MUSIC lovers are in for a treat this weekend when Mesnes Park, Newton-le-Willows plays host to The Newton Music Festival 2000. This tuneful extravaganza runs from Friday to Sunday, July 21 to 23.

On Friday from 6 to 9pm and on Saturday from 1 to 10pm you can enjoy a selection of rock, blues, pop and indie. Then on Sunday from 1 to 4pm you can enjoy a Brass Band Concert.

Admission is by donation on the gate.

A SPECIAL touring exhibition featuring poems from St Helens Council's Community Services Poetry competition, illustrated by pupils of Queen's Park School is currently touring the town's libraries. It will be at Newtown Library, Horace Street from Friday, July 21 to Friday, August 11; at Eccleston Library, Broadway from Monday, August 14 to Friday, September 1; and at Chester Lane Library, Chester Lane Centre from Monday, September 4 until Friday, September 22.

COMING up soon is a golden opportunity for singers and groups (sorry, no rock bands) to put their talents to the test in the Theatre Royal's 'Battle of the Pops.'

First prize is a day in a recording studio,courtesy of BPM Productions, and heats are being staged on Fridays, August 18 and 25. Further details are available from the theatre box office on 01744 639080. MEANWHILE, there is a vacancy on the Board of the Trustees of the Theatre Royal and anyone interested in taking up this position is asked to apply in writing to: Gerry Henebery, 62 Irwin Road, Sutton, St Helens WA9 3UJ.

LOOKING a little ahead, The Friends of the Theatre Royal (St Helens) are organising a garden party on Saturday, August 19 at Windle Hall. Master of Mirth, Ken Dodd will open the event and there will be stalls, entertainment, refreshments and a raffle. Tickets, £1 for adults and 50p for children, are available by telephone on 01744 735456 or 0151 426 6180.

AND on the same date Rainford Willowbrook Hospice Support Group are holding a Garden party from 2 to 5pm at 61 Higher Lane, Rainford. There will be stalls, games and a tombola and admission is £2 with children going free if accompanied by an adult.

The group have also organised a fishing contest, further details of which are available from the above address.