MUSICIANS, young and old, hit the right note and amazed judges when they performed at this year's Ramsbottom Music Festival.

Now in its seventh year, the festival has earned a permanent spot in the town's annual calendar - and on the country's music map.

The four-day event attracted more than 190 entries, and local schools again showed they were top of the pops when they walked away with many of the awards.

The event is the brainchild of Mr Peter Fielding who is now a committee member of Ramsbottom Music Festival. He said: "We had entries from across the North West together with local schools and musicians who took part.

"Everyone taking part performed like true professionals - they were a delight to listen to."

Since the festival's humble beginnings classes have increased and expanded with each year.

"I had always wanted to have a music festival in the town and to provide a venue for amateur musicians to perform.

"The judging was performed to a very high standard with representatives coming from the Royal Northern College of Music,"

He said the only cloud hanging over one of the biggest events in the town was the lack of public support.

"We really hoped local people would turn out to support and encourage events like this - but there was an awful lot of empty seats. We are just grateful for the support of firms like Grimshaws Vauxhall in Prestwich and Marshalls Mono in Ramsbottom, and local businesses without which the festival would not be as successful," concluded Mr Fielding.

Pictured are Bury Grammar School pupils (from left) Stephanie Jackson (17), Fabienne Desprez (17) Joanna Whitfield (15) hit the right note in the Anne Langslow & Sylvia Forbes Memorial Trophy for the open piano class.

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