Best Rock / Pop Band: Hold Fast
This was a hard category to judge because of the high quality and originality of local bands, but Hold Fast topped the pile by playing some of the most exciting music around and turning heads wherever they go.
The band emerged in a state close to their current line-up in 2005, but they've had some departures and arrivals in that time.
They cite their influences as Depeche Mode, P J Harvey and Joy Division among others and create punchy yet tranquil electro songs.
Lead singer Roberta mesmerises crowds with elegantly sung lyrics, while Tom on the guitar and sampler and Ben on bass produce soothing keys and often hard-hitting electro rock too.
Their energy is uplifting, their sound tight and sometimes unusual.
They have even had airplay on Radio One as part of Steve Lamacq's In New Music We Trust show and are working on further recordings.
You can catch Hold Fast at The Cellars in Eastney on Tuesday, where they will be supporting QueenAdreena or at The Joiners in Southampton next Friday with White Lies.
Drummer Toby Wheeler says: 'We were really surprised to win. It was quite inspiring because there were some really good bands in the shortlist.
'It's nice to feel involved in the whole local movement and it's spurred us on.
'We'd like to extend our thanks to our supporters and those who voted and thanks to the other bands in our category, like The Visitors who were there on the night.'
Runners-up: Hardly Heroes. Portsmouth's young pop punks have sold out their own headline show at The Cellars and also played at the Guildhall.
The four-piece mix rock, pop and punk to create amazing upbeat tracks that appeal to a very wide audience. The band is made up of Luke Usher on lead vocals and bass, Sam Malone on guitar, Sam Harris on guitar and Dave Evans on drums and backing vocals.
They met at school and formed in 2006 with members from two other bands , and they've been steadily gaining a following.
Luke explains: 'We've been gigiing all over Portsmouth, Southampton and Peterfield. Last year we were south coast winners of Best Live Band for Live and Unsigned and we've been up to London and recorded three tracks with the producers of One Night Only.'
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Weather for Portsmouth
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
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