TBWA\Manchester, Reading Room and SKV Communications will be judged by some of the best-known names from Manchester's music scene when they take part in NABS' Battle of the Bands event next month.

Legendary Hacienda DJ Dave Haslam, music journalist and Goldblade singer John Robb and XFM's network head of music, Mike Walsh, have been signed up to judge the competition, which is being sponsored by MTV.

Battle Plans Go (TBWA), Cotton Town Music Club (Reading Room), Sandbox (SKV), Gillan Edgar (video editor) and Frazer King (illustrator) will have their musical stylings rated by the esteemed trio.

Kate Harris, head of regional development at NABS, said: “The calibre of judges at this year’s event speaks volumes on the progress we have made. The announcement of the band line-up is also sure to raise a few eyebrows and increase the levels of excitement already surrounding the event.”

The Battle of the Bands takes place on 29 October in the Circle Club in Manchester. Tickets cost £10.