THE HALLS were alive with the sound of music last night as children performed to a full house.

A selection of ensembles from Bolton Music Service, including beginner woodwind, brass and string ensembles, through to the advanced musicians in the Bolton Youth Concert Band and the Bolton Youth Brass Band, all delighted the audience.

Even the very youngest put on a memorable show last night. Eagley Junior School Strings and St Matthews (Little Lever) Brass Band, showed how children at a very early stage can make great music and really benefit from playing with others.

The Saxophone Ensemble, the Bassoon Quartet and the Youth Percussion the music service really did show the huge range of music which is happening both in and out of schools

Carolyn Baxendale MBE, head of Bolton Music Service said: “It is an absolute pleasure to celebrate the work which our teachers are doing with schools during the day and with young people in our evening ensembles.

"There seem to be more and more children keen to take part in music and it is our job to bring new opportunities to life.

"The Bolton Music Service team has done an amazing job this week, leading these events over and above their normal day job ­— a fantastic team!”

Last night's concert was one of six events being put on by Bolton Music Service this week ­— on Monday the Albert Halls hosted a singalong "Princess and the Pea" musical show, on Wednesday the Halle Orchestra performed at King George's Hall to an audience of Bolton and Blackburn schoolchildren. On Saturday the Choral Festival will take place at the Victoria Hall and involve nine community choirs.