Carniverpool crescendo
You might have noticed, unless you've been hibernated in a dark and soundproofed box, that there's been all kinds of swishing and clattering across the city this week with a staggeringly awe-inspiring array of sounds and celebrations.

On Saturday, Brouhaha is brought to a rousing climax with the carnival itself and World in Princes Park.

More than 20,000 people are expected to take to the streets to watch the carousel of costumes drench the metropolis in a riotous rainbow of regalia.

Also starting at noon, World in Princes Park features the Urban Music stage and Radio 1 Xtra DJ Robbo Ranks, spinning dance hall tunes with British Asian chart toppers.

Growing closer in girth to Notting Hill Carnival every year, Liverpool's mighty Brouhaha has been bringing together all cultures and communities for one big celebration. Join them and celebrate summer and life.

* Brouhaha, until Saturday July 24.
Liverpool International Carnival 2010, starting at Mulberry Street, and World in Princes Park, both starting at noon.

Ecclesiastical epiphany
Churches are to acoustics as breweries are to beer – they lend themselves. So get yourself down to St Bride's, off Catharine Street, this Friday night for a melee of musical musings courtesy of the undeservedly monikered Misery Guts.

It's the Scouse folk troubadours’ first appearance back home since the launch of their hotly-welcomed ‘More Human Than Human’ EP at the Kazimier back in May.

And there's more. That City faerie of frippery and fun, Candie Payne, will adorn the session with her own acoustic set, reminding us once more of how talented she is.

Pack the pews for an evening of inspiration as we’re treated to heartwarming tales and acoustic harmonies.

It’s a sin to miss this.

*Summer Folk at St Brides, Percy Street, L8.
7.30pm. Tickets £6.50 on the door.

Get guffawed
What makes you laugh? Irony? Stories of children falling off swings? The word ‘pelmet’? However you like your comedy you’re guaranteed a proper riot of ribaldry at the Slaughterhouse from now until the Sunday earlies as the in-house warriors of wackiness lay on a banquet of hilarity.

Not since Lee Mack was funny have we had our platter packed asd full of mirth as it is today.

One-time City Life Comedian of the Year Seymour Mace kicks off the three-nighter, and a two-act show tonight (Thursday) which also features Phoenix Nights’ Young Kenny, known in real life as Justin Moorhouse.

Former Liverpool, Comedian of the Year Chris Cairns hosts Friday and Saturday shows with pitches by New Zealander Al Pitchard and Liverpool funny fella Keith Carter, who stage stalkers might know otherwise as Nige.

It’s a big weekend for the Laughterhouse team which hits the road for the 30th July festival of gags at the 6,500-capacity Scarborough Open Air Theatre. Get them now while they’re hot.

* Comedy at the Slaughterhouse, Fenwick Street, L2.
Now to Saturday, July 24. Admission price varies, meal deal options available. Check out laughterhousecomedy for specifics.

Eye eye
I don't fall foul of hype which is why, after reading the world's most understated publicity blurb from the Open Eye Gallery we have no doubt in pointing you to this fabulous exhibition of creative works by non-adults taking place this weekend.

My word of 2010 is “collaboration” so it's delicious anticipating the unveiling of the Eye to Eye festival of youngsters interpreting the gallery's bountiful archive of photography, including this lovely picture by John Stoddart.

Hailing from all corners of the artistic spectrum, our juvenile protagonists promise a stunning exposition you'll be talking about as Open Eye Gallery relocates to the waterfront, and beyond. Apparently.

* Eye to Eye, Open Eye Gallery, Wood Street, L1.
To Saturday July 24. Call 709 9460 for more information.