EVENTS

Sherdley Park, Marshalls Cross Road, St Helens (tel: 01744 455349)

A day out for all the family with entertainment including children's playworld, live bands, traders and exhibitions, a fun fair and craft and flower marquee.

Runs from Friday to Sunday, 10am-10pm, admission free

Garden Tour and Supper

Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Chester (tel: 01244 650209)

Enjoy the gardens at their best in the company of the zoo gardeners. The tour will be followed by a tasty supper served in either the Roman Garden or the Oakfield Restaurant depending on the weather.

Friday, 7pm, adults £14.95 and children £14.95

Street Stars

The Printworks, Manchester

Forget Pop Idol, the hunt is on for the North West's leading street entertainer. So, if you can juggle, perform magic, be a living statue or play an instrument The Printworks is giving you the opportunity to showcase your talent in front of a worldwide audience. All entertainers that perform will receive a specially commissioned medal. For further details pick up an application from from The Printworks.

Runs from Friday, July 26 to Saturday, August 3

Royal Lancashire Show

Astley Park, Chorley (tel: 01254 813769)

An agricultural show with livestock, events, trade stands, entertainment and shows.

Runs from Friday to Sunday, 8am-7pm, adults £8 to £10, children £4 to £5 and concessions £5 to £6

Saturday Night on the Orient Express

Victoria Station, Manchester (tel: 0161 876 2000)

Relive the golden age of sumptuous comfort, excellent cuisine and immaculate service on this exclusive charter raising funds for BASIC (Brain and Spinal Injury Charity) based on Hope Hospital. The evening excursion includes champagne, canapes and a 3-course dinner whilst touring the North West.

Saturday, 7.30pm-11.30pm, adults from £140

York City Levi

Beeston Castle, Beeston, Tarporley, Cheshire (tel: 01829 260464)

Learn about life in medieval times sampling food and drink, technology, medicine and more and visit the medieval camp while experiencing life in the Middle Ages.

Saturday and Sunday, 12 noon-4pm

Nelson Mela

Victoria Park, Nelson (tel: 01282 421986)

An outstanding family event featuring Asian and English music, workshops, circus skills, a film tent, fairground rides and refreshments.

Sunday, 8pm, admission free

Classic Car Show

Boat Museum, South Pie Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire (tel: 0151 355 5017)

A Keels and Wheels classic car show.

Sunday, 10am-5pm, adults from £5.50, children from £3.70 and concessions from £4.30

Puzzlemania

Jodrell Bank Science Centre, Planetarium and Arboretum, Lower Withington, Macclesfield, Cheshire (tel: 01477 5713390)

Visitors are in for a perplexing time at the Science Centre as astronomers seek to unravel the mysteries of the universe and give them the chance to face similar challenges to their patience, skills and ingenuity.

Runs from Friday, July 26 to Monday, September 1, open daily from 10.30am-5.30pm, adults from £4.90, children from £2.50 and concessions from £3.50

Playing the Game with Science

Jodrell Bank Science Centre, Planetarium and Arboretum, Lower Withington, Macclesfield, Cheshire (tel: 01477 5713390)

As the Commonwealth Games proceeds in Manchester the Williams Science team assist visitors in their exploration of how science has a role in sporting activities.

Runs from Saturday, July 27 to , Sunday, August 11, open daily from 10.30am-5.30pm, adults from £4.90, children from £2.50 and concessions from £3.50