Today will see St Helens Music Net open proceedings in the Music and Performing Arts Pavilion, showcasing the best young talent from local music schools and development programmes.

Compered by Music Net founder and resident crowd pleaser Steve Kinsey, the line up promises to kick things off in suitably raucous style:

Noon Silent Thunder - Blackbrook's finest.
12.30pm St Helens Music Academy presents.
1pm Mr J - Rainhill rock idols.

and then its back to the Music Net Grotto for -
2-4pm The Beating Heart Rhythm Workshop - Djembe drumming with session ace Ian Haskell.
4-6pm Scratch and Spit - DJ-ing, MC-ing and beatbox masterclass with St Helens scratch legend DJ Rasp and The Mak Of All Trades.

Music Net director Garth Jones said: "We were bowled over last year by the sheer talent and enthusiasm out there and are determined to make this year's event even bigger, brighter and noisier. "We are delighted to have the very best local music leaders on board, who we guarantee will send our visitors home with a smile and a song in their hearts."