LEIGH has been alive with the sound of music as the annual musical festival moved into its first instrumental competitions.

Youngsters have been competing for a range of prizes in the woodwind section of Leigh Musical Festival, at Highlands Methodist Church, Sutherland Boulevard.

The festival has also seen the culmination of the dramatic categories, which saw hundreds of children from across the borough compete in classes including mime, prose reading, poetry and acting.

Gill Thorn, festival spokesman, said: “It has been a very good festival so far, and the performances have had some very positive comments from parents, adjudicators and the children themselves.

“The festival is very important because to have a stage to go and perform on is a vital part of any musician’s development.

“Practising at home is one thing, but it’s always good to go on to the stage and perform in front of people because sharing is what music is all about.”