THE bank holiday is almost here and once again there is plenty to see and do across St Helens whether it’s visiting an art exhibition or catching a show.

Here are some of the best events:

Acclaimed author Jon Ronson will be at the Citadel this Saturday (May 23) bringing an on stage version of his latest book 'So, You've Been Publicly Shamed'. The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £15. For further information call 01744 735436.

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For the children CBeebies star Tree Fu Tom swings into action on Bank Holiday Monday (May 25) at St Helens Theatre Royal.

Follow Tom, Twigs, Ariela and friends on an action packed adventure through the magical world of Treetopolis! Full of fun, music and laughter, Tom will need your help to do the Tree Fu moves that could help save the day. Family tickets cost £44. Adults £13 and children £11.

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Also at the theatre on Saturday (May 23) Strictly Come Dancing's Pasha Kovalev who partnered 2014 champion Caroline Flack will bring his team of dancers for a trip into the world of Ballroom and Latin in 'Life Through Dance'.

The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £23.

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Local favourites The Lancashire Hotpots will be playing a free gig in Church Square this Saturday (May 23) from noon. The five-piece band have recently released a new album a Fistful of Scratchcards featuring the song 'Cheer up Thom Yorke'.

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Two new exhibitions open at The World of Glass this Saturday (May 23). 'The Bigger Picture' is a collection of work by local artists united by the fact that each piece is bigger than one metre high. It is a mixture of traditional and contemporary art.

'Stand by your Jam' is created by the ladies of the St Helens Women's Institute and follows the history of the organisation as well as its modern face.

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Students at St Helens College are exhibiting their work in the end of year show. 'Vortex' includes photography, graphic design and fine art painting and is on the top floor of the SmithKline Beecham building. 

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Bank Holiday Monday also sees the Rainhill Gala held at St Ann's on View Road. With plenty of fun and entertainment there will also be a number of food stalls and the chance to help raise money for charity.

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Meet Puzzle the horse at the Smithy Heritage Centre on Kiln Lane for International Blacksmiths Day on Saturday (May 23).

There will be a live demonstration of blacksmithing, wheelwrighting and bee skep making, which is a domed basket. There are events throughout the day. They will also be serving real ales and ciders with a hog roast up to 11pm.

Admission is free.

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The Betfred Temple Stakes will be held at Haydock Park Racecourse this Saturday (May 23). It is a Group 2 race open to horses aged three years or older run over a distance of five furlongs.

Gates open at 11.25am and tickets range from £18.70 to £55.

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Saturday sees the masters rugby match between Haydock and Thatto Heath in aid of Haydock's chairman Eric Smith.

The match takes place at Thatto Heath and kicks off at 12.30pm.

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The Cricketers Arms is hosting a beer and cider festival until Monday, May 25. 

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