Tickets are selling quickly for The Northern Echo's music contest final gig, on Friday.

More than half the 170 tickets to the Big Chance play-off have been sold, and organisers are anticipating a sellout.

In the final, Jamie Sample, Ask My Cat, Freerunner and The Modes will compete for a prize of time in Sanity Multimedia's recording studio in Stockton, 100 CDs pressed, artwork provided by House of Type, and funds towards artwork printing.

The competition, presented in association with TFM Radio, attracted more than 64 entries from bands and solo artists from the region.

Revolution web editor Sean Leonard said: "The four finalists are all very different in their styles and, in my view, are equally gifted.

"The job before the judges will not be easy."

Judges will announce the winner after the four finalists have each played a 20 to 30-minute set.

The judging panel is Steve Wales, from Music Zone, Sean Leonard, Neil Walker, from Stockton Arc, Jen Laycock, from The Forum, Darlington, and Matt Emmerson, of TFM Radio.

The Big Chance is sponsored by Music Zone, Blackett Hart and Pratt, Direct Clothes, and Fourth Chamber.

The final will be presented by TFM DJ Cara Pattison and will take place at The Forum, in Borough Road, Darlington. Doors will open at 7.30pm. Tickets are £4, available on (01325) 505269.

The Revolution site is at www.thisisrevolution.co.uk

Published: 18/09/2004