It will be the fourth time Leigh Sports Village Stadium has hosted International Rugby League, following the England v France International in June last year and the England Academy v Australia Schoolboys International Test Series in December 2010.

Speaking on the announcement, Leigh Sports Village Chief Executive Simon Toon said, “I am delighted that Leigh Sports Village will be hosting one of the Gillette Four Nations fixtures. The Four Nations is a prestigious competition and it is fantastic that we will be associated with the tournament. Leigh has an extremely proud rugby heritage and I have no doubt that the local community will look forward to watching International Rugby League here again.”

Tickets for the match are now on sale and available by calling the RFL ticketing hotline on 0844 8561113 or online at www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk. Tickets start from £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Leigh Sports Village ticket office will be selling tickets shortly so visit www.leighsportsvillage.co.uk for further information.

Joining the 145 stores at McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks that make up the 1.2 miles of style, the new Hobbs outlet is the first from the brand to open in the North West and the fifth Hobbs outlet in the UK.

Along with recent additions Armani, Gant and Reiss, Hobbs will further increase the prestige of the impressive fashion line-up on offer at the designer outlet, all offering up to 60% less.

Colin Wilding, UK Country Manager and Centre Manager at McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks, says,“It is fantastic that Hobbs are joining us. Offering a collection of high quality accessories and an impressive range of classic women’s clothing at up to 60% less, the Hobbs outlet is a welcome addition to McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks.”

Alana Mazza, Retail Director at Hobbs, says, “We are delighted to launch the Hobbs outlet at McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks – the first of our outlets to receive a new concept layout. Incorporating contemporary design elements of an English manor house, the store will feature an exclusive shoe lounge peppered with luxe seating and boutique-style fitting rooms for customers to relax in.”

From business suits and smart dresses to weekend wear and fine accessories, Hobbs represents uncompromised quality and craftsmanship.

Launching with a collection of High Summer products, the new Hobbs outlet will then move into Autumn Winter with the 2010 range, which features a strong selection of coats and boots.

‘The Open – Contemporary Art Exhibition’ will be held at the Stockport Art Gallery from June 25th to August 14th.

Visitors will have the opportunity to appreciate many works of various genres including oil, watercolour, sculpture, ceramics and textiles. The Closing Ceremony on August 14th will include a ‘meet the artist’ event and presentation of ‘Visitors Choice’ and ‘Artist’s Choice’ Awards.

Whether you would like to buy an art work, get some tips from an expert, or simply admire outstanding talent the exhibition will provide a friendly engaging atmosphere for art lovers of all ages and backgrounds. There will be something for everyone to enjoy and entry to the exhibition is absolutely free.

Website: www.skarts.org.uk

Mention of Edinburgh, Brighton, Buxton even Manchester’s 24:7 are fairly frequent within playwright circles yet it seemed unusual for a city which gave the world Willy Russell, Jimmy McGovern and more had limited occasion for new writing to be aired outside of the Everyman Playhouse Everyword Festival. Thus 2010 saw the inaugural Write Now Festival, eight days of eight one-act plays at Liverpool Actors’ Studio on Seel Street in the city-centre and Write Now 2011 promises more of the same and more! As well as eight world premiere plays, Write Now 2011, has exciting new events including Monologue Slam, a chance to showcase new acting talent in front of industry professionals and Ten Tall Tower Tales, set in an apartment block it tells 10 stories from 10 storeys, each five minutes long. Write Now also has a fantastic writing forum event supported by The Liverpool Everyman Playhouse Literary Department which is free of charge.

“2010 was a huge success” admits Festival Director Ian Moore, “and Easter 2011 will see the second Write Now Festival, another eight new one-act plays, all hoping to build upon the astonishing achievement of last year.

Liverpool playwrights are well represented in Write Now 2011 with three pieces, including Craig Brennan’s exploration of the contrasts between events on the Kop at Anfield and the Boer War event of the same name in The Place Where We Stand, Spion Kop.

In Excess Baggage by David P Griffiths, a farcical comedy set in John Lennon Airport two newly-weds are asked to look after an old man’s suitcase with comic results.

