JHS supports Martin House and Centre Stage 2011: local talent for a great cause

April 4, 2011 - PRLog -- JHS supports Martin House and Centre Stage 2011: local talent for a great cause

A groundbreaking series of fundraising concerts is helping to raise £150,000 for a famous Yorkshire children's hospice.

Launched in 2009 and supported by the likes of The Pigeon Detectives, Klaxons, Embrace and The Cribs, Centre Stage aims to raise awareness and much-needed funds for Martin House Children's Hospice, a centre for youngsters with life-limiting illnesses.

Entry in the musical talent competition is open to secondary schools and colleges across West Yorkshire. A condition of entry is the commitment to work towards raising £1000 of sponsorship funds, resulting in some serious fundraising - but the rewards for both Martin House and the bands are well worth it.

Four battle of the bands concerts will take place from April 4th-7th at the Leeds Irish Centre, with the winners of each night going through to a final at the Leeds O2 Academy on July 19th. The winner of the grand final will win a prestigious slot on the BBC Introducing Stage at the Reading And Leeds festivals in August.

This year, the bands will be louder than ever, as they rock out on equipment provided especially for Centre Stage by worldwide musical instrument trade distributor John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd.

JHS is providing backline amplification from Kustom, as well as a full PP Drums drum-kit, electric guitars from Vintage and Fret-King, a Vintage acoustic guitar, and an Italia bass.

And the winners of Centre Stage will also take home £1000-worth of musical equipment from the JHS range. In addition, the guitarist(s) and bass player from the winning band will score an endorsement deal with JHS's guitar brands.

Sarah Smith, Fundraiser at Martin House, said: 'We are absolutely thrilled to have the support of JHS. The support of such a large and reputable music company is fantastic for the credibility and branding of our Centre Stage competition. Not only are they providing us with fantastic prizes, but the exposure we are gaining through their association is really just so valuable.’

Dennis Drumm, MD of JHS, said: 'Martin House - what a fantastic organisation, providing a service for children we all hope we will never need for our own, but, sadly, some do. Having seen the dedication of the staff, and the difference they make to children with circumstances almost too dreadful to contemplate, and the difference Martin House’s support makes to the families of those children, the first thing anyone reading this should do is get their hands in their pockets and make a donation! And the competition, well, giving young musicians such a wonderful outlet for their talent, and an opportunity to begin that long road to success and stardom - what more could you ask for? It’s all just such a pleasure to support…'

For more information, or to find out how to donate to Martin House, visit the Centre Stage website.  

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Useful links:

Centre Stage:
www.martinhouse.org.uk/fundraising/Centre+Stage

Martin House Children's Hospice:
www.martinhouse.org.uk

John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd.:
www.jhs.co.uk