YOUNG musicians heralded the start of Christmas with a traditional festive concert.

Brass players with Bolton Music Services’ various bands raised the roof at Bolton Parish Church with their renditions of traditional and modern Christmas tunes.

Some 180 musicians aged eight to 18-year-old entertained the audience with their programme which included Little Donkey, Jingle Bells, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and many other seasonal favourites.

The audience joined in with carol singing adding to the Christmas atmosphere created by the talented youngsters.

Starring in the concert were Little Lever’s Beginners Brass Band, Bolton Intermediate Brass Band, Bolton Junior Brass Band and Bolton Youth Brass Band.

The event officially marked the start of Bolton Music Service’s festive programme after bad weather forced the cancellation of a strings concert on Tuesday night.

The council-run Bolton Music Service works with children and schools to promote music in the town.

Deputy head of Bolton Music Service, Martin Kay, said: “It was a lovely family and community event to mark Christmas.”

Today the Service will be staging its Orchestral Christmas Concert at the Millennium Chapel at Canon Slade school.

Tomorrow it will be the Choral Christmas Concert at Victoria Hall in Bolton.