Young Bay of Plenty musicians took the stage on Monday night in the annual Rockquest Bandquest competition, with Otumoetai Intermediate band Vintage coming out on top.

There were 14 keen bands from across the region that performed at Baycourt Theatre.

Bandquest works as a platform for the next generation of contemporary musicians to step on stage and perform.

​​​​This year is the biggest year yet for the programme, attracting more than 200 bands from around the country.

Hamish Jackson of New Zealand Rockshop, the primary sponsor for the programme, says that the benefit of young people participating in the programme goes far beyond performance day.

'It is awesome looking back at ten years of Rockshop Bandquest and being able to see the lasting impact this programme has made on the music community. This programme offers a space for young musicians to develop musical and creative ability, along with the teamwork, communication and leadership skills that are needed to perform together as a band on stage.”

Rockshop Bandquest events are also taking place in Auckland, Hamilton, Gisborne, Napier, Wellington, Palmerston North, Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin.

There is also an online region for student bands based outside of a location holding an event.

Following the regional events, there will be an online national final with results announced on December 4.

The Bay of Plenty results are:

First place: Vintage, Otumoetai Intermediate

Second place: GreVouS, Greerton Village School

Third place: CLaK CLaK Bang, Mount Maunganui Intermediate

Best original song: Slept In, Bethlehem College

Best Vocalist: Nikau from "Making Time", Rotorua Intermediate School

Best Vocalist: Bonnie from The Dynamics, Mt Maunganui Intermediate

Musicianship award: Cliche, Otumoetai Intermediate

Rockstar Styles award: Toby from Aroha Te Wairua, Kaitao Intermediate School

‘Killer' guitarist award: Suliasi from GreVouS, Greerton Village School

Rock-solid bassist award: Lucy from 5G, Bethlehem College

Rocking drummer award: Tyler from Eclipse, Papamoa College Intermediate

Best Keyboard Player: Dane from Turbulence, Pillans Point School