AN ANNUAL performance festival is well underway as contestants gathered today for the fifth day of event.

The Glasgow Music Festival, which highlights the best amateur performers in Glasgow, draws more than 7000 artists, musicians and dancers to the city each year.

Now in its 102nd year, the event takes place in a host of city venues including Renfield St Stephen's Church, on Bath Street, Wellington Church, in the West End, and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Yesterday's highlights included Beth Taylor, a young singer, who scooped the Ian Barrie Certificate for her Oratorio performance.

A number of other accolades and merits were handed out to many of the performers who showcased their talent in singing, string and woodwind instruments.

Sheila Craig, chairman of the festival said: "The highlight of the Tuesday competitions was the number of honors certificates that were presented

"In the morning, three were given out and two classes later, in the afternoon, we had woodwind solos and adjudicator Margaret Smith presenting five certificates.

"She was so surprised at the quality of these young people, and the quality of the music she was hearing.

"She is an experienced adjudicator who has been to events throughout the country."