HUNDREDS of local bands will rock their hearts out to win a spot on the Airlie Beach Festival of Music stage.

But to do this, they must first survive the Battle of the Bands competition.

Previously, the competition was open to local bands from Cairns to Newcastle but this year, it has expanded to Tamworth, Wollongong and Melbourne.

Festival organiser Gavin "Butto" Butlin said the event was getting bigger and better each year.

"We have nearly 300 bands nominated to win a spot at Airlie Beach," he said.

"Battle of the Bands is looking really strong this year."

After the winners from each area have been selected, the winning bands come to Airlie Beach to play during the festival.

From there, one overall winner is selected and they are invited to play on the main stage at the festival next year.

Gold Coast band Ivory won the competition last year and they are set to open this year's festival.

The festival runs from November 3-6 and will feature 74 bands at 18 different venues.

Festival goers will be treated to different styles of music ranging from country, pop, jazz, blues and rock.

For more information visit www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au/battle-of-bands.

While it may take a while for them to hit Airlie shores, the Battle of the Bands is already underway.