ONE of the most eagerly awaited events on the Merseyside arts calendar - the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic's Summer Pops - starts today at its spectacular new home in Sefton Park, Liverpool.

After five successful years at King's Dock, the festival, which attracted over 40,000 last year, is now housed in a huge arena next to the famous Palm House.

But its in the unique setting of Liverpool Cathedral that the Pops get under way in earnest on Thursday night with Carl Davis conducting a programme featuring acclaimed cathedral organist Ian Tracey.

On Friday (July 3), Broadway in the Park celebrates Gerschwin's centenary and Bernstein's 80th anniversary with tunes from West Side Story and other American classics.

For the opera lovers, Tuesday, July 7, sees one of the world's greatest tenors, Dennis O'Neill returning to sing an evening of operatic favourites including Nessun Dorma and arias from Il Trovatore.

From Russia With Love (Thurs, July 9), features the majestic and triumphant 1812 Overture and Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2, played by Martin Roscoe. On Friday, July 10, the RLPO take you through the fascinating world of space with a selection of music from the famous sci-fi films, including a tribute to John Williams, writer of the score to Star Wars and ET.

There are free sweets for every child dressed as their favourite character on Saturday (July 11, 11.30am) at the Kids in Space Lighting Spectacular. The programme includes music from Star Trek, Doctor Who and Star Wars. Carl Davis' Classics (Sat, July 11) brings some of the world's most popular, romantic and enchanting music to life. The programme includes Mendelsohn, Tchaikovsky and Mozart.

West End star Michael Ball joins the RLPO for Magic of the Musicals on Tuesday, July 14, for a selection of everybody's favourites. He sings songs from Les Miserables, Sunset Boulevard, Cats and Aspects of Love.

Back by popular demand on Thursday, July 16, is Viva Espana, as world-famous Andalucian guitarist Paco Pena and his Flamenco dance troupe return after last year's sell-out performance. It's a spectacular and stunning concert that should not be missed.

Finally, and bizarrely, Last Night of the Pops runs for the final two nights, on July 18 and 19. It's time to wave the flags and don the boaters for a rip-roaring finale to a fantastic festival. Joined by Coronation Star Barbara Knox and violinist Priya Mitchell, the RLPO bring the 1998 Summer Pops to a rousing close.

There is ample, secure car parking on site for the shows, which start at 7.30pm.

For ticket information, call the box office on 709-3789.

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