivered outstanding performances, securing a slot at Brightlingsea Music Festival, a recorded single at Black Cactus Studio, and £450 each from the prize fund. Panic Attack was awarded runner-up and received 10% of the door takings.
Beyond the competition, the event raised £600 for Brightlingsea Free Music Festival, ensuring continued support for a long-standing event that provides opportunities for new and established artists alike.
Unlike many events of this scale, Battle of the Bands operates entirely without external funding. It is driven by the dedication of local bands, AJ Jones of Black Clactus Studios/TWM Live, music teachers, volunteers from Brightlingsea Free Music Festival, and supporters of Colchester’s live music scene – bands and ticket buyers.
The event is further supported by Three Wise Monkeys Colchester, whose contribution ensures that over 20 emerging bands can perform in front of more than 1,000 people in the city centre during the competition.
The competition’s finalists – Pulse, The Four Humours, Panik Attack Heartlake, Noiseless, and Bliss – each delivered performances worthy of recognition, underlining the wealth of musical talent coming through right now. Additionally, Filip Rodak’s warm-up set was well received.
Beyond the awards and performances, this Battle of the Bands is ultimately about providing a platform for young musicians to develop, perform, and be part of a growing creative community. Every ticket purchased directly supports this initiative, reinforcing the importance of live music in Colchester.
With continued support, events like this will ensure that new artists have the opportunity to take to the stage, refine their craft, and contribute to Colchester’s vibrant music scene for years to come.
