LIVE music, family fun and variety entertainment will feature in a special weekend of events to boost community spirit in Widnes.

The third annual 'Great Get Together' - organised by Widnes mum Laura Bevan in partnership with local organisations - will take place next Friday, Saturday and Sunday (June 21 to 23).

It is among similar events held across the UK in memory of murdered MP Jo Cox to keep alive her vision of building united communities across the UK. The MP for Batley and Spen was murdered in 2016.

Laura Bevan said: "Jo was a real advocate of showing that we had more in common than that which divides us and that's what inspired me to launch the local Get Together three years ago. Jo's death really resonated with me."

The weekend of events is as follows:

Friday, June 21: From 7pm a 'Great Get Together Takeover’ of the monthly authentic acoustic at the Studio on Lacey Street in Widnes. It is £3 entrance fee with all proceeds going to Widnes and Runcorn Foodbanks.

John the fundraising manager for Runcorn & District Foodbank said: "I decided to run a charity night at The Studio for the Foodbanks. It was suggested that I could do a takeover of the Authentic Acoustic night.

"I thought it would be a perfect opportunity for our communities to come together and show support.

"I'm really proud to be taking part and can't wait for our weekend”

Saturday, June 22: The Great Get Together Family Fun Day at The Mersey Hotel’s Snig pub from Midday is Free Entrance all are welcome.

It is the third successive gathering to be organised by Laura with her friends, family and supporters which is a family fun day with crafts, inflatables, stalls, free food and much more.

The event will feature performances from local artists, including Gareth Heesom, Junior Dayvis, Greg Oldfield, Kerry Sheree,

The Prequel and will include displays and performances for a wide cross-section of community groups,

Laura explained: "Jo was a real advocate of showing that we had more in common than that which divides us and that's what inspired me to launch the local Get Together three years ago. "Jo's death really resonated with me.

"We were both the mothers of two young children.

"The tragedy of a woman going to work one morning not suspecting for a minute, she wouldn’t be returning to her family was just overwhelming. "

Sunday June 23: The weekend will be brought to a close at the Studio on Lacey Street in Widnes from 2.30pm which is again free entrance.

In Britain's Got Talent style there will be Clap-o-meter, flags and free food and treats.

There are performances from the Knights Choir, Vocalise at The Studio, a ventriloquist, music hall style comedian, spoken word and solo singers, with some silly moments throughout.

Halton's Mayor, Margaret Horabin will be present as we celebrate our differences by coming together to support and showcase local talent.

Louise Nulty, The Studio Manager said: "We are really excited about this new venture and working in partnership on the three events.

"At the Studio we have taken part in the Great Get Together Every year and each time we try something new.

"We opened the show up through auditions and always look forward to hearing what people want to see and what they can offer we want to give people the chance to build their confidence and share their skill with the community in front of appreciative family and friends old and new.'

The organisers have been working together tirelessly in the lead up to the weekend seeing Laura and Louise invited to London to take part in an organisers workshop by the Jo Cox Foundation and also as one of their representatives at the House of Commons speaking to MPs from all over the country at a Parliamentary Reception about the importance of hosting Great Get Together events and improving community cohesion.

For further details of the events contact Laura via e mail widnesgreatgettogether@gmail.com or via Facebook

www.facebook.com/westbank424

or the Studio directly.

To register for tickets for the Sunday event Free tickets for this family entertainment can be found on Eventbrite or email info@thestudiowdnes.org.uk