MINI musicians accompanied with their favourite cuddly toys helped talented young instrumentalists perform a set of huge children’s tracks.

The annual Teddy Bears’ Musical Concert, led by the ever-popular Colne Valley Youth Orchestra, took place last Sunday at Colchester Arts Centre.

During the show, the performers played renditions of The Ugly Duckling, Sleigh Ride, Beauty and the Beast, and concert’s namesake, The Teddy Bears’ Picnic.

Throughout the event, tiny guests and their fluffy friends, alongside their families, were encouraged to join in by playing percussion instruments and singing.

Some were also invited to have a go at conducting the orchestra’s on-stage musicians while their teddy bears moved along to the sounds.

Nigel Hildreth, musical director of the Colne Valley Youth Orchestra, said the event is great for broadening the musical tastes of younger people.

He said: “This concert is a perfect way to get young children enjoying music played by an orchestra.

“We have them singing along, getting their own teddy bears to dance to the music and playing some percussion instruments to help our orchestra along.

“It’s a wonderful event.”