Huyton-born Stephanie Blakeborough’s unconventional rom-com, promises to delight. Mrs Bojangles, the story of a retired showgirl who takes on the role of matchmaker.

Liverpoolcentric but not Liverpool exclusive seems to be the overwhelming feel of this festival, with submissions coming from as far away from Jersey.

Write Now is also proud to announce Liverpool born playwright Neil Walden’s Striker – a play especially for the Family Audience. Black Box Creative Communities, which runs the Write Now Festival, is renowned for its youth orientated work and is proud to bring this expertise to the 2011 festival. So be prepared for a comedy adventure for everyone aged 4 and above; expect spaceships, pirates, mysterious going-ons and a werewolf!

The aim of Write Now is to create a lasting impression and support network for new theatre talent across the North West – and the legacy of the festival is already starting to show. Following the success of I’m Ed Caesar in Write Now 2010 Nick Brelsford returns with a new production set in the Walker Art Gallery, The Bridge is an intriguing look at how art mirrors life.

Other productions also include Rocker of Ages by Kate Shaw, It Works For Us by Dick Curran, whose play Islanders recently won the MEN Best Fringe Production 2010 and Warrington-based Natalie Hickman’s comedy Monkey Nuts.

The Festival is again supported by actress Pauline Daniels, BBC correspondent Roger Phillips and Liverpool Echo Editor Alastair Machray with new patron Dean Sullivan joining the growing band of supporters.

Dean admits, “New writing is the lifeblood of the industry. It’s great that writers will get the chance to showcase their work as there are fewer and fewer opportunities to take risks and discover fresh talent.”

Buy tickets at the Liverpool Philharmonic website https://boxoffice.liverpoolphil.com or by calling on 0151 709 3789.

Find out more at: www.writenowfestival.co.uk

Wild Art Adventure- Self-led activity

2 to 27 April …10am-5pm
Look at the forest and artworks in unimagined ways as you journey into your own art adventure.
Sheets available from shop 80p for one £1.20 for two – all ages

On The Move- FREE Drop-in session in the Yan (small charge for some activities)

9 to 25 April …11am-4pm
Many creatures move from place to place to feed & breed. Find out about, and be inspired by, some of their life-stories & adventures.

A Walk in the Forest

18 April …10.30am
Discover hidden artwork in Grizedale Forest and visit two tarns on the way to a spectacular view point. A joint LDNPA & FC event.
FREE, meet at Grizedale shop for a moderate 6 mile walk. Dogs welcome

Chopping Chips (of the wooden kind)

20 April …1pm-4pm
Grizedale is heated by chips, wood chips! A rare opportunity to see the wood chipper in action and take a behind the scenes look at how they keep Grizedale warm!
FREE, meet at Grizedale shop; half hour slots throughout the afternoon no booking required

For further information contact the visitor centre on 01229 860010 or email grizedale@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

The festival takes place every other year in the city of Manchester, north-west England, presenting new works from the performing arts, visual arts and popular culture. This year’s MIF, from 30 June to 17 July, contains more than 20 commissions, premieres and special events created by leading artists from around the world, some of which have been three years or more in the making.

Musical highlights of the 2011 festival include the live debut of Sinead O’Connor’s forthcoming album Home, the first UK performance of Snoop Dog’s Doggystyle, with live appearances from all the original featured artists, Rickie Lee Jones performing her album Pirates exactly 30 years since its July 1981 release, and the world premiere of Björk’s Biophilia. Björk will present six shows in the Campfield Market Hall for audiences of 1,800.

There will be a two-night concert performance of Wagner’s Die Walküre, conducted by Sir Mark Elder and supported by a specially commissioned dramatic prologue, The Madness of an Extraordinary Plan. Other stage performances include The Life and Death of Marina Abramovic, a biography of the grandmother of performance art reimagined by visionary director Robert Wilson.

