Kerplunk lift the crown

In one of the closest contests in the competition’s 24-year history, Kerplunk fought off their rivals to be crowned Derbyshire Times Band of the Year.

Hundreds of music fans descended on Chesterfield’s prestigious Winding Wheel venue on Monday to see six of the area’s best bands go head to head.

Storming performances from Educatables, A Dishonest Truth, 52 Colours, Ichabod and Sons of El’Roacho meant the decision was hanging in the balance right to the death.

The seven-strong judging panel, made up of competition sponsors and music writers had a tough time picking the winner

In the end, just one point separated champs Kerplunk from second-placed Educatables who pushed them all the way. Psychobilly trio The Sons of El’Roacho picked up third place.

Competition organiser and DT deputy editor Phil Bramley said: “The final was a great night and showed just what great bands we have in north Derbyshire.

“Any one of the six finalists would have been worth winners, but Kerplunk just edged it with their high-engery performance.”

The winners, a three-piece pop-punk band in Chesterfield, walked off with a great haul of goodies including a Fender strat provided by the competition’s main sponsor Musicroom