The Best Events to Book For September
Get your tickets now for what's set to be a fun-filled September in the North East and Yorkshire
West End to North East
This high-octane, black comedy rock musical based on one of the greatest cult teen films of all time (that starred Winona Ryder and Christian Slater) is back with a bang! A smash hit in London’s West End, the WhatsOnStage Best New Musical winner, Heathers the Musical is coming to Newcastle.
Heathers the Musical
3RD–7TH SEPTEMBER
Newcastle Theatre Royal
0191 232 7010
theatreroyal.co.uk
Show Time
County Durham’s biggest open air agricultural show (and claimed to be England’s oldest), Wolsingham Show is a fun-packed weekend of agricultural life. Saturday promises vintage vehicles, birds of prey displays, a dog agility show, live music, a strongman competition and a sheep dog trail, while Sunday is Country Fair day with a ferret show, a horticulture display, show jumping and line dancing (amongst many other events). There’ll be more than 100 trade stands to browse too.
Wolsingham Show
7TH & 8TH SEPTEMBER
Wolsingham Showground, Scotch Isle Park
wolsinghamshow.co.uk
Love The Land
This exhibition running throughout summer is a showcase of photography, film and poetry by Rob and Harriet Fraser with artefacts and videos captured by farmers through the nationwide Our Upland Commons project. There are perspectives from people involved in farming, wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, land management and tourism in the Yorkshire Dales, and plenty of food for thought.
Labour of Love
UNTIL 8TH SEPTEMBER
Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes
01969 666210
dalescountrysidemuseum.org.uk
Head to Head
In Spring 1996, Kevin Keegan’s Toon Army are riding high in the Premier League whilst Tony Blair’s New Labour are gathering pace. The air is filled with hope. Len has decided to run as a candidate for local Labour MP, but the arrival of a New Labour front-runner sets him back. Who will be the winner when Love It If We Beat Them takes to the stage at Live Theatre?
Love It If We Beat Them
10TH–28TH SEPTEMBER
Live Theatre, Newcastle
0191 232 1232
live.org.uk
Pop Princesses
EastEnders star Nina Wadia and pop icon Sinitta join the cast of NOW That’s What I Call a Musical with choreography by Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood. This musical comedy is a soundtrack to 40 years of iconic compilation albums based around a the school reunion. Crimp your hair, pull up your leg warmers and gather your friends for this night out at the theatre.
NOW That’s What I Call a Musical
10TH–14TH SEPTEMBER
Lyceum, Sheffield
0114 249 6000
sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
Where There’s a Will
In celebration of his ninth studio album Light It Up, Will is heading out on an intimate tour performing at smaller venues across the UK, including King’s Hall Ilkley. Audiences can look forward to acoustic performances, stories and Will in conversation.
Will Young
11TH SEPTEMBER
King’s Hall Ilkley
01274 432000
bradford-theatres.co.uk
Fang-tastic
Bram Stoker’s timeless Gothic thriller has been given the Nick Lane treatment for this exhilarating, Gothic yet contemporary take on Dracula. The question is, are you brave enough to come face-to-face with a centuries-old vampire?
Dracula
12TH–14TH SEPTEMBER
Harrogate Royal Hall
01423 502116
harrogatetheatre.co.uk
In Tune
If you smash the music round on quizzes, this is the quiz for you! You’ll battle it out through two music trivia quiz rounds, while local band Late ‘n’ Live play every question, and you’ll enjoy a two-course meal as well.
Music Quiz Night: Late ‘n’ Live
13TH SEPTEMBER
Spanish City, Whitley Bay
0191 691 7090
spanishcity.co.uk
Hi Barbie!
Barbie and Ken are living their best life in Barbie Land but when they get the chance to visit the real world, that all changes. Starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, this was one of the two most talked about movies released last year. Relive the vibe in the most beautiful surroundings this summer.
Open Air Cinema: Barbie
13TH SEPTEMBER
RHS Harlow Carr
rhs.org.uk
Movie Magic
York Minster’s Gothic Nave will be illuminated by candlelight this September when the scores of some of your favourite films are performed by Alistair Griffin and the Ebor String Quartet. Expect to hear the sounds of Star Wars, Pirates of The Caribbean, Jurassic Park, ET, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Notting Hill – plus many more.
