HALTON'S first street festival is to take Runcorn and Widnes by storm with a nine-day extravaganza of events and celebrations.

The week, which runs from Saturday to Sunday, July 9-17, prom-ises to have something for everybody whether you are seven or 70, prefer parties or culture or like listening to pre-war brass bands or the latest music!

The festival has been organised by the Halton Strategic Partner-ship, co-ordinator of several Halton groups and organisations, and was originally planned for 2004 before repair work to the Silver Jubilee Bridge forced the organisers to cancel.

Activities for the 2005 event will include magicians, jazz bands, dance troupes, theatre acts, art exhibitions and - most excitingly of all - Stuart Hall hosting Halton's very own version of It's a Knockout!

As well as the original presenter, organisers say that costumes and props from the original TV series will be available to competing teams taking part from businesses in Runcorn and Widnes.

Elsewhere, most of the region's main shopping areas will host at least one event including Widnes Market Square, Halton Lea Shopping Centre, Widnes Mall and Run-corn Old Town.

Shopkeepers are also being urged to join in the fun and there will be a special event at Halton Lea when, in an echo of Doctor Who, shop dummies will come alive!

Wire FM will also be on hand, broadcasting live from sites in the festival on 107.2FM during the week.

All activities taking place will be free, with free transport available for events taking place outside the main towns.