As usual, the festival will contain some innovative ‘firsts’: the first ever UK performance of music by the award-winning French composer Mark André, a concert by blind Malian superstars Amadou and Mariam held entirely in the dark, violinist Alina Ibragimova performing with an interactive film made by the Quay Brothers, and Doctor Dee, a new work composed by Damon Albarn and directed by Rufus Norris.

Festival Director Alex Poots says: ‘MIF is a home for major artists to realise their most ambitious projects and we are grateful to them for entrusting their work to us. We hope audiences will enjoy this year’s programme, featuring a greater number of large-scale productions created in collaboration with leading presenters from around the world.’

Manchester International Festival 2011, various venues 30 June–17 July
Website: www.mif.co.uk
Facebook: manchesterinternationalfestival
Twitter: MIFestival
YouTube: ManchesterIntFest

Paul Daley and Neil Barnes formed Leftfield in 1990. The pair were ground-breaking in the field of intelligent dance music and progressive house, being amongst the first to fuse house music with dub and reggae. Along with the Chemical Brothers and Underworld they were among the first electronic musicians to incorporate live guest vocalists.

Last year saw Leftfield return to the live circuit for the first time in over a decade. After a series of stunning headline performances at festivals including Rockness, Benicassim, L.E.D and Creamfields. Neil Barnes returns with a new live show set that will demonstrate once again why Leftfield Live remains one of the must-see music experiences on the planet.

“The reception we received last summer at the festivals was amazing. Now we can’t wait to get out there again and bring the full Leftfield Live experience to Chester Rocks. Let the bass roar” Says Neil Barnes.

Leftfield trail-blazed their unique sound in the early 1990’s, allaying rave with the power of rock music and taking The Sex Pistols and PiL frontman, John Lydon back to the top of the charts in the process. The band’s debut Leftism became a modern classic, heralded as one of the greatest albums of all time by Q Magazine. Sophomore effort Rhythm and Stealth went to number one, spawning the techno anthem Phat Planet which soundtracked that Guinness advert with the horses.

Revealed as the loudest band EVER to play Brixton Academy, Leftfield’s show made such a seismic impact that it remains the benchmark for live electronic music to this day. They can take recognition for inspiring some of the world’s biggest dance acts, including Daft Punk, Basement Jaxx, Chemical Brothers and Underworld, and the original superstar DJ Sasha, who acclaims Leftfield as “writing the commandments on electronic music.”

Alternative rock group, Feeder are the latest addition to Chester Rock’s Sunday bill. The band are one of the most charted acts of all-time, with a total of 20 top 40 singles. The roots of the band can be traced back to Newport, Gwent in the early 1990’s, where Nicholas and Lee played together in short-lived local grunge band Temper Temper. Frustrated by small-town life, the pair changed their name to Reel and relocated to London in early 1995, recruiting Tokyo-born bassist Taka Hirose on the way.

The band’s new commercial dawn came with Buck Rogers – a brash, technicolour pop song that hit the Top 5 in early 2001. It was the calling card for Echo Park, Feeder’s accessible third album. Feeder supported the Manic Street Preachers on their European tour and Stereophonics in the UK, and ended their most successful year to date with a re-recorded version of the absurdly catchy Just A Day. Its selling point was a video featuring Feeder’s teenage fanbase air-guitaring their way through the track in bedrooms across the nation, and it saw the band wind up 2001 on an optimistic footing.

Sadly 2002 saw the death of founder member Jon Lee. The future of the band was thrown into doubt, but Nicholas and Hirose resolved to carry on under the Feeder name after pleas from fans and Lee’s family. Feeder carried on to great pop success.

2010 saw the release of their eight studio album with the current line-up of Grant Nicholas, Taka Hirose and Karl Brazil. The band have just released the download single Side by Side with all profits going to the Red Cross in aid of the victims of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Saturday’s line-up includes; Taio Cruz, McFly, The Saturdays, Sugababes, The Wanted, Eliza Doolittle, The Christians and Stephen Langstaff.

Sunday’s line-up includes; Iggy Pop and The Stooges, Leftfield, The Australian Pink Floyd Show, Echo and The Bunnymen, Feeder, I Am Kloot, Shaun William Ryder, Lightning Seeds, and Tommy Scott and the Red Scare.

