THE stage at the Victoria Hall came to life as children from across Bolton took part in the opening night of an iconic music event.

Bolton Schools' Music Association has returned for its final swan song as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of its annual festival.

This year, more than 2,000 pupils from 55 schools will showcase their talent in front of a packed audience.

Chairwoman Val Deary said: "It was a wonderful start to our 50th anniversary festival week.

"Each school performed with great enthusiasm and the mass choir delighted the audience with their singing.

"Our conductor Rachel Hughes has done a splendid job in bringing all the schools together to perform so magnificently.

"We now look forward to the rest of our festival week."

Harrison Tooth, aged 10, was taking part in the event for the first time on Monday.

The St Stephen's CE Primary School pupil, from Kearsley, said: "We have been rehearsing for a few weeks now.

"It is my training for the school play."

Mum Emma Tooth said: "It is the first time we have taken part. We are excited to hear Harrison sing."

Bolton Council leader Linda Thomas was among the audience at the opening night.

The 50th anniversary festival takes place from Monday, June 18 to Friday, June 22 at 7pm each evening in the Victoria Hall in Bolton.

One of this year's songs “As We Grow” was commissioned in 2003 for the 35th festival in memory of Bessie German who was a passionate member of the association.

To mark the 50th anniversary there is a new commission “Song Inside You” which was written by composer Stuart Overington.

The volunteer-led association committee has taken the decision to hand over the running of the festival to Bolton Music Service in association with Trust Music.

Secretary and former conductor Jane Hampson has been involved with the association since 1971.

Ms Hampson said: "I remember being on stage and singing In a Little Spanish Town and Lord of the Dance.

"The 50th anniversary was the right time to hand over to Bolton Music Service to ensure the future success of this iconic event.

"People remember it as being something really special and hopefully it will continue for many years to come."

Members of the association past and present have been invited to an afternoon tea on Friday to celebrate.

Mrs Deary, aged 68 from Lostock, used to run the choir at Devonshire Road Primary School, which led to her initial involvement in the committee.

She said: "This week is very special because it will be my last one.

"It has been a privilege to have been a part of this association. I have made so many friends.

"I am ready to retire but I will miss it very much."

On Tuesday, Bolton Junior Youth Choir will open the event, followed by a massed choir performance.

Cherry Tree Primary School, Leverhulme Community Primary School, Markland Hill Primary School and St Maxentius CE Primary School will then take to the stage, with music from Gary Barlow, Jackson 5 and Clean Bandit in the mix.

Young stars from St William of York RC Primary School will then perform The Climb and How Far I'll Go by Miley Cyrus.

Nearing the end of the evening, Claypool Primary School will perform their rendition of A Million Dream, from The Greatest Showman.