Ramsbottom's Shoehorn wins Greater Manchester Battle of the Bands

Five-piece indie outfit Shoehorn, whose members attend Woodhey High School, have won the Greater Manchester Battle of the Bands.

In the event at Manchester Academy 2 on Sunday, March 17, they played four original songs to an excited and energetic crowd to beat off competition from eight other talented young local bands.

Influenced by indie, Britpop and rock, they brought their "great tunes, energy and swagger" to the stage.

Shoehorn performing at the event (Image: Supplied)

Shoehorn, made up of Harry Rothschild, Jake Gaskell, Toby Storer and brothers Jack and Ethan Warburton, have been performing together for just over a year and are hoping the event "gives them regional exposure and acts as a stepping stone to more performances and a growing fan base".

They were chosen to represent Bury after winning the qualifying heat held by Bury Music Service at The Met in February.

That event featured guest judge Aziz Ibrahim, renowned for his work with The Stone Roses, and who commended the band on their performance, tipping them as ones to watch.

The grand final at Academy 2 was hosted by the Greater Manchester Education Music Hub.

Professor Andy Stott, head of the popular music course at the Royal Northern College of Music was impressed by the quality on show as he gave feedback on everyone’s performance before announcing Shoehorn as the winners.

Shoehorn’s charismatic lead singer Harry said: “Being able to perform at the Academy 2, was a dream come true for us, when you think of all the legendary bands that have stood on that same stage.

"We couldn’t believe we won against such tough competition, it was a great night with all the bands putting on an amazing show.

"The whole event was a celebration and showcase of local talent and we are so proud to have won the title and impressed the judge with our performance.

"We cant wait to see what comes next for us.”

As well as being supported on the night by friends and family, Shoehorn were also helped by mentors Kevin Wallace, head of guitar at Bury Music, and Mrs Gratrick, music teacher at Woodhey High School.