Panto season is here again with plenty to choose from

The big story of the weekend

- 

"Oh, yes, it most definitely is"...... yes, the pantomime season is almost here, as dedicated casts throughout Lancashire put in the hours preparing a delightful diversity of amateur and professional productions.

And it's a racing certainty at panto time that Red Rose folk will be streaming in droves, by car and train, by bike and chara to Blackpool to admire the talents of Steve Royle. He's again the five star turn at The Grand Theatre's always colourful and spectacular Christmas show - this year Beauty and the Beast, from December 5.