PLANT CITY, Fla. — The Florida Strawberry Festival is once again calling on all Central Florida bands to compete at the 2020 Florida Strawberry Festival Battle of the Bands!

"Last year the competition was fierce, and we can't wait to see what's in store for this year's battle," said Florida Strawberry Festival's President, Paul Davis. "We are hoping bands of all music genres submit for a truly epic showdown!"

Registration for this year's battle ends Thursday, October 31 at 5 p.m.  All entrants must be at least 18 years old.  Anyone younger may participate with a parent or legal guardian's permission.  More info, rules, regulations, and application can be found here. 

After the deadline, the Florida Strawberry Festival will review all submissions and anounce the top bands to participate in online fan voting starting in December.  The festival will solicit fans on social media to vote for the top bands of their choice.  In early February, the festivall will announce the top 10 bands voted for by fans. 

Preliminary battles will take place in the Publix Showcase Tent during the 2020 festival. Bands will be evaluated by a select panel of qualified judges and fan ballots.  By midnight Thursday, March 5, the Florida Strawberry Festival will announce the top three bands from the preliminary rounds. Two of the three bands announced will move on to the final battle on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. on the Wish Farms Soundstage. 

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to perform on the same stage as music industry legends like Taylor Swift, Willie Nelson, and STYX," said Davis. "You don't want to miss your chance!"

The first-place winner will recieve $10,000, a trophy, and 25 hours of recording time with All Access Recording. 

The second runner up will receive $5,000 and 10 hours of recording time with All Access Recording. 

Third-place with receive honorable mention and a $1,000. 

The 11-day event takes place February 27 - March 8 in Plant City.