Lauren storm into next round (From This Is Wiltshire)

Lauren storm into next round

1:40pm Friday 19th February 2010 in

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Young West Wiltshire band Lauren are through to the regional final of the nationwide Live & Unsigned competition.

The band had to travel to Cheltenham for their X Factor-style auditions, before a panel of judges, on Valentine’s Day.

“ It was clearly love at first sight,” joked a happy Jack Lewis, their 14-year-old Melksham drummer.

“We had been asked to prepare a two-minute song, so we were all a bit shocked when they stopped us after just over a minute into the track.”

The band performed a short version of Crash & Burn, written by guitarist James, 15, and vocalist Lauren, 14.

“The next round song choice is going to be even trickier,” warned guitarist Joe, 20, and bassist Tariq, 17. “We have a maximum time of three and a half minutes to perform both a cover and an original.”

If successful again, there will be two more rounds to get through to reach the 02 Arena grand final.

Promoter Mel Austin, who recruited the band for singer/songwriter Lauren just before Christmas, said: “There’s a long way to go yet, but I’m really pleased for them. It’s easy to forget they are very young and this was only their third public performance.”

The public is invited to the next round on March 27 at The Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham. The gig starts at 3pm with some 20 bands taking part. Tickets at £7.50 are on sale from band members or Mel on 01225 705866.

To warm up, they’ll be playing The Old Bear in Staverton, near Trowbridge, on March 26, with three others acts also on the bill.