Festivals and Family Fun: Your Weekend Plans Sorted
We've got festival fever but there's something for all the family to enjoy this weekend
Go on a Bear Hunt
Leeds Bear Hunt, a new public art event which Leeds Hospitals Charity has brought to the city this summer to raise money for Leeds Children’s Hospital, began on 1st July and will run throughout the summer. More than 35 individually-designed bear sculptures, decorated by local, national and international artists, designers and illustrators, make up this world-class, free art trail and families are invited to find them around the city’s streets.
Sail Away
This weekend the Tall Ships are back in Hartlepool (their last visit was back in 2010). Visitors to this must-not-miss event (one of the largest free maritime events in the UK), will see a fleet of more than 30 ships arrive, as well as enjoying four days of celebration between Hartlepool’s Marina and Victoria Harbour (a vibrant display of music, art, dance and song). It all started this morning and the ships will depart on Sunday morning.
Be Bowled Over
The Ashes Test series takes centre stage as England take on the Aussies. Beg, steal or borrow to get a ticket for the Headingley Test, starting today (6th July) and continuing to Monday 10th July. England have made some changes to their squad for this third Test, and it’s all to play for as England need a win to stop Australia from retaining the Ashes.
Read More: What to Watch on TV this July
Eat Sweet
This Friday (7th July) is World Chocolate Day – always a day worth celebrating! Whether you’re planning to treat your friends and family or yourself (we won’t judge) to the sweetest treats, find some of our favourite chocolate shops and cafés across the North East and Yorkshire here. Or why not have a go at making these melt-in-your-mouth vegan chocolate lava cakes. Yum!
Best of the Fests
This weekend the North East is jam-packed with festivals for the whole family to enjoy, no matter what you’re into. Mouth of The Tyne (6th–9th July) promises performances from The Proclaimers and Gabrielle against the fabulous backdrop of Tynemouth Priory and Castle.
Taking inspiration from the brass band heritage of County Durham, Durham Brass Festival (9th–16th July) promises a colourful celebration of brass music as well as performances from Northern talent including Tom A. Smith and Back Chat Brass.
The is South Tyneside Festival also begins on Sunday 9th July with The Vamps performing at Bents Park, joined by local support from South Shields’ The Waiters and Newcastle’s Lauren Amour (who was named as one of the BBC Music Introducing in The North East Tips for 2023).
(Give a) Little Bit of Love
It’s been almost a month since Tom Grennan released his new album What Ifs & Maybes but it feels like his songs have been stuck in our head forever. Scarborough Open Air Theatre is always a fantastic place to enjoy live music (providing the weather plays ball) and you can see Tom on stage on Friday 7th July. The last few remaining tickets are selling fast!
Read More: Author LJ Ross Is Honoured to Unveil the Caroline Herschel Turret at Kielder Observatory
Regency Romance
Dress in your finery and join Heartbreak Productions for their open-air adaptation of Sense and Sensibility at The Alnwick Garden on Sunday 9th July. Pack a picnic, grab your chaise longue (or a blanket/camping chair) and see this literary classic performed with a Heartbreak twist.
Save the Day
Every weekend until 23rd July, visitors to Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds can take part in an immersive game and escape room experience. Royal Armouries Agents have travelled in time and space to discover each of the museum’s objects’ alternate history – but none of the agents have returned. The messages they’ve left should lead to their return, but have you got what it takes to find them?
The Great Yorkshire Show is Back
The Great Yorkshire Show returns next week (11th–14th July) and 140,000 people will be heading to the 250-acre showground in Harrogate. If you're one of them, you can expect thrilling show jumping, the best in British livestock competing, a fabulous food hall and cookery demos alongside so much more. Don't forget to pop by and see us at stand 286 and don't miss the chance to enter our amazing competition to win a two-night breakaway at luxurious Matfen Hall Hotel, worth £2,000 (including a Tasting Dinner in the elegant Emerald Restaurant, a three-course dinner in the fabulous Cloisters Restaurant, as well as a complimentary 60-minute treatment in the hotel’s spa). See you there!