Tickets for the Saturday or Sunday are £47.50 each or £85 for both days and are available from www.chester-rocks.co.uk or by calling 01244 304 610.

For more information and updates on Chester Rocks check out:

Website: www.chester-rocks.co.uk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChesterRocksUK
Twitter: http://twitter.com/chester_rocks

Windermere Lake Cruises now offer bespoke celebration cruises on their charming vintage ‘steamers’, providing a rare opportunity to mark once in a lifetime occasions on the water, against the spectacular moving backdrop of Cumbria’s fells.

The stunning vintage boats can be chartered privately and accommodate between 100 and 180 guests. They boast fully stocked bars, sound systems and even dance floors and can be dressed perfectly to suit any chosen theme.

All celebrations on a Windermere Lake Cruise are individual, there are no set packages and everything from a summer barbeque cruise at sunset, to a chic vintage afternoon tea dance, to a relaxed wedding ‘after party’ can be arranged.

The prices for a celebration cruise are refreshingly manageable too, with a private two hour charter for up to 100 people costing from just £990. There are set menu packages available from around £9 per person and disco hire from approximately £200 but those fancying a ‘DIY do’ can bring their own band, cake, flowers and food for just a surcharge of £2 per guest, making a cruise a real recession busting bash.

For further information on a private charter visit the Windermere Lake Cruises website at www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk or call 015384 43360.

Fell Foot Park featured in the ‘Food with a View’ list compiled by the National Trust and was recognised as one of Britain’s top ten places to enjoy a picnic.

The Victorian country park offers breathtaking views of the Lakeland fells as well as gorgeous lawns and gardens leading down to the lakeshore and an adventure playground for kids.

From the 9th of April, Windermere Lake Cruises will provide a daily service to the pretty park onboard a charming traditional launch.

The relaxing journey to Fell Foot will cost just £1.50 per adult, 75p per child or £4 for a family of two adults and up to three children.

A boat trip on England’s largest lake, a walk among spectacular scenery and a picnic in one of Britain’s best park…All the ingredients for an idyllic day out with great value for money too.

For further information and to book tickets for a Windermere Lake Cruise please visit www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk or call 015384 43360.

The largest newly-built national museum in Britain for more than a century, the new Museum of Liverpool, will open to the public for the first time on Tuesday 19 July.

One of the world’s leading history museums and a stunning new addition to the city’s famous waterfront, the Museum of Liverpool is the first national museum anywhere in the world that is devoted to the history of a regional city.

Demonstrating Liverpool’s extraordinary contribution to the world, it will showcase popular culture and tackle the social, historical and contemporary issues of the city.

Professor Phil Redmond CBE, chairman of National Museums Liverpool said:

“Liverpool’s waterfront is known the world over, and we are pleased that we will soon be welcoming visitors to what is undoubtedly a stunning addition to that World Heritage Site.

“Liverpool’s role in history is also known the world over, as is its iconic symbol, the Liver Bird. It is fitting then that the first purpose-built museum to examine a city’s role in world history, is opening its doors 100 years to the day that the Liver Building itself opened for business.”

Until now, people have found it difficult to grasp the sheer size of the birds that perch on top of what was once the tallest building in Britain. Now visitors to the new Museum in July will be able see for themselves the magnificence of an 18ft life-size Liver Bird, overlooking the Three Graces.

Both the Liver Building and Museum of Liverpool are considered cutting edge architectural designs in their own right. The Museum is the newest symbol of Liverpool’s confidence as a great 21st century city.

Housing more than 6,000 objects, many which have never been on public display before, visitors can unearth an array of stories spanning the Ice Age to the present day.

People will be able to see the stage where John Lennon and Paul McCartney first met, witness the city’s growth into the world’s greatest port, see first hand the last remaining carriage from the famous Liverpool Overhead Railway, and immerse themselves in the city’s rich sporting and creative history.

David Fleming, director of National Museums Liverpool said:

“The Museum of Liverpool is all about telling the stories of the city and its people. This includes the times of struggle such as the Toxteth riots, the triumphs of our musical exports including The Beatles, and the dramatic histories of our football teams.

