The Best Ways to Enjoy Your Weekend
Get your weekend off to a great start with these brilliant things to do
Fabulous theatre…
This is your last chance to catch the visually stunning Life of Pi at Newcastle Theatre Royal. Follow Pi on his breathtaking journey across the Pacific Ocean after a terrible storm leaves him stranded on a lifeboat with a tiger. Tickets are still available until Saturday 27th so get them while you can. You can read more about the incredible puppetry behind the tiger here. This is also the last weekend to watch the family classic Oliver! at Leeds Playhouse. Limited tickets are still available for Thursday and Friday (25th and 26th) so book now and get ready for a singalong evening of fun. At Sunderland Empire, bring the whole family along for a roaring good time at Jurassic Live. This 90-minute show includes incredible special effects and an appearance from the UK’s only flying pterodactyl. Taking place on Friday and Saturday (26th–27th), get your tickets now before they go extinct!
Lots of laughs…
At Tyne Theatre and Opera House this Friday (26th), catch local comedian Gavin Webster. Enjoy his quick one-liners, hilarious rants and creative comedy songs played on a ukulele. Gavin has been packing theatres for more than 30 years and his new show is not one to miss. Ed Byrne also returns to the region with his brilliant comedy show Tragedy Plus Time. Although his shows in Durham and Billingham have now sold out, you can still catch him at The Forum in Northallerton this Sunday (28th).
Walk it off…
With the weather taking a (slightly) milder turn, take some time this weekend to head out into the countryside for some fresh air and a scenic walk. In Northumberland, the quaint village of Bothal is perfect for a quiet walk through the woodland and along the River Wansbeck. The village is also home to the historic St Andrew’s Church, a Grade I-listed building, the oldest parts of which date back to the late 12th century. In Yorkshire, the Rivelin Valley nature and heritage trail is another great option. The circular two-and-a-half-mile walk to the north of Sheffield links to the Peak District and includes watermills, dams and stepping stones, and there’s a water park for kids. You can start from either end and there are lots of shorter circuit options if you don't want to walk the entire length.
Fantastic food…
Struggling through veganuary? Head to Kirkgate Market in Leeds city centre this Saturday (27th) for a vegan takeover. The event will include a variety of artisan bakers and craft brewers as well as a number of street food vendors to ignite a love of all things vegan. Further north, this Friday and Saturday (26th and 27th) Newcastle’s Wylam Brewery are hosting their Flower Power Vegan Fest. This is the event’s fourth year and best of all, it’s free to enter.
Burns Night…
Thursday 25th is Burns Night, an evening dedicated to celebrating the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns. No Burns Supper would be complete without the traditional haggis, neeps and tatties (or turnip and potatoes for the uncultured). To celebrate, Hotel du Vin is hosting a Burns Supper at Vertu Motors Arena on Thursday (25th), complete with a three-course meal, bagpipes and a fundraising raffle. Hindmarsh Hall in Alnwick are hosting a two-course haggis dinner, as well as a traditional whisky toast and a ceilidh with live music, so book your tickets now for an evening of good food and plenty of fun. Staying in? You can learn how to make your very own Burns Night Supper here.
Mad about museums…
At the Great North Museum, visit their Voicing Objects exhibition this weekend. The exhibition explores the lives of women in the ancient world through artefacts from the Shefton Collection of Greek Archaeology, accompanied by artwork from Olivia Turner. Live in York? As part of York Residents’ Festival (27th–28th), locals can enjoy free entry to York Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum and York Art Gallery this weekend. For a breath of fresh air, head to Vindolanda near Hexham for their current winter tours of the site, held every day at 11am. Take the chance to explore the Roman fort with an expert on hand to answer any burning questions you may have.
Sing it out…
Head to O2 Academy Leeds to see Miles Kane perform on Thursday (25th), including songs from his latest album One Man Band. Missed out on tickets to The Eras Tour? We’ve got the next best thing. At Newcastle O2 City Hall on Thursday (25th), you can watch Swiftmania perform the ultimate Taylor Swift tribute act. Expect all the classics from across the eras including Blank Space, Love Story and I Knew You Were Trouble at this fun-filled night of music.
