THE Daily Echo backed Dorset Music Awards is back again this year with opportunities for bands and musicians in the region.

Previous winners have taken away such great prizes as professional PR packages, equipment, recording time and having their CDs manufactured. They have also won slots at festivals and airplay on BBC Radio 1, 2 & 6 Music. Announced this week is the news that entry to The Dorset Music Awards 2012 (in association with Absolute Music) is now open.

For the 2012 competition, new categories have been added so it is not only possible to enter as a live band but in addition, you can nominate and then vote for the following categories Favourite Recording (EP or Album), One Great Song, Contribution to the Music Scene and the musicians can vote for their Favourite Venue to Play.

Another change to the DMA’s is that bands from Ringwood and Christchurch are now eligible to enter as well. When questioned on the changes one of the organisers Trevor Hill said: “We decided to allow Ringwood and Christchurch to enter because despite being technically in Hampshire, we get a lot of bands from those towns playing in Dorset and they always want to enter the competition when they see the Dorset bands that have entered. We think that this will be a great addition to the event.”

Nominate for the awards by visiting the website.