THE New Year is already looking bright for Silsden band The Escapades.

They will perform at the Leeds O2 Academy at 6pm on Saturday during the finals of the Soundwaves music competition.

And they will play a major support slot for John McCullagh And The Escorts at the Oporto, Leeds, on March 26.

In between those two prestigious performances the band will be playing gigs in Brighouse, Queensbury and Heckmondwike.

The gigs should see the rock/blues band’s set honed in time for recording sessions to complete their debut album.

Then it’s on to summer music festivals.

The winner of the Soundwaves competition is chosen through a mix of judges’ score, public vote and number of tickets sold by each band.

Prizes include a day’s recording in a top studio, radio slots, a demo package, master CDs, photo shoots and magazine coverage.

The Escapades debuted their current line last year at Silsden AFC Sports Club and have since played to packed audiences at pubs in Sutton, Steeton and Utley.

Tickets for the Soundwaves gig cost £6.50. Call 07792 501032 to book tickets.