AN event for new bands to showcase their talents will celebrate its first birthday tonight.

The Junction, organised by SCN Promotions at Darlington Arts Centre, has been the only established live outlet for local unsigned bands in the town throughout the past year, showcasing bands and DJs such as Unlearn, The Fray, Flip Da Script and DJ Rukuz.

Stone Coda, Hundred Days Over, Si Kelly and Black Liquor will all be performing, along with DJ Overground, who will be playing a selection of new-indie and rock, mixed with some exclusive tracks from some of the best unsigned acts in the area.

The monthly event was started by SCN to give Darlington bands an opportunity to perform after many venues in the town stopped allowing live music.

The birthday celebration, which starts at 8pm, will take place in The Ballroom rather than the regular Garden Bar, meaning that the capacity for the event has gone up to 200 compared to the usual 100.

Reflecting on the success of the past 12 months, SCN's Greg Wayland said: "More than 30 bands and DJs have performed since we started in June last year.

"We have kept to our policy of not having the same band play twice, and allowing acts of all genres to take part. We get a buzz out of giving young bands the chance to play live, even if it is their first time in front of an audience. It is also good in the way that we can allow younger audiences (14-plus) to enjoy music in a safe environment."

Tickets are £2.50. For more information log onto w.scnpromotions.com

Published: 28/05/2004