| Good evening It’s been more than a year since most of us have been to any kind of live entertainment event. Football, music and theatre have all been affected by the pandemic in different ways and it will be good to see them start to open up safely. The results are not yet in from last week’s test events in Liverpool and at the snooker World Championship in Sheffield, but let’s hope that the processes put in place were successful. Here in Preston, The Ferret is already looking ahead and has started ‘beer garden sessions’ of live music - with more to come when we are all allowed indoors. Fifteen months ago, who would have thought that this was going to be such a big deal? But if the pandemic has taught us anything it is not to take people - or our lifestyles - for granted. All the little things in our lives from hobbies to micro-local events have been badly missed as they are often what makes life worth living. So it is great to see some of these starting to open up again, albeit on a very small level. And let’s hope we ensure that they are properly supported when restrictions are finally lifted. From May 17, we can also travel to 12 countries on the Government's green list without having to quarantine on return. The countries are: Portugal including the Azores and Madeira; Australia; New Zealand; Singapore; Brunei; Iceland; the Faroe Islands; Gibraltar; the Falkland Islands; and Israel. Until next time, stay safe, Gillian Drop me a line at gillian.parkinson@jpimedia.co.uk with your views and please subscribe to support sustainable local journalism in your community. Click here to view our offers. Here are some of today's top stories ... | 