It just so happens....

All together now
“The children of rock and roll never grow old, they just fade away.” A line which may be true for the rest of the world, but complete bollocks as far as Liverpool bands from back in the day are concerned.

This weekend sees so many coincidences and convergences in the form of band reunions and reformations that we can barely keep up.

It's The Wild Swans tonight (Friday), plus China Crisis (OK, they've kept going, but you get the drift), then Saturday at the Phil it's The Lotus Eaters, as part of the Summer Pops, and over at the O2 Academy, Ian Prowse's Pele are reforming. Sunday, back at the Phil, it's The Lightning Seeds.

And apart from all that, exiled scousers are coming from all over place to witness it. Expect to see lots of follically challenged people swaying like wild mushrooms in the wind to The First Picture of You, African and White and more. And that's just the women.

*Pele, The Lotus Eaters, The Wild Swans and The Lightning Seeds, at venues everywhere, all weekend.

Green for go
Keen to hear what people think so far about Liverpool 2009: Year of the Environment? Well, the Bluecoat are this week bringing together an exhibition, series of performances and one-off events which should provide some interesting answers.

Since March, the Bluecoat, along with other cultural organisations such as the ICDC, Everyman & Playhouse, AIR and Encounters have been collecting the

comments of hundreds, reaching out across a wide range of communities within the city to create a project as participatory perfect as possible.

From the urban legends of Kirkdale, scarecrows of Alt Valley, podcasts, blogs and notes from just about everyone, pop along and see what the city's green talk has really been about.

*Four Corners, Sandon Room, the Bluecoat, until 29th July, open daily 10am-6pm, free

Park in the dark
The music party is at Southport's Victoria Park, Rotten Row this weekend so pack a picnic and cosy around with friends for two extravagant nights of entertainment. Friday brings the belting magic of Mowton to life with special guests Abba Magic, while Saturday is all about the RLPO playing classics, wrapping up with a dazzling firework display. Always enjoyable, these lavish events, far from your typical park night out, should not be missed.

*Music in the Park, Victoria Park, Rotten Row, Southport, 7pm, tickets £13-£17, call 01704540011

Hear the Newz
Can't decide whether you fancy a gig or a dressed-up night out on the town? Torrid times hardly allow both, but there is something to be done. Newz Live. Catch a couple of live acts and dance away with DJ Danny Latimer until the wee small hours. Kill two birds... This Friday, The Vanities, The Troubadours and My First Tooth will explode on to the tiny stage at the trendy Water Street venue. It's free to get in as well so you really can't lose.

*Newz Live, Newz Bar, Friday 24th July, 9pm, free