“Every single event has helped shape this city’s personality. The Museum of Liverpool is here to tell the tale, and like the Liver Building, will be around for many years to come.”

The £72m project is continuing apace, and internal fit-out of the major galleries is taking shape to such an extent that the three-phased opening of the Museum has been reduced to just two, with the second phase opening later this year. Discussions regarding plans for the launch day are currently taking place, and will be announced nearer the date.

Friday 29th July – Sunday 31st July 2011
Lowther Deer Park, Hackthorpe, The Lake District
Full adult Weekend ticket: £95

Tickets available from www.ticketline.co.uk / www.kendalcalling.com

Winner of Best Small festival at 2010 UK Festival Awards

Nominee for NME Best Small festival award

8,000 capacity – 8 stages 3 days and nights of fun in the fields in the beautiful Lake District

With tickets selling like hot cakes and the Emperors Field camping already sold out, Kendal Calling 2011 is set for a record breaking year, and all without revealing any Headliners! Well all that is set to change as Kendal Calling 2011 announce the almighty, one and only Sunday Girl Blondie to close this years show as the final night headliner and bass thumping Chase & Status as Friday nights top act. Other bands on board include The Whip, Young Knives, Nero and Middleman. We are yet to announce our Saturday night headliner so watch this space

Blondie is a band that needs almost no introduction. Headed up by one of the most stunning and talented musicians in pop music history, Debbie Harry, Blondie have 40 million worldwide record sales under their belt, 4 platinum selling albums, 5 UK Number 1s and countless awards and accolades.

Kendal Calling can’t wait to hear their iconic sound echo across the stunning Lowther Deer Park. As famous for their music as for their stunning look, Blondie were icons of New Yorks celebrated new wave & punk scene. They defined an era and at the helm was one of THE most iconic frontwomen of all time; Debbie Harry.

She went from the pages of Punk magazine to being on the cover of just about every mainstream publication on the newsstands! Blondie are renowned for their eclectic mix of musical styles, incorporating elements of disco, pop, rap and reggae. Their hit single Rapture was one of the earliest rap influenced songs. With a back catalogue full of much-loved hits: Denis, Picture This, One Way or Another, Hanging on the Telephone, Heart of Glass, Sunday Girl, Atomic, Call Me to name a few. Blondie will deliver one hell of a show to the Kendal Calling fields! Their songs are still as influential today as they were first time around. With a new album planned for release later this year expect new material alongside much-loved hits.

The Cribs are one of the biggest cult bands in the UK and are our Saturday night headliners. Hailing from Wakefield, Yorkshire twin brothers Gary and Ryan Jarman and younger brother Ross Jarman are renowned for their combination of natural pop sensibility and love for rock n roll. Legendary ex-The Smiths and Modest Mouse guitarist Johnny Marr is now a fully fledged member of the band.

This internationally touring critically acclaimed band deliver their well written catchy songs including Hey Scenesters, Mens Needs and Our Bovine Public with unbelievable passion. This is guaranteed to be one hell of a live show! The Cribs are only playing a few shows this summer ahead of going into the studio to produce their 5th studio album, and this is their only small festival headline slot too!

True to our word of booking the best in dance music as well as world acclaimed bands, Kendal Calling HQ have confirmed one of the UKs finest electro producing duos Chase & Status as Friday night headliners. Things are going from strength to strength for these guys: 2009 saw their fanbase and notoriety rise where they were promoted to major label vertigo / Mercury Records and with this they smashed into the top 10 in the UK singles chart with End Credits featuring 2011 BRIT award winner for Best British Solo Male – Plan B.

Over the past year they have been ripping up countless festivals and earned themselves numerous award nominations. Their second studio album, No More Idols charted at number two in the UK charts and they can cite Jay Z, Snoop Dogg and Pharrell as fans; Friday night is going to be mega!

