FROM guitars to violins and percussion to ukuleles, hundreds of youngsters picked up their instruments at a musical extravaganza in the city.

Central Hall was the venue for 520 students from seven city schools to take part in the Music on the Map Celebration today.

The youngsters from Redbridge Primary, Mansel Park Primary, Fairisle Junior, Oakwood Primary, St Mark’s Primary, Valentine Primary and Bitterne Church of England Primary were directed by Alex Pope as they tackled modern pop, classic rock, nursery rhymes and classical favourites.

As well as the youngsters the concert also featured performances by the Philharmagic Orchestra, Cordelectra and soloists such as trumpeter Ian Smith MBE, vocalist Megan Lodwidge and harmonica player Archie Minard.

As part of the Music on the Map, school pupils performed Frere Jacques and Live and Let Die on violins, Ay Caramba and the Two Step Boogie on guitars and Oh When the Saints on brass.