This article was published in 2016.

At the end of July, the annual Centre Stage competition will once again reach its finale where bands from across Yorkshire contend to win a slot at both Leeds and Reading Festival sites.

Now into its seventh year, Centre Stage has been Yorkshire's top-billing, prestigious music competition for young, bands and musicians. The competition has so far seen three fantastic nights of heats and organisers, music fans, bands, friends and families now looks forward to the performances of the ten finalists at O2 Academy Leeds on Wednesday 27th July.

Those playing in the final this year are:

Tree // The Elephant Trees // Faux Pas // Lewis Crossley // The Indigo Project // Big Bad Rabbit // Shaarks // Liberate // Territory // Blyss.

The night will be opened by last year's winners, York three piece, The Mallrats, and will include a collaboration with Rock School UK.

Judges on the night include Jon McIldowie (Festival Republic), Mike Heaton and Mickey Dale (Embrace), and Ross Jarman (The Cribs).

The evening will be hosted by local Music Producer, Ed Heaton.

The competition has now raised in excess of £200,000 for charity, which has been channelled directly towards the care of the children, young people and their families at Martin House Children's Hospice. Overall, the competition is about young people helping young people.

Tickets for the final on Wednesday 27th July are available now from Leeds Gig Tickets.