BOLTON'S musical youth is set to dazzle audiences each night this week at the Albert Halls.

The annual Bolton music Centre Presents commenced once again last night -- marking the start of a special five day musical extravaganza.

More than 200 schoolchildren will feature in the giant showcase of young talent which began last night and runs until Thursday, from 7pm each night.

Youngsters whose musical abilities range from beginners through to almost professional, and from primary school to late teens, will take to the stage in a mixed programme each evening.

They will feature in more than 40 ensembles, groups, choirs and orchestras.

The groups encompass music across the board ranging from the newly formed Gamelan Ensemble -- traditional music from Indonesia using authentic instruments, through to brass, woodwind and percussion ensembles.

Most ensembles and groups featured are nurtured at the Bolton Music Centre, but each night will also feature a guest school choir.

Bolton Music Centre is based at The Deane School and has received extensive Government funding to achieve its aim to reach out to youngsters turned off by the more traditional approach to school music lessons.

A variety of tutors are employed in encouraging the talent of youngsters regardless of ability, experience and which instruments they are keen to play.

Last night's entertainment came courtesy of Bolton Training Wind Ensemble, Bolton Double Reed Ensemble, Bolton Training Percussion Ensembles, Bolton Youth Choir, Staff Ensemble, Little Lever Brass Ensemble and Bolton Youth Orchestra.

Here is the remaining programme, which includes music ranging from traditional classics through to more modern foot tapping songs:

Tonight -- Bolton Gamelan Ensemble, Bolton Adult Gamelan Ensemble, Farnworth and Deane Junior Strings, Turton Training Choir, Bolton Intermediate Brass Band, Bolton Intermediate Percussion Ensemble, Bolton Youth Concert Band;

Tomorrow -- Bolton Beginner Brass Band and Bolton Training Brass Band, Bolton Youth Clarinet Quintet, Bolton Music Service Singers, Bolton Training Strings Orchestra, Little Lever Woodwind Ensemble, The New Century String Quartet, Bolton Youth Jazz Orchestra;

Wednesday -- Bolton Intermediate Wind Ensemble, Bolton Youth Flute Choir, Little Lever String Ensemble, Bolton Junior Youth Orchestra Strings and Bolton Junior Youth Orchestra, Bolton Youth Brass Ensemble, Bolton Youth String Quartet, Bolton Youth Brass Band;

Thursday -- Bolton Youth Wind Ensemble, Bolton Youth Clarinet Choir, Bolton Youth Choir, Rivington and Turton Junior Strings, Little Lever Choir, Bolton Youth Percussion Ensemble, New Century Strings.

Tickets for each night are £3.50 adults and £2 concessions. They are available from Albert Halls Box Office on 01204 334400.

Further details about Bolton Music Centre are available from 333533.

Look out each night this week for the latest news and pictures from the Bolton Music Centre Presents in the Bolton Evening News.