A GALA concert in the stunning Hulme Hall in Port Sunlight celebrated 500 years of education at Bolton School.

Port Sunlight was chosen because of the school's link with William Lever, who developed the village for the workers in his Sunlight Soap factory.

A school spokesman said: "Hosting the concert in this venue therefore brought together the shared heritage of the school and the village, linked by the 1st Viscount Leverhulme and honouring his legacy to education."

The Brass Fanfare opened the concert with "Fanfare for Port Sunlight", a piece written for the occasion by girls’ division Director of Music Andrea Price.

This was followed by the Intermediate Concert Band, playing " An Irish Party in Third Class" and "I Gotta Feeling".

Harp soloist Alexandra Hopkinson gave a graceful performance of "Nataliana".

The Middle School Choir took centre stage to sing "Seasons of Love" from the musical Rent.

Rock band the Parallel Oreos – made up of year 11 pupils – also performed opening their set with "Smile".

And given Hulme Hall was the venue for Ringo Starr’s official debut as a member of The Beatles in 1962, the band performed a tribute to the famous group as sang "Twist and Shout".

There were also performances by the Senior Concert Band, girls’ division a capella group, The Accidentals, the Drum Corps, The Saxophone Choir, The Senior Guitar Group and the Jazz Band.

The Senior Orchestra provided the finale to the Port Sunlight Gala Concert with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.

Jeremy Bleasdale, the boys’ division Director of Music invited the audience to join with The Accidentals in singing "Jerusalem", accompanied by the Senior Orchestra.

A spokesman for the school said the event had been a fabulous addition to the school's 500 year celebrations.

He said: "The Gala Concert in Hulme Hall was a wonderful afternoon of music-making and a fitting continuation of the School’s 500th anniversary celebrations."

To watch and listen to highlights from the concert visit the school's website at www.boltonschool.org/senior-girls/news/port-sunlight-gala-concert/