South Gloucestershire schools' Colston Hall concert

Five-hundred children from South Gloucestershire schools staged a Colston Hall concert celebrating 50 years of chart music.

Pupils from 18 schools took part. The programme included tunes familiar to all generations, those participating and watching, including tracks from the Beatles, to, Queen and Take That.

The show also included a drama sketch based on reality shows, as well as dances, and a group of handbell ringers.

The children wore T-shirts printed for the occasion and the hall was decorated with balloons.

Parents and grandparents arrived for the event last night to the sound of a CD of Michael Jackson's greatest hits, in recognition of his death.

Kerrie Duce, one of the organisers, said: "We thought this would be a subtle tribute to him. We had not rehearsed any Jacksons' songs but we could not let his death go unmarked."

The theme had been chosen because it was the 50th anniversary music festival staged South Gloucestershire schools.

Ms Duce said; "It was a fantastic performance. The children really loved singing."

Schools taking part were: The Tynings, St Barnabas', Frenchay, Christchurch Downend, Barrs Court, Fromebank, Little Stoke Primary, St Helen's, The Meadows, Manor Primary, Blackhorse, Hambrook. Stanbridge, Mangotsfield, Baileys Court, Emersons Green, Shield Road and Meadowbrook.

The concert was also a farewell to Paula Millard, who is moving on after being involved with the festival for 18 years.