Great Things to Do This Weekend
Live your best life this weekend with these brilliant things to do
Lights, camera, action…
On Saturday 3rd at University of Sheffield Drama Studio, catch the mesmerisingly brilliant SHOWWOMEN, a four-person stage show celebrating the incredible lives of women in variety performances from more than a century ago, including pioneering clown Lulu Adams and gravity-defying aerialist Miss La La. The show is based on the work of Olivier award-winning performer and academic Dr Marisa Carnesky and promises to be a spectacular evening. This is also sadly the last weekend to catch Blood Brothers at Newcastle Theatre Royal, the critically-acclaimed musical which follows a set of twins, separated at birth, who find their way back to each other with far-reaching consequences. Limited tickets are still available from Thursday to Saturday (1st–3rd) so book yours now.
Cracking up…
At Tyne Theatre and Opera House in Newcastle, get your tickets for Viggo Venn’s comedy tour British Comedian on Friday (2nd). After winning Britain’s Got Talent in 2023, Viggo became one of the most talked-about entertainers in the country and the wacky show promises to be lots of fun. The always-entertaining Janey Godley is currently touring The Not Dead Yet comedy show across the region. Catch her at The Fire Station in Sunderland on Thursday (1st), The Forum in Northallerton on Friday (2nd), Square Chapel Arts Centre in Halifax on Saturday (3rd) and Queen’s Hall Arts Centre in Hexham on Sunday (4th). At The Victoria Theatre, Halifax you can catch the brilliantly funny Chris McCausland on his newest tour Yonks! You’ll know Chris from his appearances on Have I Got News For You, The Last Leg and Would I Lie To You.
Nice ice…
Explore the historic city of York this weekend (3rd–4th) and their epic York Ice Trail - City of Dreams which includes fantastic mythical creatures, live ice-carving demonstrations and lots of great options for a hot drink and a bite to eat across the city. Or for something a bit different, escape to the quaint village of Stonehaugh in Northumberland on Friday (2nd) for an evening of stargazing and join local astronomer Liam Reid as he talks you through the sky above and the significance of space exploration for the future of humankind.
Good grub and great beer…
This is your last chance to enjoy Durham Restaurant Week, as it draws to a close on Friday (2nd). The event includes amazing discounts on food and drink across the city, with more than 30 venues taking part. Not sure where to book? We’ve rounded up our favourite spots for dining at a discount here. Further north, at Berwick Library this Friday (2nd), you can enjoy a cheeky pint at Frets 'n' Bows 'n' Tales 'n' Ales this weekend. The event celebrates the Northumbrian coast in words, music and, most importantly, beer. So sit back and relax with free beer samples, live music from local musicians and poetry performances this weekend.
Weekly wellness…
Local activewear brand YANA Active are holding their first Wellness Workshop this Sunday (4th) in aid of Newcastle Women’s Aid. Held at Fenwick, Newcastle, the day will empower attendees with knowledge on everything health and wellness, guided by a panel of experts. There will be meditation, Pilates and everyone will get to take home a goody bag worth more than £150, and the best bit – it’s all in aid of charity. There are just a few tickets left (£35 each) so grab yours now online.
Music madness…
This is shaping up to be a great weekend for music across the North East and Yorkshire. At The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead this Friday (2nd), relax and enjoy as the Royal Northern Sinfonia take you on a magical journey through the work of legendary composer John Williams, including all of your favourites from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones and more. Also on Friday, at Bridlington Spa catch award-winning rapper Example as he kicks off his 2024 tour Bangers, Hits and a Couple New Bits. Missed Miles Kane in Leeds last weekend? You can catch him this Friday at NX Newcastle (formerly the O2 Academy Newcastle) with songs from his latest album One Man Band.
World on fire…
In celebration of the Abbey’s 1,350th anniversary, Hexham Abbey is showcasing the Festival of Flame this weekend (Friday 2nd–Saturday 3rd) which will transform the Abbey into a world of fiery lights, mesmerising music and breathtaking art. The event will include an outdoor fire garden, live music, food and drink and the lighting of 1,350 candles. As part of the festival, you can expect to see the return of Illuminated Sheep, an art installation designed by Deepa Mann-Kler which features a flock of lit-up, life-sized model sheep.
All about the kids…
Head to the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Keighley for the opening of their new exhibition The Brontës’ Web of Childhood, opening this Thursday (1st) which explores what life was like for the young Brontës and how their childhood experiences influenced their later works. It will include a diary extract from the young Emily as well as sketches of the imaginary worlds that the children created together. In Durham, the Oriental Museum is hosting twilight opening hours on Thursday (1st). On Saturday (3rd), bring the kids with you for their Great Ganesha workshop. This is part of their programme of free family events and the workshop will show families how to create a Ganesha puppet together.
Terrific tipples…
We’ve finally reached the end of Dry January (hooray!) so why not celebrate with a drink or two? Whether you prefer a boozy cocktail or a good old-fashioned pint, there are so many great places to grab a drink across the North East and Yorkshire. To make things easy for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to visit which you can find here and here. Don’t feel like braving the cold? We don’t blame you. Enjoy a night of cocktails from the comfort of your own home starting with this great recipe.
