Blooming Marvellous Things to Do This Weekend
Make your own sunshine with these great things to do this weekend in the North East and Yorkshire
Living North LIVE…
Living North LIVE is back and better than ever. Head to Newcastle Racecourse this weekend (Friday 19th–Sunday 21st April) for an unmissable day out. Living North LIVE 2024 is the North’s leading homes, gardens, shopping, food and lifestyle event. With stylish shopping, live demonstrations, talks and tastings, Living North LIVE brings you inspiring ideas for your home and garden, great gifts, delicious food and unique accessories that you won’t find anywhere else. Tickets are available on the door each day from 10am–4pm, so come along and say hello!
Cup of Rosie…
This Sunday is National Tea Day and what better way to mark the day than with a trip to a local tea house? Claremont Teahouse in Newcastle is a great spot for a brew, offering a wide variety of specialist tea blends to choose from. With a cosy interior and plenty of natural light, this is the perfect place to enjoy a cuppa and watch the world go by. Northern Tea House in Huddersfield is another great option – think quirky, rustic interiors, classic brunch options and specialty teas. Don’t feel like going out? Pop the kettle on and give this coffee, walnut and cardamom cake recipe a try – the perfect accompaniment to a classic cuppa.
Raise the roof…
Did you miss ‘90s pop superstars Take That in Sheffield last weekend? Not to worry, the boys are back at it at Leeds First Direct Arena this weekend. Limited tickets are still available for shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (18th–20th) so grab yours while you still can for an unforgettable night of music. Take That may have left Sheffield, but you can still catch Tom Walker at Octagon Centre on Saturday (20th). Tom is best known for his 2018 smash hit Leave The Light On. For something a little different, head to Wylam Brewery on Thursday (18th) for Music From Twin Peaks with Royal Northern Sinfonia and guest vocalist Alice Zawadzki.
Flower power…
April showers bring May flowers but with the rain we’ve had so far, you can get your flower picking in early this year! Head to Northumbrian Flowers’ plot near Kirkwhelpington in Northumberland for their Pick Your Own Tulips day on Saturday (21st). Further south, Rowes at Priory Gardens in Guisborough is also hosting Pick Your Own Tulips days on Saturday and Sunday (20th and 21st). This is a first for the team so head along for the best blooms around.
Tuck in…
At Belgrave Music Hall in Leeds this Saturday (20th), Belgrave Feast returns for its 11th year. You can expect plenty of goodies from one of the city’s longest running street food markets, including a free pizza-making class for kids, an art market full of local independent traders and, of course, plenty of delicious food. Best of all, attendance is free! Want to try somewhere new? Social Bird in Newcastle has officially opened its doors, serving delicious food and drink in a relaxed and laidback setting – the perfect option for lunch while you’re out and about.
Child’s play…
There are some great shows happening this weekend that are perfect for the whole family. At Washington Arts Centre on Thursday (18th), you can catch children’s classic The Velveteen Rabbit. Watch as toys are brought to life before your eyes through the magic of storytelling and dance. For more family fun, make sure to book your tickets for The Wizard of Oz at Newcastle Theatre Royal. See all of your favourite characters as if for the first time with this dazzling show that includes classics like Somewhere Over the Rainbow and We’re Off to See The Wizard.
Mother Earth…
Monday 22nd April is Earth Day so take some time this weekend to show the planet some love. At The Hepworth Wakefield on Saturday (20th) join them for their Eco Festival where you can find out all about local green organisations and how you can help them. Also on Saturday, head along to ICOS’s Earth Day picnic in Backhouse Park for a day of fun activities and food (make sure not to miss a Bug World workshop). Prefer to do things under your own steam? A beach clean is always a great way to get the kids outside and teach them about the importance of the environment.
Born to be wild…
Famous for his whirlwind adventures, pushing himself to the limit and surviving at any cost, TV host and survivalist Bear Grylls will be at Newcastle O2 City Hall on Friday (19th) to share his stories with you. Prepare for unseen images, terrifying behind-the-scenes footage and brand new stories of daring deeds as part of the Never Give Up tour. For a slightly more relaxed evening, the Duke of Northumberland is hosting an event at Alnwick Playhouse on behalf of Curlew Action, a charity that aims to reverse the decline of the Eurasian Curlew, our largest wading bird. Join author Mary Cowell and singer David Gray for an evening of conversation and live music.
