ABOUT 15 of the best original Whitsunday bands will go head to head in a musical battle this coming weekend.

Artists including Nadene Allan, Rebelquinn, Mirror Moves, Luke Andrews, AJ Shoesmith, Sun Salute, FishJam and more, have signed up for a two-day duel at Airlie's Magnums Hotel, from July 19-20.

From 12-5pm each day, each band will be given a 30-minute slot to impress the judges and crowd.

By 3pm on Sunday, the 'Passport to Airlie' competition will have come down to the best four acts.

The grand prize for the winning individual or band is a place on the line-up for the Airlie Beach Music Festival from November 6-9, as well as $1500 cash, VIP tickets and an accommodation prize.

The act who comes second stands to win $500 cash, accommodation and a three-day festival pass.

Event organiser Andrew Pattinson said with so much at stake, all of the acts would be "going hard", giving Whitsunday music lovers the chance to see "some serious talent".

"This is the cream of the Whitsundays original music scene as well," he said.

"They're not just cover bands, they're original artists, singing original music and that's something you just can't get every day."

Music fans can win a three-day ticket to the Airlie Beach Music Festival simply by attending this weekend's event. One three-day ticket will also be given away each day via lucky door prize.

Airlie Beach is one of nine locations, spread between Newcastle and Cairns, where regional Battle of the Bands heats have been run. The winner of each heat not only earns themselves a spot on the festival line-up but also goes into a final competition for the ultimate prize of a place on the festival's main stage on Sunday, November 9.

Entry to the Battle of the Bands is free.

MUSICAL DUEL

What: Battle of the Bands / Airlie Beach Music Festival competition

Where: Magnums Hotel

When: July 19-20

Time: 12-5pm each day

Cost: Free