All The Things You Just Have To Do in June
June marks the real start of summer, and what better way to celebrate than getting out and about as much as possible?
Head outdoors…
Adventure Cinema visits picturesque locations, from medieval castles to country estates, for a spectacular outdoor cinema experience and from 16th–18th June they’ll be holding screenings of Elvis, Mamma Mia and Top Gun: Maverick next to the lake at Shibden Park. Picnics and drinks are welcome, or there will also be hot food and snacks available to buy, as well as an on-site bar. All you have to do is pack your camping chairs and blanket!
Looking for more outdoor show inspiration? In our latest North East magazine we’ve picked out the best al fresco cinema screenings, open-air theatre and fantastic festivals you won’t want to miss this summer – available in shops regionwide now, or you can subscribe here and never miss an issue.
Party hard…
Coming to Newcastle on 16th June, 360º Party aims to give partygoers an immersive 360º experience in which the artists and DJs performing are positioned in the centre of the dance floor, all while enveloped by sound and lighting effects. The series makes use of unique and unusual venues, allowing music lovers to experience their favourite genres like never before against truly stunning backdrops. Newcastle’s 360º will be a particularly special edition, as not only will it be held in the city's fascinating, medieval-era cathedral, but it will feature an exclusive live performance by the one and only Jocelyn Brown, famed for 1980s dance/RnB anthems such as Somebody Else’s Guy and Keep on Jumpin.
Clean up…
Surfers Against Sewage’s Million Mile Clean aims to make the UK a cleaner, greener place for everyone to enjoy and with events running throughout the month it’s easy to get involved. Whether you join the organised clean-up in Belford village on 10th June or head to the Ladybower Dam for a tidy up on 19th June, there are so many ways to help out and do your bit this month. Head to the Million Mile Clean website to find a clean-up near you. Why not organise your own clean up this month? All you need is a plastic bag and a pair of gloves – every little helps when it comes to looking after our beaches and countryside!
Get wild…
From 10th–11th or 17th–18th June, enjoy a special opportunity for the whole family to tour Sledmere House’s deer park and see some of the red deer breeds on the estate in their natural habitat. A fantastic event for all the family, the farm team will pick you up with their tractors and custom-made trailers to take you through the grounds and over to the deer park where you will get up close to the majestic does and be the first to meet their new calves. You can also ask questions and chat to the farmers who care for the herd throughout the year. This is a popular event so it’s recommended that you buy tickets in advance to avoid missing out.
Dancing queens…
In 1988, two school friends tentatively come out to each other; one as gay, and one as an ABBA fan. Three decades later, they meet by chance and decide to form the world’s first ABBA tribute band – in drag. But can their friendship survive the tribulations of a life on the road – including platform boots, fake beards and a distractingly attractive stranger? Find out by going to see The Way Old Friends Do, a new comedy play about devotion, desire and Dancing Queens written by Ian Hallard and directed by Sedgefield-born Mark Gatiss. The two-hour show is currently on the road, and will be will ending the tour at York Theatre Royal from 6th–10th June. We caught up with Mark and Ian to find out more here.
Creature comforts…
The Great Yorkshire Creature Count returns on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th June. Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts’ wildlife census is back for a fourth year and they want more gardens, more households and more communities taking part than ever before. It’s fun and easy to do, and everyone can take part: simply spot, count and record the creatures in your garden using a list of 30 creatures great and small. Your counts will showcase how wildlife-friendly our collective outdoor patches are and in time, give the Trust an idea of how common species are faring in Yorkshire's gardens. Together we can take more action for wildlife on our doorstep!
Don’t miss…
It’s National Fish & Chips Day on 2nd June and what better excuse to enjoy this delicious classic dish? Whether you prefer haddock or cod, scampi or sausage, nothing beats traditional fish and chips and we’re all about celebrating the occasion. We’ve picked out the best places to get a fish supper across the North East and Yorkshire here, so all you have to do is go there and enjoy.
Fancy cooking your own at home? We also have a classic cod and chips recipe for you to try, or for something different give this spicy fish and chips recipe a go. If you prefer sweet over savoury, it was also National Doughnut Week last week and it’s never too late to celebrate – we’ve picked out the best places to grab a doughnut across the region. You’re welcome!
Don’t forget…
Father’s Day takes place on 18th June this year, and if you don’t want to hear about it for the next 364 days, DO NOT FORGET! Whether it’s your dad, uncle, grandad or you’re helping the kids treat your partner, this is a day to treat the men in your life. Stuck for what to do to celebrate? Browse our recipes and treat them to your home cooking, head out, stay in, and don’t worry if you‘re not well prepared… we’ve got a gift guide for dad which might help inspire your last-minute buys.
