Centre Stage 2011 ----- The Grand Final ----- and the winners are...........

The Leeds O2 Academy was buzzing in exited anticipation of the evening's event. As the winners of last years competition appeared on stage there was a great roar of appreciation from the massed audience. The Penguins did not disappoint. Our hosts for the evening from Radio Aire were Larry and Paul ensured the evening ran smoothly between band changes.
The contestants appeared in the following running order:-

Sprayed Aces

You Had Me At Hello

  Vinyl Party

Neve

 
Marsicans

 The Mexanines

 
 The Riatines

Traffic Wire

  Sharp Darts

 
Inlaze

 

St Somebody

 
Carbon Party

Each new band was greeted with the same lavish enthusiasm as the last. Whilst we were waiting for the Judges  (Melvin Benn, Mike Heaton, Alan Raw and Matt Bowman) decision we were treated to a final act by "The Talking Angels" which rounded off the evening in grand style.
And the result was...........Runners up St Somebody. Their prize is 2 days in a recording studio and to play their song at the 360 Festival.
Now to the winners who receive £1,000 worth of musical equipment, an endorsement deal with John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd. and not forgetting they will be playing at the Leeds and Reading Festivals on  August Bank Holiday Weekend. Could they be your favourite too? They are ............

Mexanines

Yorkshire Gig Guide would like to add their congratulations to the worthy winners and wish them all the best 

for the future.

The event was in aid of Martin House Children's Hospice. More information can be gleaned from ssmith@martinhouse.org.uk

Denis 

YGG