egends can be counted on our fingers and last week one of the biggest legends came to Liverpool and quite simply ROCKED the Echo Arena. Diana Ross spans over 40 years in the music industry and on Saturday night she sang her heart out at the Summer Pops...

A group of friends joined me in a box at the Echo Arena to marvel at the queen of soul.

One hour and forty five minutes of classic hits, five costume changes and amazing encores left our group breathless but feeling like we had truly witnessed an amazing performer.

Alex Curran and football star husband Steven Gerrard showed off their tans from their recent trip to Miami at the star-studded launch of The Vincent Hotel, this week.

Days after returning from the US, where they celebrated their first wedding anniversary, the couple were spotted partying at the funky new boutique hotel in their home town of Southport, near Liverpool.

Alex and Steven were joined by Meg Matthews, Footballers Wives' star Sarah Barrand, Coronation Street actress Torpele Dorgu and veteran footballers Kenny Dalglish and Alan Hansen.
Guests were entertained by rising soul singer Nate James, who is rumoured to be dating Nancy Dell'Olio, as well as performances from the Pretty Dam Hot burlesque dance troupe, fire eaters, streets dancers and stilt walkers.
The £15million hotel, which is owned by entrepreneur Paul Adams, is proving a huge hit with celebrities and is fully booked ahead of the MTV Europe music awards taking place in Liverpool in November and the Open Golf Championship, in nearby Birkdale, later this month.

Oliver Barratt (artist), Simon Frost and Hugh Frost (Beetham)

Known for their love of both art and business, Beetham Organisation unveiled its latest addition to the collection - a five meter high sculpture called Skyline.

Difficult to miss, Skyline sits majestically at the foot of Beetham HQ on King Edward Street and marks the completion of the company's King Edward St-Brook St-Old Hall St development.

A string quartet from Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall accompanied guests including artist Oliver Barratt - creator of Skyline as well as Chairman of Beetham Orgnization, Hugh Frost and his wife, Cathy.

Former Olympic high jumper Steve Smith was special guest speaker at a recent event hosted by Merseyside Special Investment Fund.

Liverpool-born Steve gave an inspiring and thought-provoking presentation based on his experience from the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta where he won a bronze medal. Steve now runs his own business; Raise the Bar, providing inspirational speakers and training and development programmes. The event took place at the Beatles-themed Hard Days Night Hotel and was attended by around 70 guests.

Alastair Machray (Editor, Liverpool Echo)
Phil Redmond

David M. Robinson hosted a private viewing of the Gustav Klimt exhibition at the Tate gallery last week to celebrate the launch of new collections inspired by the artists work .

Elaine Cunningham Interiors sponsored the Main stage at the Concept for Living Home and Garden Show at Chester Racecourse recently.

Laurence visited the Elaine Cunningham stand and complimented the design wallpapers and
furniture.

Right: Elaine Cunningham and Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen.

(L-R) Lucy Byrne (dot-art) and Claire Walker, freelance sector development manager for Merseyside Acme

Merseyside's creative talent was showcased in one of Liverpool's most stylish venues on Thursday (5th) evening.

The event at OSQA, hosted by Merseyside ACME, was held exclusively for members of Kin (www.kin2kin.co.uk) - the fast growing online network for people in music, fashion, design and other creative industries. Around 150 guests enjoyed fine food and wines before hearing from Jon Corner the founder of River Media and Claire Walker of Merseyside ACME. Live harp music added to the ambience.

Actress Lauren Blake (of new film Speedracer starring Susan Sarandon and Emile Hirsch) attended the launch of Executive Fitness Clinic's new Weight Management programme recently. Lauren has recently joined Executive Fitness Clinics in the city centre.

As you probably know, Lauren already has a gorgeous figure but she has enlisted the help of Brian McGorrey, founder and owner of the gym, to help her tone up and look extra gorgeous for all the industry parties she has coming up.

Bank Holiday weekend proved to be a busy one for the cast of Hollyoaks with two major events in Chester. Nick Pickard organised a Soapstar Football Challenge at Chester City Football Club on Saturday, where stars from all the major soaps fought out a tough match (Hollyoaks beat the AllStars 4.3).

Chester Racecourse was the venue in the evening for the Hollyoaks Charity Ball. The star studded event was organised by Lime Pictures to raise funds for Claire House and The Alder Hey Imagine Appeal - A staggering £20,000 was raised over the two events.

The event, which was sponsored by David M. Robinson and Cruise (luxury retailer) , saw the Soapstars take to the stage to entertain over 300 people. Carley Stenson opened the show superbly, while Kym Ryder and a host of others put together an amazing set. The inaugural Hollyoaks Ball in Chester, proved to by a fantastic event.

A flyer which should take many peoples' interest...