What To Do This Weekend
From St Patrick's Day celebrations to a night at the ballet, there's so much to do this March
Brilliant Ballet
One of the greatest touring ballet companies in the world brings an enchanting story told like never before. Combining the work of Charlotte Brontë with fantastic choreography, Jane Eyre by Northern Ballet is coming to Leeds Grand Theatre from Friday 14th until Saturday 22nd March. The ballet tells the story of Jane Eyre with live music and heart-stirring dance, and isn’t to be missed for fans of classic literature. For ballet fans further north, Birmingham Royal Ballet will bring the enchanting fairytale of Cinderella to Sunderland Empire from Thursday 13th until Saturday 15th.
Beery Brews
Sheffield Beer Week is on now until Sunday 16th, and celebrates the region’s brewing landscape. Limited-edition collaboration beers have been released and are being poured at participating venues, and there are plenty of special events too. Head to Kelham Island Tavern and Sheffield Tap on Friday 14th for a North East takeover, showcasing the best beers from Newcastle and the surrounding area. On Sunday 16th, there’ll be a guided beer walk in Sheffield’s Little Chicago Quarter, narrating Sheffield’s history through public houses.
Luck of the Irish
This Monday 17th is St Patrick’s Day, so why not use the weekend to celebrate? In Newcastle, The Guinness St Patrick’s Raceday takes place on Saturday 15th. With live Irish dancing, singing and horse racing throughout the day, plus Guinness on draught, it doesn’t get much more Irish than this. In Leeds, the St Patrick’s Day Parade will promenade through the city centre on Sunday 16th, comprising vibrant floats, pipe and brass bands and Irish community groups.
Reel-y Great Film
The Tyne Valley Film Fest begins on Friday 14th and will run until Friday 28th. There’s a programme of events this weekend including special screenings of The Truman Show at Hexham’s Forum Cinema on Friday 14th, The Deep Blue Sea at Wylam Institute on Saturday 15th and a murder mystery trail with a screening of Clue at Moot Hall on Sunday 16th.
Out and About
Still missing last weekend’s sun? It may not be quite as glorious this weekend, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the great outdoors. The snowdrops are out in force at the moment and there’s plenty of places to enjoy them. Hawthorn Dene in County Durham has acres of unspoilt woodland to explore and an enviable carpet of florals too, and in Hackfall Woods near Masham you’ll find even more of the lovely blooms (and you might even see the first bluebells of the season if you’re lucky).
Good Eating
Sunderland Restaurant Week is back on the menu from Saturday 15th until Sunday 23rd and there’s no better excuse to dine out. Sweet treat fave Deep North are offering four of their delicious doughnuts for £10 at their Sheepfolds location – we recommend the brown butter and smoked sea salt. On Roker Pier, Tin of Sardines will offer three tapas and a single G&T or bottle of beer for £20, which sounds great to us on a sunny day. See our full list of top picks here.
