BUDDING songwriters can enter a talent contest with a chance of performing at the Yamaha 2004 Make It Break It (MIBI) awards in front of leading players in the music industry.

Individuals and bands aged 14-16 and 17-19 can enter either category with a chance to scoop £1,000 worth of Yamaha music gear for themselves and their school/college.

Winners will perform their songs, backed by a band of top session players, in front of a capacity audience at Paul McCartney's Institute of Performing Arts fame school (LIPA), Liverpool, on Saturday, October 30.

Entrants can submit a maximum of two songs, judged initially by LIPA teaching staff, and six winners will be selected from 20 finalists judged by Coldplay's Chris Martin, Radio One's Mark and Lard, promoter Harvey Goldsmith and top producer Steve Levine.

For details log onto www.makeitbreakit.org or call 0151 330 3000. Deadline for entries is July 31.

AN INTRIGUING drama based on the true story of the Krogers, who were convicted of spying for the Russians in 1961, is the next thrilling production from The Broughton Players.

Pack of Lies is an account of their unsuspecting, quiet friends, the Jacksons and is directed by the drama club's Jane Tudor.

The show is being performed at Preston Playhouse, Market Street West, from Wednesday, May 5-8, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 and £4 concessions. If ten seats are booked one seat is free. For bookings call 01772 862787/717410 or pop into the Tourist Information Centre, Guildhall Arcade, Preston.

CHILDREN aged 13-plus can enjoy a Sunday art day at the Harris Museum, Flag Market, Preston, inspired by the museum's art collection, on April 18, from 11am-3pm. Admission is free but booking is required on 01772 905414.

PRESTON Opera will be performing a double bill of Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana and Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, at the Charter Theatre, Preston, from Wednesday, April 28-May 1, at 7.15pm. Fo bookings call 01772 258858.

TAKE the children to see the classic Beauty and the Beast which is on at the Charter Theatre, Preston, until Sunday, April 18, with evening and matinee performances available.

Tickets to see this Pel Productions performance are £8, with discounts avavailable, on 01772 258858.

THE definitive history of The Eagles, from the early 70s to Don Henley's solo The Boys of Summer era, comes alive at the Guild Hall, Preston, on Saturday, April 24, at 8pm, courtesy of tribute band, The Illegal Eagles.

From Take It Easy and Desperado to all-time rock classics like Hotel California and New Kid in Town, the hits are all there. Tickets are £15.50 on 01772 258858.