Live and Local gets underway at the Assembly next Wednesday with performances by Capulets, girlband Harlequin, Hollson, The Way and Martin Lander.

Most of the acts that will take the stage have been featured on a Myspace website called voteforbands, which has had more than 100,000 hits.

Assembly spokesman Ed White said: "A web advice area was also launched to provide useful tips and hints to help musicians keep up with the industry 'custom and practice' which has changed significantly over the past couple of years.

"Bands who took part noticed an increase in people attending their gigs, a growth in website hits and more sales.

"We are now offering them a chance to play in a great venue and benefit from further publicity. We also have some great prizes in store.

"Leamington has always had a great variety of talent and creative ideas and gigs such as the old Crown Hotel, The Bedford, Kellys and Bath Place have been an important part of that scene – but musicians have also looked for somewhere with a bigger capacity that could provide a credible stepping stone into the UK scene."

The Assembly has a "world class" sound and lighting rig and a backstage area with a pink and chrome gypsy caravan, fairground toys, private bar and "quirky" furniture.

Live and Local will take place every first Wednesday of the month. Tickets are £5 and can be bought in advance from the box office or on 0845 888 7581.

Doors open at 7pm, with the first act at 7.30pm. The first ten people get in free.