This article was published in 2014.

The twelve Centre Stage 2014 finalists have been confirmed this week, with the bands sets to battle it out to win a slot at both Leeds and Reading Festivals.

Doors for the 2014 final open at the O2 Academy Leeds on 23rd July at 6.15pm and music fans will see a diverse range of contenders.

Conflare: an exciting four-piece from Castleford with catchy guitar riffs. Their third time in Centre Stage!

Demoralised: four-piece from Otley. In their words "Showing people how Metalcore should be done"!

Bryony Drake: singer/songwriter from Tadcaster, playing acoustic folk and well-crafted hooks.

Random Behaviour: a young, four-piece alternative rock band from Prince Henry's in Otley.

Arcarode: a new, ambient alternative rock band, from Leeds, with a slight hint of folk from the violin.

Oliver Pinder: young, fresh, singer/songwriter from Halifax playing upbeat pop/folk music.

GirlsOnDrugs: two-piece electro from Selby. Deep bass synths and sultry vocals.

The Concetines: four-piece playing catchy, infectious indie rock. Been on the Leeds' scene for a while.

Chickadees: young, budding band from Leeds. Uplifting saxophone, synth and melodies!

Shupadum: from Tadcaster/ York. Their sound is centred around 'playing fun music' and 'rocking hard'!

Premonition: a teenage rock band from North Yorkshire made up of four students from Selby College.

The Puppeteers: four-piece bluesy, rock band from Prince Henry's in Otley. Also finalists in 2013.

Judging on the night will be from Jon McIldowie (Booker for Leeds and Reading), Mike Heaton (Embrace) and James Brown (Pulled Apart by Horses). The evening will be hosted by local Music Producer, Ed Heaton, who also offers a recording prize to the competition.

Special guests are King No-One, who were the Centre Stage 2013 winners, and Rock School UK.

The premise of the Centre Stage Competition is to give young bands a fantastic platform and exposure whilst raising vital funds for Martin House Children's Hospice. Since its initial launch, by The Pigeon Detectives in autumn 2009, Centre Stage has so far provided a platform for over 150 young, Yorkshire acts and raised almost £150,000 for Martin House Children's Hospice.