THE second semi-final of the St Helens Star/Theatre Royal Senior Stars of Tomorrow 2000 competition will be staged today (Thursday, September 7) at the Corporation Street theatre, starting at 2pm. And make a date in your diary for the Grand Final, judged by former Coronation Street actress, Julie Goodyear (of Bet Lynch fame) which will be held on Thursday, October 12. Tickets for this fabulous event, also starting at 2pm, are available now from the Theatre Royal (telephone 01744 756000).

MEANWHILE, the final of The Battle of the Pops is taking place at the theatre tomorrow (Friday, September 8) so why not go along and support these local bands?

PLANS are now well underway for the 22nd Moss Bank Gala which is taking place on Saturday, September 16 on The Green (opposite the Black Horse). Further details next week.

THE Friends 'n' Families Band is back in action after a summer break with rehearsals starting at Eccleston Mere Primary School, Saleswood Avenue from 7pm on Monday, September 11. If you would like further information, ring 01744 753745.

IT will be blues all the way at The Citadel, Waterloo Street on Saturday, September 9 when Connie Lush and her band, Blues Shouter, are on stage from 8pm, ably supported by the ever-popular Swampstompers.

THE Friends of the Theatre Royal (St Helens) are holding a dance with music by The Chris Smith Band on Saturday, September 16 from 7.30pm. This is at Liverpool/St Helens Rugby Union Club. Tickets are £5, including refreshments, and are available from 0151 426 6180. SIDAC Social Club, off Wheatsheaf Avenue, Sutton Leach, is staging a Charity Line Dancing Evening in aid of Multiple Sclerosis on Saturday, September 9. Starting at 7.30pm, this will feature Pete's Stompers and there will be a raffle and a Line Dancing T shirt and card stall. Admission is £3 and you can pay on the door.

IF you are interested in treading the boards or even working backstage then The Matchbox Theatre Company could be looking for you. If you want to know more, go along to their next meeting at Rainhill Village Hall on Thursday, September 14 from 7.30pm when they will be reading the John Godber play 'Teechers.' Auditions for this will be held on Monday, September 25 from 7.30pm at the same venue; alternatively you can contact Ann Case on 0151 426 5299 or Debbie Doyle on 0151 430 6253.

THE Jazz Rendezvous is well underway at The Star Inn, Rainford. On Sunday, September 10 they have Doctor Jazz with Edwina to entertain you starting at 8.30pm.

ALSO on Sunday, September 10 Friends of the St Helens Sinfonietta are staging a fund-raising a concert at St Julie's Church, Eccleston. This features Anne O' Hara (soprano); the Lyndale Singers; and Colin Hand (violin) and tickets are £3.

THE St Helens Art Club are holding their annual exhibition at The Rainford Gallery, St Helens Central Library from Monday, September 10 to Friday, September 29.

A SPECIAL touring exhibition featuring poems from St Helens Council's Community Services Poetry competition, illustrated by pupils of Queens Park School will be at Chester Lane Library, Chester Lane Centre until Friday, September 22.