FOOTBALL scores were replaced by musical scores when performers from Bury gathered at Bolton Wanderers' Macron Stadium.

An audience of 1,400 people packed into the Premier Suite for a varied programme of entertainment provided by school choirs, guitar and flute ensembles, community choirs and a brass band.

The Raising Music festival was the first organised by music and arts education organisation, Alfa, to showcase the achievements of the amateur musicians it works with.

More than 400 performers took part, with soloists offering everything from opera to Michael Buble numbers.

Schools taking part included Holly Mount Primary in Greenmount, Chesham Primary in Bury, and Elms Bank in Whitefield.

The newly-formed Ramsbottom Community Choir also gave their first public performance.

The evening was rounded off with a roof-raising version of the Queen classic 'Radio Gaga' from all the participants.

Alfa director and concert organiser Carolyn Hudson said: β€œIt was a fantastic evening. It just shows the amazing talent that we have in the area.”