How to End the Week on a High with an Action-Packed Weekend
From the history-making Women's World Cup final, to a popular street food market, award-winning musical, and a one-of-a-kind outdoor cinema, there's so much going on this weekend
IT’S COMING HOME…
Having beaten Australia on their own turf earlier this week, the Lionesses are officially heading to the FIFA Women’s World Cup final! The first England team to reach this stage since 1966, it’s already a huge achievement for the players and we really hope to see them go all the way this weekend. England will face Spain in the final on Sunday 20th August with kick off at 11am UK time. While the match will be on television if you want to support England from the sofa, to enjoy the full atmosphere we’ve picked out the best places to watch the match across the North East and Yorkshire here.
FIND GREAT FOOD…
Over the past nine years Peddler Market has grown into one of the country’s leading street food events, and from this weekend onwards they’ll be bringing their expertise to Tileyard North in Wakefield. Launching this Friday and Saturday, Peddler will be taking over the courtyard and event spaces, and you can expect to find some of the best street food in country, alongside their signature mix of craft drink, live music and independent art. We’d start with arancini from Luigi Street Food Italiano, followed by bao buns from YUZU and finish off with a sweet treat from Lick Dairy Free Ice Cream.
THE MUST-SEE MUSICAL…
The Bodyguard is at Newcastle Theatre Royal until Saturday 19th August so don’t miss this must-see show. Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar-nominated Warner Bros. movie, the musical has won awards internationally and will once again star Consett-born Zoe Burkett as Rachel Marron. For those who don’t know the plot, former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love. Read our interview with Zoe here as she tells Living North about her journey in the music industry and advice she has for budding stars.
JOIN THE CIRCUS…
Roll up! Roll up! The circus is coming to town! This weekend the National Festival Circus will be at Thorp Perrow and you can enjoy a fabulous, fun-filled family show in a traditional Big Top tent. With clowns, contortionists, jugglers and tumbling acrobats, there’s entertainment for all the family. Showtimes are 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm, and while admission into the Arboretum is not included in the circus ticket we would recommend visiting while you’re there as it’s the home of one of the UK’s finest collections of trees, including five National Plant Collections, and a leading centre for raptor conservation.
GET FESTIVAL FEVER
Hardwick Festival returns from 18th–20th August and it’s set to be a big one. With a line-up featuring The Kooks, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Scouting For Girls and The Vaccines as well as local lads Tom A. Smith and Andrew Cushin, and up-and-coming stars including Nieve Ella, expect three days of must-see entertainment. There will be six stages to hop between, a silent disco, a comedy tent, funfair rides, themed bars and a selection of world food to be enjoyed, and you can make the most of the whole weekend by camping out too. Tickets are still available for all sessions.
THE WALKING WILDLIFE SAFARI…
Discover the wild side of Wallington this Saturday on a guided walking wildlife safari with Wild Intrigue. With special access into one of the estate’s more secluded corners, Rothley Woods and Lake, you will explore the beautiful woodlands that surround this freshwater lake. A tranquil home to a diverse range of plants, mammals, birds, invertebrates and fungi, get an insight into the wildlife that hopefully will return through Wallington’s nature restoration work. (Note that the Wildlife Safari does not include a visit to the beaver enclosure as they are being left to settle into their new home).
THE ADVENTUROUS FILM…
This Friday enjoy outdoor cinema, but not like you’ve seen before! Returning to Kirkstall Abbey, the Frontier Sapiens Film Festival is the only adventure film festival of its kind in the UK and is bringing inspiration and adventure to the big screen outdoors. Spend an evening under the stars watching a collection of five extraordinary short films featuring epic adventures, cultural stories and environmental issues from some of the world’s best filmmakers. Expect to see 100ft waterfall kayak drops in South America, a world-first expedition in the Karakoram mountains, a 250km journey in traditional Mokoro canoes through hippo-laden waters, and lots more.
MAKE IT HOMEMADE…
With the weather being particularly unpredictable at the moment, it can be tempting not to make outdoor plans for fear of having to cancel. To be on the safe side, you could always just decide to stay in for a few drinks this weekend. From vodka and gin, to rum and beer, we’ve picked out 12 of the best distillers and alcohol producers in the North East and Yorkshire so you can try something delicious made right on your doorstep. Unsure how to make your favourite tipple at home? We also have plenty of cocktail recipes for inspiration, and lots of great ideas for things to keep you entertained if you do decide to stay in too.
MORE SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS…
After starting the Premier League season with a convincing win against Aston Villa, Newcastle United are hoping to continue their success when they face Man City this weekend. While the match on Saturday is away, you’ll still be able to catch the 8pm kick off on TV. Meanwhile in the Sky Bet Championship, Sunderland are playing Rotherham United on Saturday, and in Yorkshire, Leeds United are playing West Bromwich Albion this Friday. In the world of rugby, the Sheffield Eagles play at home against Featherstone Rovers on Friday 18th. If cricket is more your thing, Durham are playing in the Metro Bank One Day Cup on Sunday 20th.
