'Play at Palooza' winners announced

The votes have been counted, and Hot Press can confirm that the winners of our 'Play at Palooza' competition are: (drumroll please)...

Awake Young Soldiers and TKO. Congratulations to both bands, who will perform at the Tullamore boutique festival this bank holiday weekend.

Straffan based Awake Young Soldiers only formed in January of this year, but their distinctive folk sound won you over! Citing Simon and Garfunkel and Fleetwood Mac as influences, we can't wait to see them to their thing this weekend. They will play on the Main Stage on Saturday at 1pm.

TKO, who are currently recording their debut album, have been on the scene nigh on three years now, and describe their sound as "micro-orchestral jam rock" - we like the sound of that! The six-piece will perform on the Main Stage on Sunday at 1pm.

For tickets and information on the festival, see [link]www.castlepalooza.com[/link]