Leeds pop punks This Time Last Year turn up heat to be Fireball's Hottest Band 2020

They are one of eight finalists who each get to open for Ska-Punk legends Less Than Jake, Goldfinger, Save Ferris, last year’s winners Thieves Of Liberty, plus DJ Matt Stocks on the Fireball: Fuelling The Fire Tour.

This Time Last Year, known for their mix of energetic pop-punk with hard-hitting, relatable lyrics, get their chance to turn up the heat when the UK tour plays O2 Academy Leeds on Friday, September 20.

BUY TICKETS: Tickets are £21 each - over-18s only. For O2 Academy Leeds visit academymusicgroup.com.

Tickets for all venues, see dates and finalists below, are available at www.ticketmaster.co.uk.

Sponsors Fireball, makers of the Canadian whisky-based cinnamon-flavoured liqueur, have again teamed up with Academy Events to stage the tour, returning for its fourth year and now one of the most anticipated events on the UK punk-rock calendar

They have chosen a local band for each date of the tour this month, giving eight bands the opportunity to kick off the party for a monumental line up.

Fireball Hottest Band 2019 competition winners, Thieves Of Liberty, will kick off the evening.

This time next year it could be that slot goes to Leeds' own This Time Last Year - as judges decide the best in emerging talent.

The other finalists, see full dates below, are Frank Grimes and The Disasters, Like Giants, Well Done You, Belle Elmore, Crashes, Weatherstate and Millie Manders and The Shutup.

Matt Reynolds, Fireball UK Brand Ambassador, said: “We’re so proud to announce the strongest group of finalists our hottest band competition has seen so far. All handpicked by us at the good ship Fireball and Academy Events from the hundreds of awesome applicants that we received over the last two months.

"it's gruelling work, but we do it with a smile, so you don’t have to.

"From all the entries that I have listened to, I must say it’s very evident that the UK scene is incredibly strong at the moment, now I can’t wait to hit the road to finally get to see our finalists live and crown Fireball’s Hottest Band 2020!”

Chris DeMakes, of Less Than Jake, said: “Yes! It’s that time of the year again. Less Than Jake is extremely excited to headline this year’s Fireball: Fuelling The Fire Tour. We wanted to ramp up the insanity this time around so we’re bringing along our friends in Goldfinger to celebrate with us. We can’t wait for these shows. It’s going to be epic! See ya soon!” - John Feldmann, of Goldfinger, added: "UK! I have always felt at home in your beautiful countries.

"You have the best audiences, the best festivals, amazing food and I write really good songs there! I wanted to also thank Fireball for continuing to support live music; so pumped to do this tour!"”

FIREBALL: FUELLING THE FIRE TOUR 2019 - DATES AND FINALISTS

September19: O2 Academy, SHEFFIELD - Frank Grimes and The Disasters20: O2 Academy, LEEDS - This Time Last Year21: O2 Academy BIRMINGHAM -Like Giants23: O2 Ritz MANCHESTER - Well Done You24: O2 Academy NEWCASTLE - Belle Elmore25: O2 Academy GLASGOW - Crashes27: O2 Academy BOURNEMOUTH - Weatherstate28: O2 Academy Brixton, LONDON - Millie Manders and The Shutup