The Regional Finalists have been announced in the Guinness Arthur's Day – Play on The Day competition. In all, 16 acts remain in the race to play the main stage on Arthur's Day, the celebration of which takes place on Thursday September 22.

The competition, which is supported by Hot Press and RTÉ 2fm, has been a huge success to date with hundreds of bands and artists submitting tracks for consideration. In all 115 bands were shortlisted and over the past week, members of the public have been voting for their favourite tracks from a rich selection, featuring Ireland's leading emerging talent.

The top four acts in each region have now been selected (see below for full details) and go forward to the Regional Finals, which take place in Cork, Limerick, Dublin and Belfast. The four regional winners will then proceed to the Arthur's Day – Play On The Day final in the Róisín Dubh, Galway, on Friday September 16.

"The interest has been fantastic, with a massive number of votes being cast," said Niall Stokes, Editor of Hot Press. "We have seen some really exceptional artists and bands coming through, which accurately reflects the general strength of the Irish scene at the moment."

"The calibre of the bands in the regional finals is amazing. The competition is going to be really tough – which makes it all the more exciting for RTÉ 2fm, to be broadcasting from all of the Regional Finals. We're really looking forward to it," said RTÉ 2fm DJ and judge Jenny Huston.

"The scene is set for two nights of fantastic music in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Belfast," said Sarah Acton of Guinness. "The final sixteen acts have a lot to be proud of, in making it this far. The best of luck to all of them in the Regional Finals."

The full line-up for the Regional Finals of Arthur's Day – Play On The Day with Hot Press and RTÉ 2fm, is as follows:

EAST – Leaders of Men, Roisin O, The Fallen Drakes, The Original Rudeboys – Whelan's, Dublin, Wednesday Sept 7th
WEST AND MID-WEST – Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters, Siomha Brock, The Aoife Scott Band, The Disconnected Bliss – Dolan's Limerick, Wednesday Sept 7th
NORTH – In Elegance, Mojo GoGo, Shawn Morrow, Shouting At Planes – Limelight, Belfast, Thursday Sept 8th
SOUTH – Amber Jean, Dead School, Love Street, Zombie Computer – Cyprus Avenue, Cork, Thursday Sept 8th

For further updates, stay tuned to RTÉ 2fm (90-92fm) and check out [link]www.hotpress.com[/link] and [link]www.2fm.ie[/link]

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THE NATIONAL WINNER'S PRIZE PACKAGE
• The opportunity to play the Main Stage at the Guinness Hop Store on Arthur's Day
• A full recording session with a senior record producer in RTÉ studios
• A special Flip Cover of Hot Press
• A label to release the single, with no strings attached
• A full professional photo session for the Hot Press cover
• A place for a member of the band/manager on the MIX course run by Hot Press
• A special consultation with MIX lecturers/industry experts
• An interview and spread in Hot Press
• The following items of musical equipment:
• €4,000 worth of guitars from FENDER
• €4,000 worth of Drums & Keyboards from YAMAHA
• €3,000 Gift Voucher from WALTON'S MUSIC

THE REGIONAL WINNER'S PRIZE PACKAGE

• To join the line-up for Arthur's Day in one of the four centres where Arthur's Day celebrations are happening
• To record an in-studio session for broadcast by RTÉ 2fm, to stream on hotpress.com and for the band's own use
• To feature on a special Flip Cover of Hot Press
• A full professional photo session for the Hot Press flip cover
• An interview in Hot Press