MORE than 400 young musicians from Herefordshire and Worcester-shire joined in harmony at Hereford Sixth Form College.

Fifteen groups from Hereford took part, with the hope of reaching the national Music For Youth festival in London this July.

It was the first time that one of the regional festivals had been held in the city.

Festival manager Hannah Reese - herself an ex-student of the Sixth Form College - was thrilled with how well the day went.

"It was a very enjoyable start to our 2004 Series, which takes in 59 events around the UK," she said.

"The cold weather did not stop anyone from attending and a good time seemed to be had by all."

The regional festivals provide an opportunity for young musicians to perform outside their usual school environment, as well as enjoying a variety of performances by their peers.

Rachel Coates, a Year 6 teacher from St Paul's Primary School, who led a group of handbell ringers, said they had a "splendid afternoon".

"It was only the second public performance they had given," she said.

"And they certainly hadn't heard anything like the other participants before."

The young handbell ringers, many of whom play no other instruments, were commended by the adjudicators for their teamwork and concentration.

Also performing together for one of the first times was the new city choir, The Voice Squad.

Adjudicators commented on the image and dress of the choir, which sings from a varied repertoire with a distinctive style - noted by the adjudication panel.

Leader Alison Houlbrooke described the event as a "wonderful, shared experience".

David Ventura, director of music at the Sixth Form College, said the two eminent adjudicators were full of praise for the quality of the music-making.

"Tony Harris, from Birmingham Conservatoire, and Christopher Polyblank, the county music inspector for Worcestershire, gave the groups certificates of participation and written reports praising the positive aspects of the performances.

"They looked forward, as we do, to some of the groups being invited to London's South Bank for the semi-finals and perhaps then on to the Albert Hall for the Schools' Prom," he said.