The much-anticipated ‘Ticket to Hornbill,’ India’s Biggest Band Battle 2024, will kick off on October 18 at the RCEMPA grounds in Jotsoma, Nagaland. Theja Meru, chairman of the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA), stated that the live performance rounds will take place on October 18 and 19. Thirty shortlisted bands will compete, with seven advancing to the grand finale on October 21.
The live performance rounds will be judged by Arpito Gope, Moanungsang, and Viveick Rajagopalan, while the jury for the grand finale will include Subir Malik, Sonam Kalra, Arpito Gope, Suraj Mani, and Moanungsang.
The ‘Ticket to Hornbill’ offers a prize pool of Rs 40 lakh, with the first prize being Rs 20 lakh, the second Rs 10 lakh, and the third Rs 5 lakh. Individual prizes will also include musical equipment worth Rs 5 lakh. Coca-Cola and Sennheiser are the official beverage and audio partners respectively.
The live rounds on October 18 and 19 will start at 12 noon, and entry is free. For the grand finale on October 21, tickets will cost Rs 50 and can be purchased at the venue.
It was noted that except for official vehicles with passes, all other vehicles must be parked at the Kohima Science College grounds. For vehicle security and traffic regulation, the organizers have outsourced the task to the Phezhu Youth Organisation, Jotsoma.
A service charge of Rs 20 will be applied per vehicle. No food items, alcohol, weapons, sharp objects, knives, sticks, rods, or laser lights will be allowed into the concert venue on any day. Individuals and bags may be checked at the gates. The organizers reserve the right of admission for all days. Food stalls will be available at the venue.