Also on board are festival circuit regulars – The Whip, having recently toured with Babyshambles and British Sea Power at NMEs Weekender in Cambersands, this Oldham trio will be showcasing tracks from their 2008 X Marks Destination Album. Including the singles “Trash” and “Divebomb” which were featured on the Kitsune Maison Compilations 3 and 4 respectively. The Whip have also recently been commissioned to do remixes for bands such as Editors, Hadouken! and The Courteeners track “Fallowfield Hillbilly”.

2007 Mercury Prize nominee, Young Knives are a three-pronged vocal attack with catchy guitars and drums. This threesome are as eccentric as they are prolific with top 40 hits including the infectious The Decision, Terra Firma, Weekends and Bleak Days and Turn Tail the future is looking very bright for this quirky trio.

Confirmed for the Dance Tent is Nero; first coming into widespread attention with their monstrous bass banger remix of The Streets Blinded by the Light. This super producing duo have been turning heads at Radio 1 and 1Xtra and finding favour with Zane Lowe, Annie Mac and Mistajam. With the recent release of the single Me and You, the future is looking bright for Nero and Kendal Calling can’t wait to provide a platform.

Middleman are a four-piece alternative band from Leeds who splice infectious song writing with driving guitar riffs, heavy beats, bass-lines and poetry-slammed vocals. Middleman are gaining notoriety rapidly and have been picked out as Ones to Watch by national radio stations such as BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music and XFM.

This first Headliner announcements are just a taster of what is still to come… the full Calling Out (new music) stage, Kaylied Tent (folk stage), Glow dance tent and five other stages line ups are still to be announced; Kendal Calling 2011 is already shaping up to be an epic weekend with some of the finest UK and international artists to be showcased on the festival circuit. However Kendal Calling isnt just about ambitious and cutting edge music; there are oodles of other activities and events going on throughout the weekend. Riding on the wave of the huge success of the Real Ale festival last year, Kendal Calling HQ are embarking on the tough task of sampling all the local ales to ensure that only the very best beverages are on offer for its return to this years festival! There is also the flamboyant and ludicrous Fancy Dress Saturday where all inhibitions and sanity are lost in a world of eccentricity, this year’s theme to be announced very soon.

Kendal Calling is an award-winning, innovative, independent festival based in the Lake District. It features pioneering contemporary music and art alongside traditional rural entertainment. Possibly the most fun you can have in the countryside, with fields full of activities and attractions for everyone from families to stag parties!

Come and join us for a weekend of festivity and escapism in the fresh country air.

The capacity is small and intimate so you wont be herded around like cattle or spend hours in queues at the bar. Feel the freedom of being able to move between the 8 performance stages in a matter of minutes and never miss an artist.

Kendal Calling is all about fun the old fashioned way, great times, great entertainment and great friends all in one place!

See you in the fields.

LINE UP SO FAR: BLONDIE / CHASE & STATUS / THE CRIBS / ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN / BEARDYMAN / THE LEVELLERS / MR SCRUFF / THE YOUNG KNIVES / TIM BURGESS & MARK COLLINS FROM THE CHARLATANS ACOUSTIC SET / THE WHIP / MIDDLEMAN

The event which sold out in record time last year also scooped the award for ‘Best Dance Event’ for the 2nd year running in the UK Festival Awards. Standard Camping tickets are on sale now at the Early Bird price of £100+BF, this offer ends at 7pm on Friday 4th March.

Creamfields returns to Daresbury in Cheshire on August Bank Holiday weekend. Today’s announcement coincides with the launch of the festivals new look website www.creamfields.com

Early Bird camping tickets on sale now from www.ticketmaster.co.uk.

The five different sponsorship trailers show Ribby Hall Village in different seasons of the year; showing that it really is a great place for holidays 365 days a year, whatever the weather. The sponsorship bumpers will appear throughout the day, every day until 28th February and show various activities that are available during a stay at Ribby Hall Village including boating, golf, fishing, horse riding and two indoor swimming pools.

