YOUNG musicians can compete to perform at Leeds and Reading Festivals.

Now in its 10th year, the Martin House Hospice Centre Stage competition gives bands and solo artists the opportunity to play at both Leeds and Reading while raising money for the Wetherby-based charity which cares for children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families from across West, North and East Yorkshire.

As well as the care it provides in its hospice, the charity also works in hospitals and homes and provides bereavement support to families.

Centre Stage, which has raised more than £225,000 for Martin House, has been backed by bands from across the region, including Embrace who are touring this year to celebrate the 21st anniversary of their debut album 'The Good Will Out,' The Cribs, Pigeon Detectives and Pulled Apart by Horses.

Martin House ambassador and Embrace drummer, Mike Heaton, is among the judges along with Shed Seven singer Rick Witter.

Sarah Smith, Centre Stage organiser at Martin House, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the many talented young musicians across Yorkshire to win a chance to play in front of thousands of people at one of the country’s biggest music festivals.

“It’s also an opportunity for young people to help other young people who have complex and life-limiting conditions by raising money for Martin House.”

Bands and solo artists must be aged 22 or under to enter the competition, with past competitors as young as 13 making the final in previous years. All entrants are asked to raise a minimum of £400 for Martin House.

Heats take place at Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen in Leeds in April, with finalists having a professional mentoring day before going on to play at the O2 Academy in Leeds in July, where the winners will be chosen by a panel of music industry experts.

Added Sarah: “We would like to thank Festival Republic for its continued support, which allows us to offer this unique prize.”

Registration is open now, and musicians can find out more about the competition, terms and conditions, and register online at www.martinhouse.org.uk/Centre-Stage.