North West tourism businesses are looking forward to a bumper Jubilee May Bank Holiday - and keeping fingers firmly crossed for good

weather!

The local tourism industry is confident the variety of events on offer across the Region will mean no one is left lost for ideas about where to go or what to do. From pop concerts to fireworks, bouncy castles to battle enactments, there should be something for everyone.

But if anyone is stuck for an idea, help is at hand by phoning the England's Northwest information hotline 0845 600 6040, or checking out the North West Tourist Board's website www.visitnorthwest.com.

Alternatively people can pop into their local Tourist Information Centre.

Nick Brooks-Sykes, Head of Marketing at the North West Tourist Board, said: "After a terrible year last year with the Foot and Mouth crisis and September 11, there is now a sense of optimism developing within the tourism industry. For many businesses Easter was an important time and marked a real turning point. We are all hoping the May Bank Holiday will prove equally busy - and sunny!"

He added: "No-one should be stuck for something to do this Bank Holiday weekend. The North West really has it all - vibrant cities, popular seaside resorts, history, culture, beautiful countryside and a fantastic array of events. Our message to people in the Region is 'Go out there and enjoy it'."

Among the many events on offer across the Region are:

Merseyside

* Southport intends to hold the biggest street party on Merseyside. On Sunday, June 2 Lord Street from Eastbank Street to

Neville Street will be cordoned off and the area decked in bunting for the expected 1,400 revellers. Entertainment will last from 1-8pm. The fun continues at the Scarisbrick Hotel in Lord Street which is hosting a three-day party, including street barbeques, clowns, karaoke and live music from June 2 - 4.

* Three firework displays will light up the Mersey - Pier Head, Liverpool, between New Brighton and Crosby and at Princess Park

in Southport. The spectacular fireworks will be lit on June 3 at 10.30pm.

* Liverpool Cathedral will hold a special service celebrating the Queen's Jubilee on June 2.

* Interactive art sessions themed around the 50s are on offer for children at the Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port from June 3 to 7.

Lancashire

* Blackpool intends to celebrate the Jubilee with a bang. Check out the fireworks from the North Pier and Blackpool Tower on Sunday, June 2. The Golden Jubilee Massed Male Voice Choir Concert takes place at the Opera House the same evening, while on June 3 the town will be joining the nationwide chain of beacons - best view at the North Pier.

* In Preston look out for the Jubilee Party on June 3 which incorporates the annual Caribbean Carnival Procession at Moor Park. A spectacular fireworks display will light up the skies over Moor Park.

* See the American Civil War Society in action at Hoghton Tower from June 2-4 with battle enactments and a living camp.

* People will be dancing in the streets in Chorley on Saturday, June 1 with a Street Dancing Extravaganza, Brass Band,

Appalachian Dance and Rock Festival in the town centre. (All free)

* Accrington is promising music for all tastes in the form of the Grand Jubilee Celebrations at Oakhill Park from June 2-4. Look out for the Kangaroo Gymnastic Display Team who promise to amaze as they somersault over cars and people!

Cheshire

* One of Britain's premier Classic Car events with over 2000 vintage, classic, sports and supercars takes place at Tatton Park, Knutsford from June 1 to 3.

* Arley Hall and Gardens at Northwich will celebrate 50 years of the Queen's reign with memorabilia on the changing face and faces of Arley Hall and the estate - June 1 to September 30.

* A derelict piece of land will be transformed and brought to life with spectacular performances by giant-sized puppets, local drama and dance as Crewe's history of the railway is celebrated at Marlsite at Crewe on June 1.

* Live music, fireworks and clowns are just some of the activities on the cards at the Northwich on Water Jubilee Festival at the Anderton Nature Park on June 1 and 2.

* Norman knights will show combat techniques and display the way of life in an 11th Century garrison encampment at Beeston Castle from June 2 to 3.

Greater Manchester

* Check out the family fun activities at the Wigan Pier Experience from June 1 to 4.

* Enjoy the Rochdale model engineers club exhibition at Ellenroad Engine House at Rochdale on June 2.

* Celebrate with a Royal Jubilee street party and exhibition exploring royal events from the coronation of Queen Victoria to the present day at the Portland Basin Museum at Ashton-under-Lyne on June 3.

* Meet the Queen look-alike Elizabeth Richard at the Hat Works special Jubilee celebrations on June 4 in Stockport.

* All children visiting Le Petit Blanc restaurant in Manchester in fancy dress on June 3 and 4 will be treated like a little prince or princess and can tuck into two complimentary courses - as long as they take mum or dad with them.