We will experience a split weekend weatherwise in Lismore and the Northern Rivers over the next two days.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a spring-like day tomorrow (Saturday) with a top of 25 degrees before the temperature drops on Sunday (21) with the chance of a shower or two.

The winds will move from the west, to southwest to the south by Monday, which means we are in store for more cold mornings and cool days around the 18/19 degree mark with strong winds returning early next week.

One of Lismore's social events of the year happens on Saturday night at Hotel Metropole.

The 2024 Met Gala will see locals dressed in their finest using this year's 'diamonds and pearls' theme from 5:30pm tomorrow. A new mini Cheeky Cabaret Show will form part of the entertainment. The late mail is that comedy legend Bob Downe will make an appearance. MC is comedienne Mandy Nolan and entertainment will be the amazing 6-piece Jerome Williams Band followed by DJ 'The Who's Who' until late.

Importantly, all money raised will be going to Jodie's Inspiration, this year's charity recipient. You can still purchase tickets here.

The Lismore Farmers Markets will attract a large crowd given the spring-like weather tomorrow at the Lismore Showgrounds. Gates open at 7:30am with hot coffee/tea and breakfasts on sale, fresh fruit and veg, flowers, donuts and live music from Bruce.

Heritage Park will also be a popular spot for families with its features and the Miniature Railway running between 10:30am and 4pm.

Nimbin has its July markets on Sunday between 9am and 3pm on Cullen Street. There will be more good food, good coffee and unique offerings that only Nimbin can provide.

If nature is more your thing, then book into the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Garden Guided Walk on Sunday. Ken will take you through the areas of the garden that showcase the commercial uses of local plants from 10am for an hour.

Meet at the visitors centre at 9:45am. Bookings are essential, so email [email protected] and bring $5 cash on Sunday, as there are no card facilities. Children are free. The Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens are to the right of the Lismore Waste Facility on Wyrallah Road once you enter the gates.

Coming up in August:

• The Richmond River Philatelic Society annual Stamp Fair
• Northern Rivers Vintage & Veteran Car Club Rally
• Darrel Chapman Fun Run - you have four weeks of training to compete in the 4k, 10k or half marathon courses.

For live music, head to the Northern Rivers Hotel in North Lismore for Hillbilly Skank tonight from 6pm and Helio Ray Duo on Saturday, also from 6pm.

There is a pivotal game in the NRRRL this Sunday when the Marist Brothers Rams travel to Ballina to take on the top-of-the-table Seagulls at 2:45pm. The Rams have been in red-hot form lately and should put on a strong showing.

Northern United went down to the Rams by two points in last week's thriller at Crozier Field. They will be at the same venue on Sunday when they take on Murwillumbah at 2:45pm to stay in the Top 8.

There is a better gauge for the Men's Premier League table for Football Far North Coast's competition now that teams have played 10 or 11 matches this season.

Top-of-the-table South Lismore Celtics will be in action on Saturday at Nesbitt Park when they take on the Goonellabah Hornets at 3pm, who sit fourth. Richmond Rovers (2nd) are on the road to Mullumbimby on Saturday and Ballina travel to Maclean.

On Sunday, Bangalow (3rd) are at home to Lennox Head with a 2:30pm kick-off.

Tonight's (Friday) match sees Alstonville at home to Byron Bay from 8pm.

In the Women's Premier League, there is still a game difference when comparing teams on the ladder, with some teams having played 8 matches and some 11.

This weekend, all three matches are on Sunday. Runaway leaders Byron Bay are at home to Richmond Rovers with a 2:30 p.m. kick-off, while Bangalow plays Ballina at home, and Alstonville hosts Lennox Head.

Fuel prices have risen slightly in Casino and Ballina this week. Lismore is still the most expensive place to buy fuel, but the gap has decreased slightly with Casino and Ballina up to 15 cents a litre cheaper. Diesel is the only exception, with Lismore still the cheapest place to fill up.

Here are the latest prices in each town:

• E10 is 193.9 across the board in Lismore, 181.8 at NightOwl Puma on Johnston Street in Casino, with the new Mobil (485 River Street) cheapest at 178.5.
• Unleaded 91 is 193.9 at the new Astron on Ballina Road, 183.8 at the NightOwl Puma and United on Johnston Street in Casino and 180.5 at The Metro and the new Mobil in Ballina.
• U95 is 203.9 at the Independent on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore, Northside Liberty and Bakers Corner at North Lismore, 198.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street, Casino and 192.5 at The Metro and the new Mobil in Ballina.
• U98 is 208.9 at the new Astron on Ballina Road, 202.9 at the Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino and 197.5 at The Metro and the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.
• Diesel is 184.9 at the Ampol Foodary Lismore Airport on Union Street, South Lismore, 192.9 at the United Johnston Street in Casino and 192.5 at the new Mobil and The Metro in Ballina.

The new Talking Lismore podcast moves to crime this Sunday when we welcome Richmond Police District Superintendent Scott Tanner to the microphone. Supt Tanner talks about youth crime and domestic violence, as well as his four years in charge through difficult times, such as Covid-19 and the big flood. Check out the Podcasts button or click on Podcasts on the website.

Have a great weekend!