The Must-Not-Miss Events in the North East Happening Right Now
These are the North East's biggest events you won't want to miss right now
SIN: THE ART OF TRANSGRESSION
UNTIL 1ST OCTOBER
Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland
aucklandproject.org
As a universal concept, sin is something everyone can relate to. In a new exhibition at Auckland Castle you’re invited to define your own meaning of what sin is. This unique presentation looks at theological ideas and depictions of ‘sinful’ everyday behaviours. Masterpieces from the National Gallery’s own collection (including Rembrandt’s The Woman Taken in Adultery) join works on loan from leading contemporary artists, including Tracey Emin, and the exhibition also includes work from The Auckland Project’s own collection including Maíno’s The Penitent Magdalene. From a satirical depiction of greed to representations of adultery and elements of forgiveness, there’s a lot that can be drawn from the art on display. Read our review here.
SHAUN THE SHEEP ON THE TYNE
UNTIL 27TH SEPTEMBER
The Tyne
shaunonthetyne.co.uk
A perfect summer holiday activity, join the flock searching for Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne. Newcastle and its surrounding areas have been dotted with 45 super-sized Shaun the Sheep sculptures, inspired by the much-loved star, as well as a series of smaller Little Shaun sculptures. A trail map and app are available to help you navigate, but can you find them all? This free public art trail, presented by and raising funds for St Oswald’s Hospice, follows the success of Great North Snowdogs in 2016 and Elmer’s Great North Parade in 2019.
GAIA
UNTIL 10TH SEPTEMBER
Durham Cathedral
durhamcathedral.co.uk/gaia
If you haven’t seen the Gaia installation at Durham Cathedral yet, it’s a real sight to behold. It’s on display until September, and at seven metres wide Luke Jerram’s artwork features detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface and offers a unique opportunity to see it at this scale. A specially made surround sound composition by BAFTA award-winning composer Dan Jones is played alongside the sculpture, which just adds to the experience.
AN EVENING WITH ANN CLEEVES
24TH AUGUST
Cullercoats Crescent Club
ticketsource.co.uk
In celebration of the third gripping crime novel in the DI Matthew Venn series (The Raging Storm), crime writing royalty Ann Cleeves is stopping by Cullercoats Crescent Club, where she’ll be in conversation with Bay Tales’ Vic Watson. Not only will this be the official launch of Ann’s new book, it’ll also stand as a special RNLI fundraiser event (all tickets include a £1 donation to the RNLI). All of Ann’s books will be available to purchase on the night, and she’ll be signing them towards the end of the event.
STARGAZING SUPPERS
8TH & 15TH SEPTEMBER
High Force Waterfall, Forest-in-Teesdale
01833 622336
raby.co.uk
A perfect gift or a unique experience for you and your friends and family, following a three-course meal at High Force Hotel, guests will walk to High Force Waterfall which will be specially illuminated for you to take photographs. Astronomy binoculars will allow you to gaze at the stars as you develop a better understanding of the night sky above.
GREAT NORTH RUN
10TH SEPTEMBER
Newcastle
greatrun.org
Athletics legend sir Mo Farah, has announced that the AJ Bell Great North Run this September will be his last ever race as a professional athlete. The iconic race will hit the North East on 10th September and the en-route entertainment and the millions raised each year for worthy causes are just two of many reasons you’ll want to join the spectators (if you’re not taking part), whether that’s at the start line in Newcastle or at the finish beside the sea in South Shields.
