YOUNG performers brought a touch of tinseltown to Bolton with a Hollywood Premiere evening that included showstopping musical numbers and even the red carpet treatment.

Members of the audience were greeted in true film star style when they arrived at the Phoenix Arts Centre in Bark Street for the show, part of Bolton Youth Arts Festival.

Not only was a red carpet laid out for guests to walk up, youngsters greeted new arrivals with claps and cheers and took photographs, making you feel as if you had arrived at the Oscars.

The show began with a musical play called Westenders, devised and performed by young people who had taken part in the week long festival.

Loosely based around Big Brother, a group of youngsters pretended to be on a reality TV programme which involved them performing songs from West End shows and TV audiences voting for the best entertainer. This paved the way for a number of all singing, all dancing energetic songs from hit musicals such as Chicago (All That Jazz), Cats (Memory) and My Fair Lady (Wouldn't It Be Lovely).

The youngsters sang their hearts and souls out, radiating enthusiasm and energy.

Westenders was followed by individual performances of both self written songs and cover versions of tracks by artists such a Katie Melua and Will Young. The night ended with a short film, made by young performers themselves, chronicling the fun activities that have taken place throughout the festival such as circus skills and drumming.

The youngsters' obvious enjoyment in taking part in the show really came across and I left the Arts centre impressed by their hard work and dedication.