What to Do this Bank Holiday Weekend
It's the first of many, very welcome bank holidays in May, and here's how to make most of the extra day
Best in fashion…
York Fashion Week starts this weekend with an exciting line up of events. The ultimate platform for grassroots and indie design in the North of England, the city will play host to a number of theatrical runway shows and in-store events for the fashion-loving audience. Enjoy in-store styling with Jigsaw on Friday 28th April and a charity event at Browns Department Store on Sunday 30th, plus runway shows at the Guildhall, showcasing independent brands throughout the weekend.
Must-visit music fest…
Don’t miss the must-visit music festival taking place at the historic Ushaw House, Chapel and Gardens this bank holiday weekend. Northern Kin is back for its fifth year to bring more live music to the North East. Perfect for everyone who loves folk, blues and rock music, you can choose from 40 bands and artists, performing across three stages, all in a stunning rural setting. Some of the talent to take to the stage includes Turin Brakes, Jethro Tull and Lindisfarne.
Shop independent…
Curated by Kate Baxter of Fabric of the North, the inaugural North is Now pop-up will run from this Saturday 29th April to the 8th May at TYRO Studios in Bradford. The 10-day event will shine a light on 25 independent Northern brands who represent the best in contemporary design in the North today, with a product selection that spans a diverse range of sectors, from fashion, skincare and jewellery to homeware, stationery and publishing. While you’re there, make a day of it and explore all the wonderful things that Shipley and nearby Saltaire have to offer.
One brick at a time…
Lego lovers, this one’s definitely for you. Hosted by Brick Alley, get your children involved with Lego play pits, themed activities and displays from some of the UK’s best Lego builders, as the Discovery Bricks Lego Show comes to the Discovery Museum’s Great Hall this Saturday and Sunday. The family-friendly museum has four floors of exhibitions and displays exploring the inventions, technology and history of Tyneside so you can easily make a full day of it here.
Support your sport…
There’s been a number of exciting horse races in Yorkshire this month and the end of April is set to be no different. There are spring events all over the county including at Doncaster Racecourse, Ripon and Wetherby, as well as a Family Funday at Beverley Racecourse on Bank Holiday Monday. Meanwhile in the North East, it’s a weekend full of football, with Sunderland playing Watford and Hartlepool United facing Barrow on Saturday, before Newcastle United hope for a repeat of last weekend’s win when they take on Southampton on Sunday.
Get arty...
It’s International Sculpture Day on Saturday and what better way to celebrate than by admiring some 3D art pieces? Unsurprisingly, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is always a safe bet when it comes to finding the best sculptures, with four major sculptures by world-renowned Damien Hirst at the country park. Thirsk Hall’s sculpture garden is also fast becoming a cultural hub in the region and you can click here to find out what happened when we took a look around.
Sip in the sun…
There’s something about drinking outside that makes it taste all that much better and with the weather slowly but surely warming up, it’s time to start enjoying al fresco drinking once again. While you may still need a coat for now, taking that first sip in the sunshine will be worth it and from beer gardens to rooftop bars, there’s a number of great places to go this weekend. For something a bit special rooftop bar Above in Newcastle offers 360-degree views of the city, or for those looking for upmarket pub vibes the Lord Crewe in Bamburgh is a safe bet. In Yorkshire, Whitby’s The Little Angel is a perfect place for drinks at the coast, while shipping container village Spark, in York, is ideal for al fresco drinks that continue even after the sun sets.
Don’t miss…
This Saturday is your last chance to see Grease the musical at Darlington Hippodrome. After a whirlwind summer romance, leather-clad greaser Danny and girl-next-door Sandy are unexpectedly reunited when she transfers to Rydell High for senior year. But can they survive the trials and tribulations of teenage life and find true love once more? Bursting with hits including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’ and Hopelessly Devoted to You, Grease is sure to be the one that you want to see this weekend.
Book now…
Tickets for Living North LIVE in Newcastle are now on sale! Over three days, Friday 19th–Sunday 21st May, it’s the region’s leading homes, gardens, shopping, food and lifestyle event with stylish shopping, live chef demonstrations, workshops, talks and tastings. Click here for all the reasons to visit LIVE 2023 – we’re talking inspiring ideas for your home and garden, great gifts, delicious food and unique accessories that you won’t find anywhere else – before taking advantage of our early bird discount to book your tickets at livingnorth.com to avoid missing out.
