Record number prepare for schools music festival

The Shetland Schools Music Festival kicks off today with a record number of participants lined up to perform.

Performances start at 10am each day of the festival with audiences welcome to attend for free during the day time slots.

Pupils will be graded on their performances, receiving either a bronze, silver or gold classification.

The young musician of the year competition will take place on Wednesday evening and will be split into senior and junior categories.

Anne Macdonald will be the adjudicator at this year’s event. Ms Macdonald is a violinist who was a member of the first violin section of the Scottish Ballet Orchestra.

On Thursday night there will be a gala concert which will consist of a variety of musical highlights of the week.

There will also be a variety of fun events arranged through the week including a concert on Monday evening featuring a varied programme of group performances. The concert starts at 7pm.

• Wednesday and Thursday evening’s events start at 7pm and will be ticketed. Full coverage of the festival and competition in this week’s Shetland Times.