THERE is a wide array of entertainment to choose from in the coming weeks with everything from traditional dance to stand-up comedy.

THERE is a chance to enjoy a 'Blast From The Past' at the Theatre Royal tomorrow (Friday, July 7) when Thatto Heath Dance Association take to the stage from 7.30pm.

AND the fun continues when The Honkytonk 2000 Tour comes to the theatre on Thursday, July 13 from 7.30pm. This is packed full of traditional and modern country music from two of the finest newcomers from Britain and America, plus a star-studded five-piece band. Florida-born Karen Flynn is a modern honky tonk girl who writes, while 17-year-old Niki Dean, from Leeds, has been singing since childhood and has featured in many musicals.

THEN, by complete contrast the theatre is hosting 'A Veterinary Extravaganza' on Monday, July 17 when you can enjoy an evening of veterinary knowledge. There will be three guest speakers, a veterinary question time and a raffle. In addition, you will be helping to send two local vets white water rafting down the Zambesi River to raise funds for the Guide Dogs for The Blind and the National Canine Defence League. Admission is £5 with all proceeds going to these charities. Curtain up is at 7.30pm. AT The Citadel it will be laughter all the way tonight (Thursday, July 6) when St Helens' very own Johnny Vegas returns to the Waterloo Street venue with Cit:Com Stand-up and some special mystery guests. Curtain up at 8pm.

AND there is a treat for music lovers when Dave Swarbrick and Kevin Dempsey appear there on Saturday, July 8 from 8.30pm.

THIS is followed on Friday, July 14 by The St Helens Music Collective on stage with Igor's Milk, Glass Child, Deep Cellar and Mechagodzilla. This starts at 8pm.

THE Pilkington Choir will present 'An Evening of Song' at The Friends Meeting House, Church Street, St Helens on Tuesday, July 11 from 7.30pm. Proceeds are in aid of The Willowbrook Hospice and tickets, priced £3 including refreshments, are available from Alex Wallace on 0151 430 0105; the Campaign Office, Claughton Street; or the Hospice Shop, Bridge Street. HERE is advance notice of an event coming our way in August. The Friends of the Theatre Royal (St Helens) are organising a garden party on Saturday, August 19 at Windle Hall. 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.

A SPECIAL touring exhibition is making its way round St Helens starting at Queen's Park School until Thursday, July 20. The exhibition features poems from St Helens Council's Community Services Poetry competition which have been illustrated by pupils of Queen's Park School forming a unique exhibition. The exhibition then moves to Newtown Library, Horace Street from Friday, July 21 to Friday, August 11; Eccleston Library, Broadway from Monday, August 14 to Friday, September 1; and Chester Lane Library, Chester Lane Centre from Monday, September 4 until Friday, September 22.

NEWTON-le-Willows Family and Community Centre, Park Road South has launched Footsteps, a new service for family members who have a drug-user in the family. This offers information, support and counselling in confidence on Mondays from 9am to 1pm and Fridays from 6.30 to 8.30pm. Further details available from 01925 224731.

THE St Helens Hilton is hosting a Saturday Night Cabaret on Saturday, July 8 featuring The Backbeat Beatles. The evening includes a four-course dinner, cabaret and disco until 2am, all for £25. Further details are available from 01744 453444.