The quest to play at Butserfest has begun with the first of four battle-of-the-band style concerts.

 The organisers of East Hampshire's biggest rock gig threw down the gauntlet to young bands to compete for a coveted spot on the stage through a series of minigigs called Butserquest.

Bordon hosted the first of the four events on Saturday night at the Forest Community Centre with five bands answering the challenge and facing an audience laced with Butserfest judges. 

Next week the search continues with a Butserquest gig at Alton Community Centre, on 27 June, and then two more in Petersfield, 4 July, and Horndean, 18 July.

Saturday's line-up kicked off with The Devil's Conspiracy, Portsmouth-based post-punkers with a confident stage presence.

Then came The Theory Of Six Degrees, from Grayshott and Surrey, with their tight sound and rocking tunes that got everyone in the crowd going.

Next was pop/punk three-piece Chubby Mother  with their blend of upbeat music and on stage humour.

They were followed by Flexability from Surrey, veterans of the Butserfest fields from last year. Their catchy tunes and youthful enthusiasm had even the harshest of judges tapping their feet.

The last band on were Lecarla (pictured) a five-piece band from Milton Keynes, who cite their influences as Paramore and Lostprophets. They impressed the judges with their high quality set and attitude.

The quest continues on to three more venues:
Alton Community Centre - Sat 27 June
Studio@TPS, Petersfield - Sat 4 July
Barton Hall, Horndean - Sat 18 July

All events start at 7.30pm and will finish at around 10pm.
Entry is only £2.