A Night At The Movies
13TH SEPTEMBER
York Minster
yorkminster.org
Flower Power
For home-grown garden inspiration and floral displays, mark your calendar for the upcoming Harrogate Autumn Flower Show. Explore floral art installations, get expert tips from seasoned gardeners and enjoy plot-to-pot cookery demonstrations, whether you’re an avid grower or just beginning your green-fingered journey.
Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
13TH–15TH SEPTEMBER
Newby Hall & Gardens, near Ripon
flowershow.org.uk
Laugh Out Loud
Following the success of last year’s tour, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Baga Chipz is back with hilarious and outrageous comedy and live vocals. Be warned, this show is solely for adults!
Baga Chipz – Material Girl: The Very Harsh, Much Betta! Tour
14TH SEPTEMBER
The Witham, Barnard Castle
01833 631107
thewitham.org.uk
It’s All About Tradition
Established in 1869, Bowes Show is a traditional rural agricultural show with horticultural, industrial, cattle, horses, ponies, donkey, sheep and hay classes. It’s a fun family day out that offers the opportunity for the local community to come together and enjoy a craft and famers market, trade stands and refreshments as well as main ring entertainment. The theme for this year’s scarecrow competition is the Olympics and scarecrows will be on display from 24th August (when they’ll be judged) until show day.
Bowes Show
14TH SEPTEMBER
Holme Farm, Gilmonby
bowesshow.org.uk
Battle at Bamburgh
Steel Viking Fitness proudly presents the inaugural Viking Games at Bamburgh Castle this September. Witness fearless competitors clash in a series of trials where only one will emerge victorious as the modern-day Viking champion.
The Viking Games
14TH SEPTEMBER
Bamburgh Castle
bamburghcastle.com
Family Fun
Don’t miss the 182nd Stanhope Show which will exhibit local cattle, sheep, produce and handicrafts, alongside show jumping and horse and pony classes overlooking the historic Bowes Castle. Plus, there’s a chance to see vintage vehicles, Hadrian clog dancing and entertainment from live bands. Weardale’s premier agricultural show is always fun for the whole family and this year there’ll be Highland Games and precision driving from Paul Swift too.
Stanhope Show
14TH & 15TH SEPTEMBER
Unthank Park, Stanhope
stanhopeshow.com
Brick by Brick
Marvel at the intricate LEGO creations at the inaugural Durham Brick Show. This exhibition features a range of displays and stands with detailed models and brick pits as well as a fun trail and a speed-build challenge (setting the task of building the tallest tower in one minute).
Durham Brick Show Weekend
14TH & 15TH SEPTEMBER
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
ushaw.org
Life Underground
My Life as a Pitman is a special collection of paintings by Ashington Group artist Oliver Kilbourn which offer a unique insight into the working life of a Northumberland coal miner during the mid-20th century.
Oliver Kilbourn: My Life as a Pitman
UNTIL 15TH SEPTEMBER
Woodhorn Museum, Ashington
museumsnorthumberland.org.uk
Who Let The Dogs Out?
With competitions, talks, demonstrations, a dog catwalk, trail walks, an agility arena, show ring and a chill zone, this event is all about our four-legged friends. Rosettes will be awarded in each category for first place, second and third, and whilst you’re at Sewerby Hall you can also explore the house, gardens and zoo.
Canine Carnival
15TH SEPTEMBER
Sewerby Hall
01262 673769
sewerbyhall.co.uk
A Rural Celebration
The Allendale Agricultural Show always promises a great family day out with sheep classes, horse events and their popular dog show which welcomes all breeds from across the area, plus displays, demonstrations and attractions which celebrate rural life. With a falconry display, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling and a tug of war in store for visitors, there’s plenty to look forward to this year.
Allendale Agricultural Show
17TH AUGUST
The Showfield, Riding Haughs
allendaleagriculturalshow.com
The Boys Are Back
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Strictly as well as The X Factor (despite the fact it’s no longer on our screens), which means it’s 20 years since G4 became the first X factor runner-ups. Hailed as the ‘Kings of Popera’, they’re heading back on tour to celebrate and you can catch them performing live in Whitley Bay with Britain’s Got Talent winner Jai McDowall.
G4 20th Anniversary Tour
18TH SEPTEMBER
Playhouse Whitley Bay
playhousewhitleybay.co.uk
Culinary Chaos
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this tribute to the BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers allows audience members to enjoy a three-course meal with a dash of five-star comedy. Anything can happen when you dine in the Faulty Towers restaurant (because 70 percent of this show is improvised).
Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience
18TH SEPTEMBER
The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
01274 432000
bradford-theatres.co.uk
Art Attack
Take a unique journey through the Italian Renaissance with Davinci and Michelangelo as your guides. Videos, 3D animation, film clips and images will display their sketches, inventions, machines, sculptures and paintings through a contemporary lens.
The Davinci Michelangelo Experience
19TH SEPTEMBER
Alnwick Playhouse
01665 660550
alnwickplayhouse.co.uk
All in a Days Work
One of the largest dog-friendly one-day shows in the country, Stokesley Show is celebrating its 165th birthday this year. In the marquees you’ll meet goats and take part in creative classes including baking and handicrafts. Green-fingered guests won’t want to miss the horticultural section but with more than 130 trade stands to browse, there’ll be something for everyone here. In the main ring Jamie Squibb and his team will perform jumps and stunts mid-air to keep you entertained.
Stokesley Show
21ST SEPTEMBER
Oak Tree Cottage, Thirsk
stokesleyshow.co.uk
Wonderfully Wicked
Ahead of the release of the highly-anticipated film in November, Wicked is on its way to Sunderland Empire. Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel it explores the backstory to to L. Frank Baum’s beloved Wizard of Oz characters Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West, and it’s currently the 11th longest running show in West End history. You’ll be green with envy if you miss out.
Wicked
FROM 24TH SEPTEMBER
Sunderland Empire
atgtickets.com
Movie Magic
One of the best movies of all time is coming to a stage near you. Starring the late great Patrick Swayze alongside Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg, Ghost was the highest grossing film of 1990. Featuring hit songs and an emotive performance, fans of the film won’t want to miss this musical.
Ghost: The Musical
24TH–28TH SEPTEMBER
Darlington Hippodrome
01325 405405
darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
Funny Bones
Since his last smash-hit stand up show, Jason Manford has been entertaining fans on Absolute Radio, but now he’s ready to step back on stage to try out his new material. If you’re in need of a good laugh, don’t miss this show.
Jason Manford: A Manford All Seasons
25TH SEPTEMBER
Queen’s Hall, Hexham
01434 652477
queenshall.co.uk
Bound to Be Fun
Local bookbinder Delphine Ruston leads this workshop to teach you how to make books. You’ll make two of your own to take home – a three-hole pamphlet and a single-section, hardback notebook.
Bookbinding Workshop
25TH SEPTEMBER
The Station, Richmond
01748 828259
thestation.co.uk
Comedy & Catfishing
The clue’s in the name with this one. Stalked is Matt Reed’s story about how he got stalked. This show provides an insight into the dark world of catfishing, but knowing Matt’s wit and irrepressible humour, we’re sure you’ll be in for a good laugh along the way. Find out more about this local funnyman at livingnorth.com ahead of the show.
Matt Reed: Stalked
27TH SEPTEMBER
Middlesbrough Town Hall
01642 729729
middlesbroughtownhall.co.uk
TV Royalty
Describing herself as ‘just an old bird with an iPhone who’s been on the telly for over 40 years’, Carol Vorderman is heading to regional theatres to share her stories from her lengthy career in showbiz.
Carol Vorderman Live & Outspoken!
27TH SEPTEMBER
Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle
0844 249 1000
tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk
The Sound of Stockton
The Gathering Sounds Festival is a must-not-miss event for music fans with an impressive lineup of up-and-coming acts across various genres. In the festival’s fifth year it continues to provide an outlet for artist development and the lineup includes Teesside solo artist Sarah Johnsone and Tyneside band Pit Pony.
The Gathering Sounds
28TH SEPTEMBER
ARC Stockton Arts Centre
01642 525199
arconline.co.uk
Gardeners and Growers
Set in the stunning grounds of Auckland Castle, the Bishop Auckland Horticultural & Produce Show is a popular community event which celebrates the best local gardeners and growers in various categories (think chrysanthemums, carrots and leeks) as well as offering fun for all the family with children’s competitions and homemade crafts. Presented in partnership with The Auckland Project, it’s a weekend that’s not to be missed.
Bishop Auckland Horticultural & Produce Show
28TH & 29TH SEPTEMBER
Auckland Castle Grounds
aucklandproject.org
