FORMER miners of St Helens will escort Jaume Plensa, the artist who created Dream, up to the sculpture on Friday, May 31 for an evening of celebrations.

They will be walking behind the Lancashire Miners' Union banner, which has been loaned to the former miners for the evening.

Organisers are calling on miners to join the Decade of Dream event.

A St Helens Council spokesman said: "We're asking all ex-St Helens miners and their families to come along and be part of this procession on Dream's 10th birthday.

"We're meeting at the King George V playing fields car park on Jubits Lane at 7pm, with the march up to Dream beginning at 7.15pm."

As previously reported, a beam of light will shine from the top of Dream this month to mark its 10th birthday celebrations.

The original design was intended to have the beam of light shine into the sky but the authorities blocked the idea, fearing motorists on the nearby M62 could become distracted.

However, for the artwork's big anniversary the spotlight in the top of the sculpture will be lit for one hour from 9.15pm, the finale of the celebrations.

Meanwhile, the Spanish artist will also speak at both Decade of Dream events on Friday, May 31, 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.

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.

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