Voting closes at MIDNIGHT tonight - Fri 30 May 2008 -
any votes cast after this deadline WILL NOT BE COUNTED!

Born in India and named after a German composer, Engelbert Humperdinck says there can only be one winner…

“Leicester’s latest big names, Kasabian - with their swaggering style, hazy indie-rock sound and dazzling live performances, as well as The Young Knives from Ashby de la Zouch (surely a contender for Britain’s best place name) – can claim to be two of Britain’s most ‘now’ bands and the first reason why you should be clicking on the ‘Vote Leciester’ button. And there’s plenty more.

The city has gained a reputation for producing bands every decade who rise to the top of the charts on their own merits without ever being part of a short-term scene. One of the most memorable sounds of the 90’s was Cornershop’s groundbreaking fusion of Indian music, indie and electro dance - a mix which reflects the vibrant musical mix coming out of the city.

From the 60’s onwards I have enjoyed a career where I’ve been fortunate enough to sell 150 million units from Leicester to Los Angeles. And if you were thinking of voting for one of the North West’s nominees don’t forget that ‘Release Me’ kept a certain Strawberry Fields off number one…

So if you’re not yet convinced perhaps another chart-topper will do so - which city produced the first single by a solo a black male artist to top the UK singles chart? Leicester’s very own Mark ‘The Mack’ Morrison did so and later went on to become part of seminal US hip-hop label ‘Def Row’ alongside legendary names such as Snoop Dogg and 2Pac.

At the other end of the Leicester music scale is a band of 2 singers, 2 bassists and 2 drummers which has lasted 35 years and has the most unique name in British pop – party favourites Showaddywaddy have spent 209 weeks in the UK charts and will always be remembered for 70’s number one ‘Under the Moon’.

We’re proud of Leicester’s diversity as a city, and as you can see, home to a huge musical mix. We’ve always been a trailblazer for British Asian music, as well a thriving folk scene. The city also now hosts its very own festival - Summer Sundae a three day musical treat over five stages and hundreds of acts.

And perhaps this final piece of trivia will cement your vote…Leicester launched the first BBC local radio station on 8 November 1967 with the first local radio jingle. To show that your musical taste is different to the rest, vote Leicester!”