Centre Stage - Yorkshire 3.26

Hot on the heels of ‘Centre Stage’ winning Hospice UK's 2014 National Award for 'Innovation in Income Generation', 2015’s competition is now open for registration. Martin House Children’s Hospice, together with Leeds & Reading Festivals, have begun their new search for the act who will ultimately claim the prize of playing at next summer’s Leeds AND Reading Festivals, and a music performance video with Shot by Sodium.




The competition has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2009 and continues to receive involvement and support from Yorkshire bands Embrace, Pigeon Detectives, The Cribs and Pulled Apart by Horses. Now in its sixth year, the competition, which raises vital funds for the hospice, is inviting young bands and soloists of ANY genre to enter. Participants must be between 11- 21 years old and from North or West Yorkshire.




Over the coming months, registered acts will undertake their own fundraising for Martin House, who witness the therapeutic benefits of music first hand within the hospice. Once registered, acts will be automatically entered into the Heats, which will take place on 28/29/30 April at the Belgrave Music Hall, Leeds. The lucky finalists will then take to the stage at O2 Academy, Leeds, on 22nd July, following a professional mentoring day.




The competition hopes to hit the big £200,000 mark this year, in terms of funds raised. Martin House are currently looking for sponsorship for the year ahead. “Securing this would give us a huge boost and help us to make even more money for Martin House – we’d love to hear from people who would like to share our exposure and journey right through to Leeds Festival” says Centre Stage Organiser, Sarah Smith.




The competition is an invaluable link to the local music industry, especially those supportive of unsigned, young artists. It has provided connections and opportunities for many contenders, including those with BBC Introducing and M.A.S. Records. Impressively, 2012 finalists ‘Carnabells’ played last summer’s Glastonbury Festival and previous winners have taken to the road and supported both The Pigeon Detectives and Embrace!




Overall, the competition is about YOUNG PEOPLE HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE!




To enter, please register online on the Martin House website, ensuring you read the rules and regs! http://www.martinhouse.org.uk/Centre-Stage














“I’d strongly urge local, young musicians to enter. It really is an incredible opportunity.” Mike Heaton, Embrace




“Every year I’ve been impressed by the calibre of the young artists who participate, and blown away by the commitment and effort they put into their fundraising. I’m delighted to be involved as Centre Stage has gone from strength to strength.” Melvin Benn – MD Festival Republic