A MANSFIELD band with an intriguing name and an upbeat pop/rock setlist will be among those contesting October's Wangaratta Battle of the Bands at The Vine Hotel.

Deceptive Biscuit Tin draws its name from a conversation in French class which involved a former band member.

The discussion centred on the classic blue 'Royal Dansk' biscuit tin which, in the experience of many, never actually contained the yummy biscuits depicted on the outside, but was instead used to store a sewing kit.

"It started as a sort of joke, but stuck, so we still use it today," drummer Will Wettenhall said.

Will said Deceptive Biscuit Tin was looking forward to competing in Wangaratta's heat of the North East Battle of the Bands series on October 20 at The Vine.

Along with Will, the band comprises bassist Ben Von Blanckensee, guitarists Ethan Nealon and Reef Bruce, singers Matilda Leon and Molly Diepeveen, and keyboard player Declan Bowen.

All band members are drawn from Mansfield Steiner School, with the line-up having altered a little since the group's inception in early 2023.

"We formed as a sort of teacher's passion project, and an opportunity for students to play something different to classical music," Will said.

The group competed in last year's Mansfield heat of the North East Battle of the Bands series, which was won by another Mansfield school band, Blue Curtain.

Will said Deceptive Biscuit Tin was currently looking for local opportunities to play, and was eagerly anticipating the Battle of the Bands in Wangaratta.

"We are looking forward to having another fun competition, and an opportunity to play for a 'foreign' audience," he said.

Expressions of interest from local bands, duos and solo artists keen to take part in Wangaratta Battle of the Bands are open from now until October 4.

Entry to the competition is free of charge, and open to artists of all genres aged between 12 and 25.

Artists must perform two or three songs per act, or for a maximum of 15 minutes, at the event, and performances must be appropriate for viewing by a young audience.

Songs do not have to be original, but a bonus point will be awarded for each original song.

Performers from the Rural City of Wangaratta, Mansfield, Benalla, Alpine, Indigo, Moira, Strathbogie, Towong and Albury shires are eligible to enter the competition, and other events which form part of the North East Battle of the Bands series.

Once a performer has won one of the events in the series, they cannot participate in others, as they will have already advanced to the final.

To sign up for the Wangaratta Battle of the Bands, visit https://forms.office.com/r/QqTG6A8mgn