The Best Things to Do This Weekend
Get going this weekend with our pick of great things to do
Have a laugh…
ComedyFest, returns to Gala Durham this Saturday (10th) for a night of laughter and antics which brings together three renowned university comedy groups (The Durham Revue, Cambridge Footlights and The Leeds Tealights) it’s a great way to enjoy fresh talent from up and coming comedians. Past members have included Olivia Colman, Emma Thompson, Nish Kumar and Miriam Margolyes, so it’s definitely one to see. On Thursday 8th at The Wardrobe in Leeds, Britain’s Got Talent finalist Nabil Abdulrashid will perform his newest set as part of The Purple Pill tour. You may also have seen him on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Have I Got News For You.
Barmy for books…
Now in full swing, head to Barnsley to enjoy the first ever Barnsley Book Festival, running until 23rd March with a whole host of events to celebrate the very best of local and national literature. As part of the programme, this Saturday (10th) at Barnsley Civic bring the kids along for a fantastic performance of the children’s book The Detective Dog, brought to life with puppets and toe-tapping music too.
Food heaven…
Did you enjoy Veganuary more than you thought you would? Head along to Veganatomy in Heaton, Newcastle for some excellent vegan sushi. Originally on Newcastle’s Quayside, it has recently relocated to Heaton and become a firm favourite with all the locals. For something meatier, head to 40 Ounce in Gateshead for their mouth-watering burgers that are so good the team sell more than 500 per day. Thirsty? This Friday and Saturday (9th–10th) head to Ilkley for the Ilkley Beer Festival at King’s Hall and Winter Gardens for lots of live music, great food and plenty of beer (obviously).
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Magical museums…
From this Friday (9th) you can see Abbey House Museum in Leeds in a whole new light. To celebrate Chinese New Year and the Year of the Dragon, the museum has decorated its historical Victorian streets with the 12 characters of the Chinese zodiac – perfect for exploring with the whole family, and keep an eye out for fun arts and crafts workshops at the end of the trail. New to Jorvik Viking Centre in York is the Herefordshire Hoard, a Viking treasure hoard comprising of 29 silver coins, a crystal pendant, a gold ring and gold bracelet, all dating back to around 878 AD.
All about art…
Head to York this weekend for the return of Colour and Light until 25th February. This project uses 3D projection to transform part of the city into a colourful wonderland for visitors. The event runs from 6pm daily and this year it is York Art Gallery which will be illuminated for the project. The best part? It’s free! At Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens from Monday 5th February, you can enjoy one of the most prestigious photography events of its kind. Their free Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition features breathtaking images of the natural world and is open every day except Sunday from 10am–4pm.
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Music madness…
At O2 City Hall Newcastle this Friday (9th) keep your eye out for a starman waiting in the sky at the Bowie Experience, which celebrates all things Bowie and includes all his greatest hits from across the decades. For a change of tune, get your tickets now for Enter: Shikari playing First Direct Arena in Leeds this Friday.
Thinking ahead…
Pull out your running trainers and get training because there’s only one week left to enter the ballot for a chance to be part of this year’s AJ Bell Great North Run – the biggest running event in the UK and the world’s largest half marathon. Taking place on Sunday 8th September, the run generates an estimated £25 million for charities each year and is broadcast live on the BBC. You have until 10am on Monday 12th February to enter.
Put on a show…
At York Theatre Royal this weekend, watch with the family as York Light Opera Company bring Disney’s The Little Mermaid to life, with plenty of singalong fun. There is a 7.30pm performance from Thursday to Saturday (8th–10th) with earlier matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday (10th–11th) too. At Alnwick Playhouse on Friday 9th, enjoy the wilds of the outdoors from the comfort of a theatre seat with their Kendal Mountain Tour event – an evening of incredible adventure films about human resilience. The night will also include a talk with Becca Harvey, an extreme swimmer who completed a gruelling ice mile swim in Loch Insh. You can read our recent interview with her here.
