What to Do On The Last Weekend of July
Things are heating up this weekend - and we don't just mean the weather
Going for gold…
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that the Summer Olympics start this Friday (26th) in the host city, Paris. For 2024, you can expect to see plenty of familiar faces from the North East and Yorkshire aiming to make a return to the podium, as well as some fresh new faces. Break dancing (known as breaking) will be making its Olympic debut at Paris, and if you want to know more about what to expect we spoke to a renowned, medal-winning local break dancer about the sport here.
Fun at the Fringe…
If you can’t wait until August for the Edinburgh Fringe, we have the next best thing this weekend: Durham Fringe. Rapidly becoming one of the main arts events of the year in the area, for 2024 the festival is bigger and better than ever with three new performance spaces. Running from 24th–28th July, a family highlight is The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, a wacky and wonderful storytelling show for the whole family on Palace Green.
One tequila, two tequila…
National Tequila Day has just passed, so take advantage this weekend in some of the best bars across the North East and Yorkshire. Cuban Pete’s in Hull is a cracking place to enjoy some of the finest tequila going (whether you like it neat or in a cocktail), and they also serve great food to go with it – think tacos, burritos and nachos. In the North East, Lobo Rojo in North Shields (and its sister venue Little Lobo) is a popular spot for great cocktails and mouthwatering food. For something to make at home, try this smooth and delicious summer berry tequila cocktail.
Music mad…
Take advantage of the good weather this weekend with a great summer gig. As part of the Tramlines festival in Sheffield at Hillsborough Park, you can catch indie legends Snow Patrol headlining on Sunday (28th July). For something more alternative, you can catch Alkaline Trio at the O2 Academy in Leeds on Saturday (27th). Limited tickets are still available for both events.
Here come the girls…
For a fun-filled day and plenty of bubbly, head to Newcastle Racecourse for the Gainford Group Ladies Day this Saturday (27th). The gates open from 11am and you can expect to see all the usual fashion moments, as well as some great races, and there’s live music too. There’s no better way to spend a day with the girls so pull out your best frock and book your tickets while you can – they’re available until midnight tonight (Thursday).
Family time…
The summer holidays are officially here so take the pressure off what to do with the kids with a great show. At Tyne Theatre & Opera House, catch the children’s classic Milkshake! Live on Holiday on Saturday (27th) with showings at midday and later in the afternoon. At York Theatre Royal catch Around The World in 80 Days-ish across the weekend, a family-friendly adaptation of the beloved Jules Verne tale of derring-do and great escapes.
Sun, sea and sand…
One of the best ways to beat the heat is with a dip in the sea and we have no shortage of brilliant beaches. One of our favourite spots is Filey Beach, just south of Scarborough which boasts five miles of sand and is less busy than some of its neighbours. In Northumberland, Beadnell Bay is a picturesque spot. But if you want to know more about the coast, where to go and what to do, just head to livingnorth.com for the best guide to the seaside.
Everybody walk the dinosaur…
In Wakefield, come face-to-face with some impressive prehistoric characters. Beginning this week, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday the dinosaurs will be roaming Trinity Walk, including the mighty Walkersaurus Rex (don’t worry, specially trained keepers will be on hand). In the discovery dig area you can get little ones involved in hunting for fossilised dinosaur bones, and there’s also a face-painting zone on Fridays and Saturdays.
All the classics…
BBC Proms is coming to The Glasshouse International Centre For Music in Gateshead this weekend and it’s an event not to miss. With six concerts across three days, Friday to Sunday, enjoy a whole host of incredible musical performances from near and far, including the Royal Northern Sinfonia, grammy-nominated musicians, smaller up and coming local artists, DJs, and a family-friendly finale on Sunday evening.
