BANDS, choirs and ensembles took to the stage at the first night of Bolton Music Centre Presents 2017.

The performances this evening signalled the start of a week of concerts dedicated to the town's young musical talent.

First on at the Victoria Hall event was Bolton Youth Concert Band.

The group wowed the audience with renditions of Deo Gracias, Pirates of the Caribbean and Lawrence of Arabia before Bolton Youth Percussion performed Cuba and Caravan.

Up next was Bolton Youth Clarinet Choir, who started their performance with children's classic Teddy Bears' Picnic before moving on to Caprice for Clarinets and Irish Suite.

Harwood Meadows CP School had the longest setlist of the night, playing Manhattan Blues, Circle Madness, Hundred Pipers, Engine Engine, Kites and First Finger Rag.

The Bolton Junior Concert Band played an eclectic mix consisting of Movie Buster, Let Me Entertain You and Return of the Killer Bees.

Next was Bolton Intermediate Concert Band, who played Sandstorm and Forget You before Bolton Youth Flute Band came on with 'S Wonderful, Persian Bleu and Puma.

And rounding off the night was Bolton Training Strings, who provided a fitting finale with The Trumpet Hornpipe, A Whole New World, Pizzicato Parade and Black Jack.

Bolton Music Centre Presents is the highlight of the year for Bolton Music Service, which is currently teaching around 8,000 children to play a musical instrument through its work in schools.

The group uses it to show off the work of the weekly bands, choirs and orchestras.

The service runs 35 bands, choirs and orchestras for children and young people every week.

And it also supports schools in the delivery of the national curriculum by providing training for teachers, projects for schools and a range of curriculum development opportunities.

The centre divides its work into six main departments: orchestras, brass bands, concert bands, contemporary, jazz and percussion, choral and community ensembles.

Tomorrow's concert will begin at The Victoria Hall at 6.30pm.

For more information, go to gmmusichub.co.uk/bolton