A BEAM of light will shine from the top of Dream this month to celebrate its 10th birthday.

The award-winning sculpture atop the former Sutton Manor Colliery site turns 10 years old on Friday, May 31 with a host of celebration activitiesd in store on the date.

The original design was intended to have the beam of light shine into the sky for the theme From the ground comes light, the borough's motto and a nod to it's mining past, but permission was not granted for permanent use by Highways England.

However, for its big anniversary the spotlight in the top of the sculpture will be lit, as intended, for one hour from 9.15pmfor the finale of the day of celebrations.

Ambient lighting will also be lit around the plinth and the creator of Dream, Jaume Plensa, will visit the site.

The Spanish artist will also speak at both Decade of Dream events on Friday 31 May, which begin with a ticketed event at Chester Lane Library at 5.45pm (book tickets online at www.culturalhubs.eventbrite.co.uk), before the main public celebrations get underway at the Dream sculpture from 7pm to 10.15pm.

Tickets are not required for this, just turn up with family and friends.

Chester Lane Library will host an exhibition of mining memorabilia, artworks, and a photo gallery of Dream and the Sutton Manor Colliery site, with snacks and drinks provided.

Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure and Libraries, with responsibility for events and culture, said: “We’re really excited about the upcoming Decade of Dream events, and especially so about Jaume Plensa visiting the borough.

“The former miners who worked on the project were keen that a sculpture be made that wasn’t a literal homage to the colliery. They wanted something that would be for the whole community, something that would ignite imaginations and prompt thought and conversation.

"That’s exactly what Dream does – what all public art should do. We’re proud of Dream, and we can’t wait to celebrate it with you later this month!”

Earlier this week a specialist team commissioned to clean the 20 metres (66ft) tall sculpture has started the work, which is expected to take up to two weeks.

Events at Dream feature a full programme of entertainment including:

• 7pm - Free yoga session with Julia Doctoryoga

• 7.45pm - MD dance (Britain's Got Talent)

• 8pm - Brian Salkeld reads the poem 'Memories' (as featured on C4 Three Minute Wonder)

• 8.05pm - Tom Loughlin (classical tenor vocalist)

• 8.30pm - Rick Ashcroft (Britain’s Got Talent)

• 9pm – Multi-faith service and blessing

• 9.15pm – Illumination of Dream