Young Bradford bands are battling it out for the chance to perform at Leeds Festival. Next week the bands are competing in semi-final heats of Centrestage, a fundraising initiative for Martin House children’s hospice. They will perform for a panel of judges including Mike Heaton, drummer with Bradford band Embrace. “It’s a fantastic chance for bands to get their name known,” he said. “Bradford’s music scene is thriving. There’s a lot of talent out there and we need to nurture our bands.” Centrestage is open to secondary schools in the region and there are 33 taking part. Community fundraiser Amanda Carter said the idea came about because of two Bradford schools. “I gave a talk at Beckfoot School at Bingleywhich had run a talent competition and raised over £1,300 for Martin House,” she said. “Following that I spoke to a group of sixth-formers at Immanuel, several of whom were in bands. They wanted to raise money for Martin House through gigs and so the idea was born. “I’ve been delighted with the response to Centrestage. The schools have all raised money for Martin House through talent shows and other events. “The aim is to raise £100,000 over the next three years. We’ll soon be signing up bands for next year.” Heats take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the Frontier Club, Batley, from 7pm. Bradford Schools taking part are Thornton Grammar, Ilkley Grammar, Braithwaite, Titus Salt, Laisterdyke Business and Enterprise College, Belle Vue Girls, Buttershaw Enterprise College, Immanuel and Carlton Bolling College. The final is in July and the winner will play on the BBC Introducing Stage at the Leeds and Reading festivals this summer. They will also spend a day at Factory Street studios in Bradford.
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