THIS year’s St Helens Festival has got it all...from meercats to male voice choirs and from Saints to snakes!

And it’s all for free!

There really is something for all the family to enjoy at the two day event this Saturday and Sunday in Sherdley Park.

In the main arena the action’s fast and furious – on two wheels and four legs as motorbike and horse stunt shows combine with dog displays and falconry to amaze show-goers.

Saints will also be at Sherdley for rugby coaching sessions and the popular Children’s Zone will have a beach, Punch and Judy, donkeys and children’s shows to keep the little ones busy.

There’ll be a Crafts, Country and Heritage area plus wildlife displays – including opportunities to see meercats, scorpions and snakes, as well as demonstrations of country crafts and woodturning.

Also check out the Civil War Society and step back in time with demonstrations showing how life was in the 17th century complete with a living camp -– their skilful demonstrations are a must see attraction.

Don’t miss the ranger tent – they will be hosting demonstrations in country crafts and woodturning and many more. There will also be various exhibitions and displays from a wide range of historical groups from across the borough.

In the Creative St Helens zone you can experience musical, artistic and theatrical talent - including a visual art exhibition, dance groups, music groups, poetry event, theatre and street entertainers.

The programme takes in everything from Haydock Male Voice Choir to award-winning street dancers UC Crew and the Northern Jazz Orchestra while Merseyside Dance Initiative will be celebrating LEAP Contemporary Dance Festival’s 18th year with performances from artists from across the globe.

If you get the itch to be more active there’s a Youth HUB area featuring Brazilian soccer Skills, climbing wall, football tournament and urban music performances.

Saturday’s Dance marquee will host an international break-dancing competition featuring dancers from UK, Bulgaria, France, Germany and Spain hosted by the award winning UC Crew.

Take part in the Citadel’s Music Mecca workshops in MC’ing, DJ’ing, scrap band on both Saturday and Sunday, get active with taster dance workshops or try your hand at painting, ceramics, textiles or printing in the Visual Arts Marquee Festival-goers can also take part in the ’Big Giveaway’ competition, or enjoy the funfair, Smiley Land Train, Morris dancing, classic cars, Super Jumper, Inflatables, Tiny Tanks, quads and – new for 2010 – miniature steam engines.

The event runs from noon to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday with the funfair open until 9pm.

  • For any more information about St Helens Festival, contact the events team on 01744 675326 / eventinfo@sthelens.gov.uk or visit sthelens.gov.uk.