All the Best Ways to Spend Your Weekend
We’ve got your weekend plans sorted
Take a Seat
A set of unique vintage chairs, expertly re-upholstered by Tyne Valley craftswoman Jayne Dodds with one-off fabrics printed with striking images by Tyne Valley artist Sue Moffitt, will go on sale alongside a new collection of paintings in aid of cancer charities this weekend. Find them at The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle as part of their 20th anniversary exhibition which opens on Friday 25th November. A donation from the sale of the chairs and the paintings will be made by Sue and Jayne to regional cancer charities in recognition of the care Sue has received for oesophageal cancer since 2020.
Go to a Panto
Panto-classic Dick Whittington has been given the rock ’n’ roll treatment and will be rocking the stage at City Varieties Music Hall from 25th November. This breath-taking production mixes traditional elements of audience participation and corny gags with a jukebox full of classic rock anthems and chart-toppers, all performed live on stage by an ultra-talented cast of actor-musicians.
Be a Sport
Many eyes might be on Qatar and the FIFA World Cup (you can find a list of the best bars to watch the football here) but there’s action closer to home too. Newcastle Falcons take on Exeter on Friday night at 7.45pm at Kingston Park. Tickets for the North Stand are incredible value at just £10 (£5 per child) so go along and support the boys who really need a home win this Friday. On Saturday, The Fighting Fifth is one of the most prestigious hurdle races in the horse racing calendar, so head to Newcastle Racecourse to see some of the finest hurdlers fight for this historic prize.
Read More: Festive and Fun Ways to Spend December in the Run-Up to Christmas
Immerse Yourself
Created by Grande Experiences, Van Gogh Alive (currently within Bradford’s Regency Hall) gives you the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in his most famous artworks. From start to finish you’ll be surrounded by a vibrant symphony of light, colour, sound and fragrance from all angles as you explore the exhibition where Van Gogh’s masterpieces are brought to life. For the best selfie opportunity, head to the sunflower room.
Meet the Reindeer
Some very special visitors arrive at Preston Park Museum and Grounds this weekend, and you can visit them from this Saturday. Head to the museum and meet the friendly reindeer from the North Pole, and you’ll be able to purchase reindeer food during your visit to feed them. Over on the Raby Estate, you can enjoy a festive walk to High Force Waterfall. Collect the Christmas clues and see if you can find Rudolph and his friends along the way – but don’t forget to wrap up warm!
See the Stars
Head out on the Malham Cove Dark Skies Walk on 26th November and follow the classic Dales circuit of Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar and Malham Cove at night. The end location is the perfect spot for stargazing. If you're a proper Harry Potter fan, the top of Malham Cove was used as a location in the final film, where Harry and Hermione pitched their tent when escaping Voldemort.
Read More: Five Fun Ways to Celebrate Christmas
Get in the Spirit
Ford & Etal Christmas Market returns on 26th and 27th November and promises to be bigger and better than ever. The new-style market has stalls in Ford, Etal and Heatherslaw, with entertainment, activities and decorations in all three hubs. There will be carriage rides at Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre and a free shuttle bus running between the main hubs too. Browse more than 50 stalls and follow the Christmas Tree Trail. Meanwhile, always popular, Lotherton’s Christmas Experience is back this weekend (from 26th November). Whether you choose to meet Santa and his elves, visit Mrs Claus, wander around their interactive woodland walk or decorate Christmas ceramics – there’s plenty to get involved in.
Try Something New
The open studios event returns to 36 Lime Street in Newcastle this weekend (26th and 27th November) and a selection of diverse new work by the artists in residence will be on display, but you can also get involved in plenty of creative activities. Make a paper bauble with visual artist Bethan Maddocks and don’t miss the lithography printmaking demos by master printer Lee Turner of Hole Editions.
Count Down
It’s only a matter of days until the Christmas countdown begins, so make sure you’ve got your advent calendar before next week! These are the best beauty calendars you’ll want to help you count down to Christmas, or for something a little different we’ve picked out 16 of our favourite alternative advent calendars you’ll want to wake up to this year.
