THE Glasgow Music Festival got under way at the weekend with solo singers competing for the top prize.

Competitions held on Saturday also included clàrsach and harp solos and Scottish Country Dancing.

The Helensburgh Junior Dancers were first in Scottish Country Dancing in both the 10 and under and 12 and under categories, while Ian Black took first prize in 'Songs from the Shows' for soloists aged 13 and 14.

In the Oratorio or Cantata Aria, 18 and under competition, first prize went to Eva Macfarlane.

More than 7000 young performers are taking part in the two-week event show-casing music, speech, drama and dance.

Around 170 hours of performances are taking place across six venues, including Renfield St Stephen's Church in Bath Street, the City Halls and Barony Church, with the bulk of speech classes taking place at Hamilton College.

It is organised by Glasgow Music Festival Association, which promotes and develops participation and interest in performing arts.

A range of music is performed, including classical, folk, jazz, rock and traditional Scottish music. Speech and drama events include readings of poetry and prose and public speaking.

The Festival, which will have daily coverage in the Evening Times, will culminate in the The Last Night Concert, when the major trophies will be awarded.

Songs from the Shows (13 & 14) (l): 1 Ian Black, 2 Lucy McVicar, 3 Sophie MacNair.

Songs from the Shows (9 and under): 1 Hayley Huiyi Yao, 2 Emma Kane, 3 Thomas Brown.

Oratorio or Cantata Aria (18 and under): 1 Eva Macfarlane, 2 Alice Yeoman, 3 Lorna Murray, 3 Jennifer Taylor.

Clàrsach Solos – Open: 1 Ruaidhri Irvine, 2 Aimee Clark, 3 Rachel Rutherford .

Clàrsach Solos A: 1 Abigail Syme, 2 Sophie Joint, 3 Donald Morrison, 3 Rosie Urquhart.

Clàrsach Solos B: 1 Amber Healey, 2 Sophie MacDonald, 3 Joy Guse.

Clàrsach Solos C: 1 Meredith Kiemer, 2 Rebecca MacDonald.

Non-traditional Clàrsach/Pedal Harp Solos – Open: 1 Ruaidhri Irvine, 2 Rachel Rutherford, 3 Grace Guse.

Non-traditiona Clàrsach/Pedal Harp Solos A: 1 Abigail Syme.

Non-traditional Clàrsach/Pedal Harp Solos B: 1 Meredith Kiemer, 2 Elizabeth MacDonald.

Scottish Country Dancing – 12 and under: 1 Helensburgh Junior Dancers; 10 and under: 1 Helensburgh Junior Dancers; Mixed: 1 RSCDS Edinburgh Branch; Scottish Country Dancing: 1 RSCDS Edinburgh Branch.