A YOUNG five-piece band from Northwich will play alongside some of the UK’s best known bands at this year’s Whatfest.

Thought Explode were crowned winners of the festival’s Battle of the Bands competition which has been running at the Pillar of Salt pub at Leftwich throughout May and June.

They will now get to play in front of thousands of music fans.

The Battle of the Bands competition saw groups from across Cheshire, Manchester and Warrington fighting for the right to grace the main stage.

The final was held last month with judges including Liverpool singer-songwriter Rachel Wright and Peter Griffin, of Northwich band The Valentines.

Festival organiser Simon Bennett said: “The standard in this year’s competition has been of the highest quality.

“It was always going to be difficult to pick a winner but I’m sure Thought Explode will do us proud.”