All The Great Ways to Spend Your Weekend
Come rain or shine there's no shortage of ways to enjoy yourself this weekend
Fun in the sun…
We’re well and truly into summer now and although the sunshine may not always play ball, we can’t think of a better way to spend time than at one of the many festivals happening. This weekend (11th–14th), the Mouth of The Tyne festival makes its triumphant return to Tynemouth Priory and Castle. Although tickets are sold out for Rick Astley’s show on Friday, there’s still time to grab tickets for the rest of the line up, including performances from Heather Small and Ocean Colour Scene. In Yorkshire, Livefields returns to Oakwell Hall Stadium Ground (near Leeds) from Friday until Sunday (12th–14th) for shows from seven amazing bands, plus plenty of food and drink stalls.
Berry bonanza…
July is the season for the very best British summer berries and what better way to enjoy them than on pancakes? Nelson’s at The Park in Swarland and Riverview Kitchen in Durham are both great spots to enjoy a stack of fluffy pancakes covered in fruit, and The Cabin in Sheffield serves delicious stacks of pancakes with plenty of summer fruits piled on top. You can make the most of this summer’s fruit and use up whatever you have left in the kitchen with this delicious and easy fruit crumble recipe to make at home.
Art attack…
Until Saturday (13th), visitors to Holmfirth Artweek (one of the UK’s largest open art exhibitions) can see more than 2,000 artworks on display in a main exhibition at Holmfirth Civic Hall as well as open studio exhibitions throughout the Holme Valley. At the Baltic Centre For Contemporary Art this Sunday (14th), head along to their Art Car Boot Fair where a huge range of affordable artwork is on offer. More than 50 artists and makers will be showcasing their work and you can expect plenty of food, drink and even ice cream. Best of all? It’s free! In North Yorkshire, Ormesby Hall is hosting a Make and Mend Festival on Sunday (14th) which includes a great range of workshops and classes to get introduced to brand new crafts or hone your skills.
Nurturing nature…
Whether they’ve already broken up or you’re counting down the days with dread, get the kids’ summer holidays off to a great start by getting them out and about in nature. In Northumberland, Hauxley Nature Reserve is one of the best spots for wildlife-watching and is known for its great bird life. There’s a good circular walk here, as well as hides and a visitor centre. Flamborough Cliffs Nature Reserve in East Yorkshire is also breathtaking, and is home to one of the most significant seabird colonies in Europe. At home, get the kids stuck in and turn your garden into a paradise with these tips on making a wildlife-friendly pond.
High in the sky…
From Friday until Sunday this weekend (12th–14th), head to Corbridge for something truly spectacular. The Northumberland Balloon Festival will be taking off from Tynedale Rugby Club and promises a fabulous weekend of great live music, street food, kids activities and, of course, enormous hot air balloons taking to the sky.
What a throwback…
Go retro and relive the hits of your youth this weekend with some great throwback musical acts. At the Kubix Festival in Houghton-Le-Spring on Saturday (13th), you can catch early noughties boy-band Busted and at 90s Fest Summer Bowl in Sheffield this weekend you can catch all your old favourites including the Vengaboys, Boy George and Basshunter.
Lovely liquorice…
This Sunday (14th), experience something different in the Wakefield District with the return of the annual Pontefract Liquorice Festival. Get ready for a day full of fun as the area celebrates its historic link to the delicious sweet. Explore everything from live entertainment and local acts, to face-painting, workshops, and arts and crafts. In the afternoon, head to Pontefract Castle for an extra special HARIBO-themed parade – delicious!
Barrel of laughs…
Comedy heavyweight Peter Kay makes a grand return to Sheffield Utilita Arena this Friday (12th) after more than 12 years away from the stage. Still holding the world record for the bestselling comedy tour of all time, this is not a night you’ll want to miss, with limited tickets still available. For up-and-coming talent, make sure to catch Mark Simmons at Queens Hall Arts Centre in Hexham on Friday (12th) as part of his Quip Off The Mark UK tour.
