BattlevsOf The Bands
One night in Rockhampton. Original bands only, any genre, judged live in front of a paying crowd. No heats, no rounds — everyone plays, one winner takes the trophy.
Battle
Night
- Date
- Fri 27 Aug 2027
- Venue
- Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
- Starts
- 6:30pm
- Entry
- Adult $24 / Concession | Student $19
How the night works
One night in Rockhampton. Every band gets one shot at the stage — the judges and the crowd decide the winner before the night's out.
Original Bands
CQ bands of any genre take the stage, one after another, for a 15-minute set each.
Any Age
Open to all ages — under-18 acts just need a signed guardian consent form.
Backline Supplied
Drum kit, bass amp and guitar amps are provided so changeovers stay fast.
Score Card
40% crowd vote on the night, 60% judges — musicianship, songwriting, stage presence.
Live Tally
Scores are tallied during changeovers, so the room feels every point.
Crowned On The Night
No heats, no second night — the Battle of the Bands champion is announced on stage before the crowd goes home.
Trophy & Prizes
Cash, studio time and bragging rights, handed over right there on stage.
Countdown to Battle Night
Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton — Friday 27 August 2027.
What's on the line
One night, one winner — the champion takes the lot.
Cash prize plus two paid festival support slots across the CQ region in 2028.
Professional recording session at a Rockhampton studio, for the Battle Night winner.
Voted on by the crowd on the night — a separate prize from the judges' decision.
Enter your band
- 01Original materialAt least 2 of your 3 songs on the night must be originals. Covers are fine as the third.
- 02Any genre, any ageRock, hip hop, country, metal, acoustic — all welcome. Under-18 acts need a guardian signature.
- 033-song set15 minutes on stage, changeover included. Backline drum kit and amps provided.
- 04$20 entry feeCovers your stage slot. Refunded in full if you don't get a set time.
Lock in your spot
Entries close two weeks before Battle Night. Spots are first-in, capped at 12 bands.
Questions from the pit
Everything bands and punters ask us every year.
Do we need to already have a following?
No. Judging is split 40% crowd vote on the night and 60% a judging panel, so a brand-new band has the same shot as a local favourite.
What gear is supplied?
The venue provides a backline drum kit, bass amp, two guitar amps, and full PA with monitors. Bring your own guitars, pedals, sticks, and anything genre-specific.
Are under-18 acts allowed?
Yes. Under-18 members need a signed guardian consent form, available when you register, and the show is licensed all-ages until 9pm.
How do we get tickets if we're not performing?
General tickets are on sale now. We'll never sell more than the Pilbeam Theatre's seated capacity.