TALENTED youngsters from across the county have been given a taste of star treatment as part of an annual performance showcasing their musical skills.

Craig Robinson

TALENTED youngsters from across the county have been given a taste of star treatment as part of an annual performance showcasing their musical skills.

Around 1,400 pupils from 45 schools across Suffolk are taking to the stage at the world famous Snape Maltings Concert Hall.

As well as playing in front of an 800 strong audience the children are also given the type of treatment reserved for the top performers - with their own dressing room, crew, technical staff and dress rehearsals.

It is part of Snape Maltings' annual A Celebration of Schools' Music production - which this year is focusing on the theme “music and the mind”.

Yesterday's concert included performances from Dell primary and Gunton primary schools in Lowestoft and Holbrook High School - which celebrated 50 years of Mowtown.

Marc Ernesti, head of marketing at Aldeburgh Music, said: “We have had everything from traditional music to a celebration of Mowtown to mark its 50th anniversary - there has been an extraordinary eclectic mix.

“All the participants have had a wonderful time and it's a great opportunity for them to perform on stage in front of a large audience. The excitement is there for all to see - you can really feel if building in the hall.”

Sponsored by Trinity Guildhall, the event features everything from jazz and rock bands, choirs and orchestras to ensembles and cross-arts pieces, demonstrating the sheer breadth of work currently being produced in local schools.

Suffolk County Council is also involved in putting on the huge concert, which features all ages and stages of Suffolk maintained schools.

A Celebration of Schools' Music runs until March 14. Performances begin at 7pm and tickets are priced at �6 (�3 for under27s) and are available from the Aldeburgh Music Box Office on 01728 687110 or online at www.aldeburgh.co.uk .