What to Do This (Long-Awaited) Sunny Weekend
Just when we all thought summer had officially come to an end, the sun has decided to make an appearance
BE PREPARED…
It’s the Great North Run weekend and from the Great North 5K on Friday, to the Junior and Mini runs on Saturday and the official half marathon on Sunday, there’s so much going on. Whether you’re taking part yourself or supporting from the sidelines, it’s a highlight of the North East calendar. For those who are running the 13 miles, carbs will be your best friend in the run up to the race and here at Living North we’ve got a selection of perfect pasta recipes to fuel up on the night before.
EN POINTE…
A red-headed Rapunzel becomes entrapped in the tower, meaning her beauty stays hidden from the outside world. A possessive Witch and her pet Creatures are Rapunzel’s only company until a Prince comes along, drawn by the sound of her sweet song… See balletLORENT’s amazing production this Friday or Saturday as it comes to Cast in Doncaster. Living North’s Arts Editor had a preview of this spectacular ballet and you can find out what to expect here.
OPEN UP…
Heritage Open Days are back! From Friday 8th–Sunday 17th September thousands of volunteers across England will help celebrate our fascinating history and culture, and you can be one of the first to get involved this weekend. With venues across the North East and Yorkshire opening their doors to the public, there’s so much to see, from Lindisfarne Castle, Cragside, the Lit & Phil and Durham Cathedral, to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, The Hepworth Wakefield, Fountains Abbey and The Lyceum Theatre.
Read More: See The Colourful Dragonflies and Damselflies at RSPB Saltholme
GOOD TASTE…
This autumn don’t miss the fabulous food event Festival of Flavours, as RHS Harlow Carr celebrate growing and cooking food from Yorkshire. Discover more about the wide range of produce grown at Harlow Carr with a tour of the Kitchen Garden, get inspired by live cooking demonstrations from popular chefs and growers, and browse local food and drink stalls such as Yorkshire Pasta Company and Harrogate Tipple.
SKY HIGH…
What better way to get the kids into astronomy and science than a visit to the UK's newest public observatory? The Family Astronomy event at Grassholme Observatory this Saturday is the perfect way to educate children on all things space. They’ll enjoy an interactive talk in the classroom before being able to see and touch real meteorite rocks from space. If the weather permits, there’ll also be the opportunity to move outside under the night sky for stargazing to look through telescopes at the sky above.
BIG SCREEN…
Just outside Leeds, Harewood House will become a hub for outdoor cinema this weekend. Providing the perfect backdrop for a cinema under the stars, enjoy three nights of movie magic at The Luna Cinema and the fabulous line-up includes the heart-warming Pretty Woman on Thursday, Oscar-winning Top Gun: Maverick on Friday, and the feel good classic Mamma Mia on Saturday. With showings starting at 7.45pm we recommend bringing a blanket to snuggle down as the night cools.
Read More: Discover Fascinating Stories on Our Coastline at these Castles and Museums
DON’T MISS…
If you haven’t seen the Gaia installation at Durham Cathedral yet, what are you waiting for? Gaia is a real sight to behold and it’s only on display in Durham until Thursday night (when it moves to Beverley Minster) so don’t miss your last chance to see it. 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.
CHEER ON…
With an international break for football from the 4th–12th September, there will be no league games this weekend but don’t fret sports lovers as there’s still plenty of action to enjoy. The Rugby World Cup kicks off this weekend, with France v New Zealand opening the tournament at 8.15pm on Friday, before England face Argentina at 8pm on Saturday and Scotland play holders South Africa on Sunday at 4.45pm. Closer to home, international cricket is coming to Chester-le-Street this Saturday as England Women take on Sri Lanka, while in the racing world its YorkMix Family Raceday at York Racecourse on Sunday.
