TALENTED musicians have been taking centre stage in Ramsbottom at the annual music festival.

Performers to the tune of 250 came together for the 14th Ramsbottom Music Festival. Popular classes turned out to be the piano and brass sections.

Peter Fielding, deputy chairman of the festival committee, said: "The festival went very well. On Tuesday we had 200 primary school children in Christ Church, Ramsbottom, for the singing classes. It was hard work, but the children enjoyed it very much. The children did very well in all the classes. They did not seem at all nervous and enjoyed playing."

The festival is now a firm fixture on the music circuit and attracts musicians from outside of the Bury area.

"We had musicians both locally and further afield. We had a number from Astley Bridge who took part in brass section," said Mr Fielding.

He added: "The only thing that did sadden me a little was the lack of visitors. In some cases musicians were performing in front of very few people. I really would urge them to come next year and find out more.

"I have seen some outstanding talent among the young musicians in this year's festival. It would have been nice to see more visitors watching them as well."

The festival once again recruited professional musicians who are experienced in performing, examining and adjudicating.

The committee are already looking to plan next year's music extravaganza.

Anybody who would like to get involved in the festival should ring 01706 826131.

The festival ends on Saturday with the traditional winners concert at the Frank Bennett Hall in Woodhey High School at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available on the door.

WINNERS

PIANO

John Sellars memorial trophy: Christopher Hindle; Dr Cheong trophy: Hannah Field, Alex Cochrane; Grant Arms trophy: Katie May; Peter Fielding trophy: Samantha Hawkins; Bury Lions trophy: Meghan Beth Carney; Festival Cup: Michael Clegg, Emily Cook; Clough Willis Ltd trophy: Andrej Hagan.

STRINGS

Dunscar Timber trophy: Katie Hurt; Fidler family trophy: Hannah Bigwood, Zoe Jackson; Angela Campbell trophy: Alastair McMath; Elizabeth Sykes trophy: Martin Hagan; Grimshaws Vauxhall trophy: Shendie McMath; Mosley & Company trophy: Elizabeth Dawson; Clark Craft trophy: Martin Hagan.

POPULAR/LIGHT VOCAL

Nan Lakes memorial shield: Zoe Jackson; Jeannie Lee trophy: Soraya Mafi; Nan Healey memorial trophy: Naomi Jahoda; Kenyon trophy: Sara Jackson, Kelly OSullivan.

WOODWIND AND RECORDER

Heather Dalton trophy: Charlotte Fitzgerald; John Calverley memorial trophy: Mark Harrison; Heald Fourways shield: Charlotte Fitzgerald; Walmsleys (Butcher) trophy: Sneha Chacko; Cobwebs trophy: Jonty Rigby, Danny Toseland; Florence Nuttall trophy: Kate Teasdale.

VOCAL/CLASSICAL AND FOLK

ABC trophy: Zoe Jackson; John Spencer (Hazelhurst) trophy: Martin Hagan; Nulty, Lea and Bates trophy: Shendie McMath; John Rodwell trophy: Naomi Jahoda; Helene Bein memorial trophy: Naomi Jahoda, Beryl Shepard; Harris trophy: Soraya Mafi, Siobhan Brennan; Kays of Ramsbottom trophy: Anne Dearden, Naomi Jahoda.

ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD

Read, Franklin and Heywood trophy: Lucinda Kay; Terence McMahon memorial trophy; Jonty Rigby; Rev. Joe Russon memorial trophy: Cameron Green.

BRASS

Trinity trophy: Alana Evans; Astley Band trophy: Peter Athans; B&C Gregory trophy: Carys Evans; Holcombe Brook Recorded Music Society trophy: James McGougan, Jack Berry; M. Gardner trophy: Kirsten Broadhurst; Roger Greenlees trophy: Louise Harrison; The Trophy: Simon Minshall; Dr Kalayan and Dr Champa Loomba MBA memorial trophy: Simon Minshall, Tom Berry; Minshall family trophy: Simon Minshall, Tom Berry; Triple R trophy: The Smartie Ensemble.

SCHOOLS

Primary Instrumental Class: Stubbins Primary School Concert Band.

Recorders: Greenmount Recorder Group

Primary Choral Class (Unison): St. Marie's R.C. Primary School

Primary Choral Class (Part Singing): Peel Brow School Choir.

Unclaimed raffle prizes are for ticket numbers green 61-65; green 121-125. Call 01706 823641 to claim.