A TORFAEN singer/songwriter will perform with some 80s legends at Raglan Festival after winning a hotly contested Battle of the Bands competition.

Loren Balaam entertained the crowds at Raglan Sports Fields with a great set of up beat ballads, displaying distinct vocal tones, superb song writing and versatile accompaniment on acoustic guitar.

A judging panel, led by former Funeral for a Friend guitarist, Darran Smith, awarded Lauren first place which means she will perform alongside Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley and 80s duo, Go West, at the Raglan Festival Castle main stage, on Saturday, June 16.

Colwyn Knight, who organised the event, said: “The festival committee were keen to provide good support and encouragement for the young bands, and also to provide influential musicians as the judges on the day.

“Darran Smith spent some time with the young musicians sharing his experiences of touring the world in a famous rock band.”

Raglan Festival starts on the afternoon of June 15, with a concert by the pupils of Raglan Junior School, drawing to a close on Sunday evening with the ever-popular Big Macs Wholly Soul Band at the Beaufort Hotel.

For information on the Battle of the Bands, as well as to book tickets, go to raglanfestival.org