After an un-predictable year for travel in 2010 due to airline strikes, volcanic ash, weather disruptions and a number of tour operators going into liquidation there has never been a better or safer time to holiday in the UK. As for the UK weather, it never stops play at Ribby Hall Village with so many fantastic things to do, and to celebrate this, throughout January customers can save up to £50 off their 2011 break, which works out at holidays from just £11 per person per night, simply visit www.ribbyhall.co.uk or call 0800 085 17 17.

After approximately ten years of TV advertising in the New Year period, Marketing Manager Charlotte Gili-Ross decided that it was the right time to launch the sponsorship of the Granada regional weather, “Booking a holiday at Ribby Hall Village has never been so easy with our NEW-look website. This month guests can save up to £50 off their 2011 short break or holiday at Ribby Hall Village and we’re also giving readers the opportunity to win a holiday. Entries can be made by visiting www.facebook.com/ribbyhallvillage. Also, don’t forget to look out for us on ITV1 seven days a week sponsoring the Granada regional weather – we’re showcasing our five-star holiday destination that’s open 365 days a year.” The trailers are also available to view online at www.ribbyhall.co.uk.

Tell Tale Theatre has been created by drama specialists Emma Smith and Leanne Jones who first met whilst studying Theatre, and instantly shared a dream of starting a Community Theatre Company. And their dream is now set to become a reality, with their first ever production planned for March 2011.

But firstly and to herald this exciting new beginning, on Saturday January 15th 2011, Tell Tale Theatre are holding their official Launch Party 8pm-2am at The Masque on Seel Street and you’re all invited. It promises to be a night not to be missed with performances from the ever brilliant Loose Moose String Band, Kaya, Dave and Paul plus DJ sets from CantMixWontMixShdntMixDontMix and much more.

Plus it’ll be the perfect opportunity to find out more about Tell Tale Theatre Company and the forthcoming production, so why not join us to jive the night away, tell some tales and slowly loose the plot.

Emma Smith, Tell Tale Director said ’we have a wonderful group of talented, creative and committed adults from Merseyside. It is a delight to work with them and watch them grow – they have come so far in just a few short months.’

‘The forthcoming fundraiser is an amazing opportunity for us to let more people know about what we’re doing and raise the profile of our work. I am unbelievably excited for the future and can’t wait to see our company go from strength to strength.’

Launch Party Details
Saturday 15th January 2011, 8pm-2am
The Masque, 90 Seel Street, Liverpool
Tickets: £5.00*

On sale now: www.masque-liverpool.com or arrive early and pay on the door
*All proceeds from the sale of the tickets support the March production

TK Maxx will open a 20,000 square foot shop at the Grand Junction Retail Park on the site of the former Focus store. The company estimates around 45 new jobs will be created.

TK Maxx spokesperson, Helen Gunter said: “We are very excited to be opening up a new store and bringing Crewe’s shoppers savings of up to 60% off the RRP on great brands and labels for all the family under one roof.”

The inclusion of a Friday Preview Day will allow visitors to get behind the scenes in the pit area and view the international field of famous cars, racing drivers and motorcyclists as they take to the 1.2-mile sprint track for practice runs before the competitive race action starts on Saturday.

The Cholmondeley Pageant of Power is located in the Cholmondeley Estate in Cheshire, and was created to celebrate power and performance in its many forms. In 2011, the fourth Pageant will feature a range of thrilling displays unmatched in the UK, making it the perfect family day out.

A full event schedule and list of participants will be announced over the coming months, but the Cholmondeley Estate has already revealed some enticing details. On display and completing high-speed laps will be legendary vehicles celebrating the 40th anniversary of Tyrrell’s first Formula 1 World Championship, the Lotus that Stirling Moss famously piloted to victory at Monaco in 1961, the world’s only collection of four-wheel drive Formula 1 cars and, from Founding Sponsor Bentley, a Speed 8 endurance racer.

The Pageant will not only be a draw for petrolheads and motorsport fans. Four different classes of international powerboat will undertake full-throttle runs on the lake neighbouring the race track. For those that like action of a more explosive nature, there will be a display of British Army combat power, featuring tanks, troops and field artillery all engaged in a breathtaking battle simulation.

