It looks like 'Arthur's Day' has been scrapped. Diageo is replacing the contentious event with a series of 'Guinnes Amplify' concerts this September and October.

Judges including Stuart Clark from Hotpress and Johnny Quinn from Snow Patrol will be picking the best new bands.

They are looking for original acts to sing live on stage across the country.

There was a huge backlash against the Arthur's Day event last year for promoting alcohol.

Marketing Director for Guinness Stephen O'Kelly said "Ireland has an incredible music heritage and is recognised all over the world as a hotbed of exceptionally talented musicians. The combination of live performance, promotion, recording time and rehearsal space, as well as the opportunity to learn from experts within the industry, is something that we know can make a real difference in helping musicians to develop".

Guinness Amplify will offer Irish bands the opportunity to perform across five weekends from September 11th to October 12th.

It will also give 60 days of free studio time to those chosen by the judges, along with workshops.