Dead Patrol, the quartet of Tom Palmer, Barney Monger, Pete Gurd and Tony Walker, are through to the final which will take place on Saturday, October 18.

They triumphed over fellow bands, Manza, Distorted View, Highwayman’s Hitch and Failing Stacy after winning the judges’ vote.

A second band could still go through to the final after the outcome of an audience vote.

Town councillor Keith Bovill, chairman of the Battle of the Bands committee, said: “Once again, heat two presented a wide range of genre with something for all musical tastes.

“The stage setting and lighting has been dramatically improved this year and this has created an excellent platform for the bands.”

While crowds have been increasing for the event, organisers are hoping for more people to attend the third heat this Saturday.

The event is supported by Newmarket Town Council and showcases mucial talents of the region’s rock bands.

A £500 first prize will be awarded to the winning band as well as studio time to record their tracks.

Five more bands are set to rock Newmarket Memorial Hall on Saturday.

They are: Tell it to the Marines, Gamarra, Subject to Addiction, Vinyl Messiah and Chuck Cash and the Fenland Cowboys, who appeared on the ITV show Britain’s Got Talent.

Doors open at 7.15pm and tickets are priced at £5 available on the door or by calling Newmarket Town Council on 01638 667227.

l For a slideshow of pictures from the heat log on to www.newmarketjournal. co.uk.