Taking to the skies will be the largest private helicopter gathering in Europe, facilitated by event sponsor, Eurocopter. Also set for a return in 2011 are the daring Breitling Wingwalkers, and a WWII fighter-plane flypast.

The Firework Concert that proved so popular in 2010 – raising over £75,000 for Help for Heroes in the process – will be back on the evening of Saturday 16 July. The Concert has been a long-standing highlight of the region’s social calendar since 1989, with the exceptional setting, spectacular fireworks and emotive music all contributing to a ‘Proms in the Park’ atmosphere. Last year’s Military Tattoo theme was such a success that it will be repeated in 2011.

James Hall, Events Director for the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, commented: “The 2010 Pageant was a wonderful occasion and visitor numbers exceeded all our expectations. It was thrilling to walk around the park over the weekend seeing tens of thousands of people enjoying the amazing displays.

“I calculated that we must have hosted over half a billion pounds worth of machinery here this year. One of the pit lane line-ups alone contained cars with a value of over £15 million. The next event will give visitors even more to get excited about, and the extra day will bring an exciting new dimension and attract many more from near and far.”

Winning the Best Tourist Event in Cheshire, and drawing in more than 50,000 visitors in 2010, the Pageant of Power has fast gained a reputation that makes early booking essential.

Ticket booking details and further event information can be found at www.cpop.co.uk. New ticket sale arrangements are in place, with savings to be made by booking in advance.

It has already attracted scores of exhibitors including big brand names such as Sunseeker, Princess Motor Yachts and Fairline, as well as a host of legend yachts including the Americas Cup Challenger Sceptre and Liverpool’s favourite Tall Ships.

Liverpool Boat Show is a must-attend event, not just for dedicated sailors and water sports enthusiasts, but for anyone looking for a good day out with friends and family.

The programme of entertainment includes yacht and powerboat master-classes, wake-boarding, power boat racing, water-skiing, championship sailing and much more.

For more information and to book tickets visit www.liverpoolboatshow.com.

The new-look Mersey River Festival will return for the first time since 2005 to be part of the city’s spectacular On The Waterfront celebrations.

This year’s On The Waterfront series of events brought in more than £1.2 million to the city’s economy, and it’s hoped that by adding the River Festival next year, this figure will rocket.

This celebratory event will take place from the 8 – 16 September 2011 and will feature a royal naval visit, historic Tall Ships and Cunard Cruise Liners including the new Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mary 2.

The Waterfront will come alive with aerobatic displays, stunning street theatre, a bistro village, colourful bunting, and rustic farmers market, and swing and jazz sounds from the 1930′s will belt out from the Big Band stage – all adding to the bustling atmosphere across the Albert Dock, Pier Head and the Cruise Liner Terminal, bringing a taste of New York to the third On The Waterfront programme.

Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Joe Anderson, said: “The Mersey River Festival was always hugely popular, and attracted hundreds of thousands of people every year. That’s why I made it a priority to bring it back.

“Events like this are vital for our economy, generating millions as visitors flock to the city spending money in our restaurants, cafes, shops and hotels. Since the last festival took place, our iconic waterfront has been transformed and is now looking more majestic than ever and I’ll proud to showcase it to visitors from all over the world.

“We’re at the early stages of putting the event together but I’m positive it will be a huge success and a welcome addition to the city’s cultural calendar, and it will boost the local economy.”

The last Mersey River Festival took place in 2005 and attracted more than 300,000 people.

The Ironman UK Triathlon will be held on July 31 2011.

The 2010 event attracted more than 1,100 athletes from around the glove and injected over £3.3 million into the local economy.

The 2011 race will follow the same route as last year, with a 2.4 mile swim in Pennington Flash, in Leigh, followed by a 112 mile bike ride in and around Lancashire. The final leg of the course, a 26.2 mile marathon, will take place in the streets of Bolton finishing in the town centre outside the Town Hall.

Application forms and detailed maps of the route are available at www.ironmanuk.com.

The hotel will employ 55 staff and is expected to open this year. Management at the park hope the hotel will encourage families from further afield to visit the park and stay longer.

Last year the company opened a campsite at Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes.