A mix of soul and strings weaved a tuneful spell over audiences in Victoria Hall this evening.

The town’s ever budding young batch of musical maestros have been showing off their skills in this year’s Bolton Music Centre Presents.

The annual event has celebrated its third evening and has seen hundreds of children take part.

Carolyn Baxendale, MBE, head of Bolton Music Service, said: “It is wonderful to see so many children performing at The Victoria Hall.

“Larger numbers than ever are learning to play a musical instrument and as music is such an important element in a child’s education, it is great to see our collaborations with schools.

“We are committed to maintains the very best music education for all children in Bolton and are delighted to celebrate some of our work during this Music Centre Presents week.”

Tonight there was a change of rhythm as classical pieces made way for modern classics - with homages to chart toppers like Bruno Mars and Muse to iconic movie moments.

Soul Patrol started events off with blues favourites, including Wilson Pickett's Mustang Sally.

Bolton Beginner Guitar Ensemble followed with a take on Snow Patrol's Run and Bryan Adams classic Summer of 69.

Bolton Junior Youth Choir and Bolton Boys Choir included some tradition in the line-up with Oh What a Wonderful Scene and I'm Going to Sing, but Bolton Intermediate Guitar Ensemble took on Time is Running Out and Uprising.

St. Mary’s (Deane) CE Primary School brought in the ukuleles while Bolton Saxophone Choir showed off a Star Wars Medley and Up Town Funk.

Bolton Junior Percussion Ensemble performed Drum Jam and Tequila and Bolton Youth Guitar Ensemble finished off the night with Muses's Plug in Baby.

The event is taking place every night of the week with tomorrow night's concert at Victoria Hall beginning at 6.30pm.

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 35 bands, choirs and orchestras.

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

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.

To find out more visit gmmusichub.co.uk/bolton.