THE UK's biggest metal festival is on the hunt for the best bands from around the country once again.

Act from across Cumbria and Dumfriesshire are being invited to apply for the Bloodstock Metal 2 The Masses competition for 2017, which this time around will be held at The Brickyard, in Carlisle.

The prize is a place on the bill at the Derbyshire festival, which this year featured the likes of Slayer and Anthrax among the world-renowned acts to appear, as well as the Cumbrian winners of this very competition, Triverse Massacre (pictured).

The deadline for entries is January 1, so any bands from across a wide-range of metal-influenced genres are encouraged to email the Carlisle event organisers on servantsofloki@gmail.com with their band name, and a little info about their band.

Entry is open to all bands that are considered self-signed, unsigned, DIY or similar - so please state which in your email.

Heats will take place early in 2017, with a second round and a final also being held at The Brickyard. Last time around, bands from all corners of Cumbria and Dumfries did battle on stage for a place at Bloodstock, and Steven Campbell-Frost from the organisers, Servants of Loki , is hoping for more applications from across the region.

He says: "Last year was the first time we held it in Carlisle, and the standard was fantastic.

"I've worked with the live music scene up here for a long time, so I had high expectations anyway, but there were some great bands I hadn't heard of.

"It is open to bands from 30 different variations of metal, so there is a lot of different styles accepted."

It is an opportunity not often afforded to bands in the region, with Cumbria rarely included on the bigger acts' touring schedules.

Steven has noticed that changing, and says that this competition can be a springboard to bigger things.

"Last year's winners, Triverse Massacre, went down to Bloodstock and I'm sure it won't be long before we see them back there.

"Big bands have usually bypassed Cumbria on their way up to Glasgow or Newcastle, so a lot of our bands haven't had the chances to support the big names. I think that is starting to change though, and more and more are stopping here.

"It's strange though, because despite the lack of opportunities, a lot of Cumbrian bands have done amazing things. There's a lot of talent around here, so I'm hoping they apply."

Entrance closes on January 1, with the first heat taking place in early 2017.