FRESH from its official royal opening on Monday when HRH the Duke of Edinburgh came to Pershore for the big plaque unveiling, Number 8 Pershore Community Arts Centre has announced its line-up for August to December 2006.

The programme kicks off with The Railway Children, presented by Heartbreak Productions, on Thursday, August 17.

Heartbreak invite you and your family to come and experience a poignant, heart-warming show with lots of interaction, red flannel petticoats and a train.

From an idyllic, affluent home in London, the disappearance of Roberta, Peter and Phyllis' father is the catalyst that sends them and their mother to the wilds of Yorkshire to play at being poor for a bit. The story of how the children adapt to their new home and their adventures as they make friends will bring back fond memories to those already familiar with the book and create new ones for the up and coming generation.

Peter and the Wolf, presented and performed by Sea-Legs Puppet Theatre, will entertain audiences on Wednesday, August 23.

When the Story Man goes in search of a new tale to tell, his journey leads him to a Russian forest and a meeting with Peter's ancient grandfather, who tells him the exciting story of the day Peter caught the big hungry wolf. With specially written lyrics to Prokofiev's famous soundtrack Sea-Legs' breath new life into this classic tale of bravery and adventure.

An energetic and fun adaptation told with the use of mime, puppets, storytelling and live music, the audience are involved from the start as they are led into an enchanting storybook world.

Heading into September, Temperance Seven, part of Pershore Jazz Festival, will head to Number 8 on Saturday, September 9.

Many have copied their style, but there is still only one genuine article.

This much loved band went to the heart of the nation in the 1960's with their chart hits Home in Pasadena plus You, You're Driving me Crazy and Chilli Bom Bom and they continue to enjoy great success forty years on.

Battle of the Bands, organised by Pershore High School, will see six of Pershore's hottest youth bands performing on Friday, September, 15.

The contest will feature a wide variety of musical talents and styles so there should be something to suit everyone. Two bands definitely performing that you may well have heard of are Time For Heroes and Knapkin.

There will be three different bands each half and a grand finale to remember.

You may well be seeing a chart-topping band of the future so grab your glad-rags as it's sure to be a great night.

The rest of the year's line up will offer the best in entertainment too, some of the shows heading through autumn into winter include Secrets, Lies and DIY by award-winning playwright Rona Munro, Julie Fowlis, BBC Radio 2 Horizon winner and award-winning Gaelic singer who is also recognised as a fine instrumentalist as well brings her musical talent to Pershore.

White Christmas is performed by Pershore Operatic and Dramatic Society, Sleeping Beauty and the Nutcracker presented by Vienna Festival Ballet.

For a full programme of events contact the box office on 01386 555488.