Hundreds of young musicians from Oxfordshire will tonight take to the stage in a world-class concert hall.

More than 500 youngsters, including 250 primary school children, will perform in the Grand Spring Concert at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall .

They have taken over the hall for the evening and more than 1,000 paying spectators are expected in the audience.

Deputy head of the County Music Service, Liz Stock, said: “We’ve got 11 coaches of students and another three coaches of parent supporters all heading to Birmingham.

“The children are all so excited. There are some fantastically talented young musicians in Oxfordshire and they’ve all been practising hard for the event. We thought it would be a great opportunity to let all our students play in a proper concert hall.”

She added: “This is one of the best halls in Europe and the acoustics are incredible. It will be amazing for them to feel they’ve performed there.”

Groups performing include the Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra, Youth Wind Band, Youth Music Theatre, Schools’ Symphony Orchestra, Youth Combined Big Bands, Young Singers choirs and Youth Chamber Choir.

Primary school children will also form a mass choir and perform the second-ever public performance of Oxonia, which premiered in November.

Among the children taking part are Year Five and Six pupils from West Kidlington Primary School.

Deputy headteacher Mat-thew Coatsworth said: “It should be an amazing experience for them. The children have picked up the music so well, they’ve had a real sense of commitment and it’s been an absolute joy to be involved in.”

Year Five pupil Alec Puleston, 10, said: “I’m really excited. Singing is really fun.

I get a bit nervous before the performances but then once I have started singing, I always enjoy it.”

Fellow pupil Chloe Antonen said: “I’m feeling quite scared about it but I know I’m going to enjoy it. We’ve been practising every week.”

All the children involved attend Oxfordshire County Council Music Service activities.

Cabinet member for school improvement Melinda Tilley said: “This concert will be a fantastic opportunity for the young musicians to experience performing in a world class venue in front of a large audience and I am sure that all involved will benefit from it.”

The concert starts at 7pm tonight.