A CANCER charity will host a star-studded "indoor T in the Park" at a city hotel.

Cancer Support Scotland has organised next month's Battle of the Bands contest, to be judged by a host of celebrity guests including newsreader Jackie Bird and Still Game star Sanjeev Kohli.

TV Presenter Laura Boyd and radio DJ Ally McCrae will also be on the judging panel.

Colin Graham, the charity's chief executive, said: "We hope the event will showcase some of Scotland's top musical talent and, at the same time, help support people affected by cancer.

"It's going to be a great night."

Cash raised at the event will help fund the services the charity offer, including complementary and talking therapies for cancer sufferers, their families and carers.

Comedian Andy Cameron will host the showcase, on Thursday April 3, which will see four amateur bands battle it out at the Marriot Hotel on Argyle Street.

Glasgow punk band The Skinny Velvets will play alongside three other groups from across the country.

Band members Roxy Lees, 30, Susie McConnell, 34, and Ryan Shearer, 30, are all from the South Side and write their own songs together with singer Angie Gray, 32, from Cambuslang.

Bassist Roxy said: "We're looking forward to supporting Cancer Support Scotland as it is a charity close to our hearts, and also playing with the other bands.

"It sounds like it will be a fun night and I think there will be a great turn out."

The group will be battling it out against five-piece blues band Harmonicalewinksi, from Helensburgh, and Edinburgh-based bands The Caravan Club and Hunter.

A 500-strong audience is expected to turn out to support the event.

The winning band will receive a free three-hour recording session at Gorbals Sound Studios in Pollokshaws Road.

The indoor take on Scotland's biggest music festival aims to raise thousands of pounds for Cancer Support Scotland.

As well as great music, raffle prizes will be up for grabs on the night, including passes for this summer's Edinburgh Military Tattoo and shopping vouchers.

Tickets can be bought by phone on 0141 337 8199 or by emailing fundraising@cancersupportscotland.org

hannah.rodger@eveningtimes.co.uk