What to do this Weekend as Autumn Begins
It's the autumn equinox on Saturday, which means it's officially cosy season
Watch this…
Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. So they’re going to stay up until 2:22 and then they’ll know… Award-winning play 2:22 A Ghost Story has taken the West End by storm and now it’s come to Newcastle. A five-night run at the Theatre Royal kicked off this Tuesday and for an adrenaline-filled night where secrets emerge and ghosts may or may not appear, look no further. Book this edge-of-your-seat, supernatural thriller now. Living North's Arts Editor caught up with the play’s writer, local lad Danny Robins, here.
Eat up…
The annual York Food & Drink Festival is back this Friday and it’s all about celebrating the local food and drink culture of the city. Offering a range of exciting activities including chef demonstrations, free cookery workshops, markets, taste trails and a cookie tour, there is something for everyone to get involved with. There will of course be stalls – around 100 of them – with the markets split into food and drink to take home and street food to eat at the event. Fringe events will also be taking place throughout the city with local hotels, restaurants and retailers getting involved.
See this…
This weekend head to The Biscuit Factory, where the shortlisted entries and winning images from The Northern Photography Prize are now being displayed in a free exhibition. Founded and sponsored by international bestselling and much-loved local author LJ Ross, the prize consists of two awards, recognising photographs that capture the spirit (landscape) and heart (people) of the North East of England. The Northern Photography Prize offers financial support to amateur photographers but also helps to build and maintain confidence for new and emerging photographers, and you can show them your support at the exhibition this weekend.
Read More: 12 of the Best Spa Breaks in Yorkshire and the North East
Steam ahead…
50 years since they started running passenger services, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway are holding an anniversary Steam Gala. Taking place from 21st–24th September, it’s set to be a celebration of the last half a century, with a selection of guest locomotives and some fleet engines visiting the railway over the weekend. During the weekend stations along the line will also be hosting exciting events of their own such as the Annual Steam Gala Beer Festival at Goathland Station, The Friendly Miniature Railway at Levisham Station and trade stalls specialising in pre-loved railway items at Pickering Station.
Get thrifty…
The hugely popular celebration of sustainable living, Festival of Thrift, is back this weekend in a new location in Billingham. Now in its 11th year, the festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday, featuring a host of performances, demonstrations, talks, exhibitions, stalls and food and drink, all designed to encourage sustainable living. Visitors can pick up a wide range of thrifty creative skills such as making your own laundry powder with kitchen cupboard ingredients, top tips for slow fashion, mending techniques for clothing and (for younger visitors) den building skills.
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Have fun…
Is your pooch the best in show? Find out this weekend at Sewerby Hall & Gardens’ exciting new event Canine Carnival. In partnership with Jerry Green Dog Rescue, the event promises to bring plenty of entertainment for the whole family – including your four-legged members! In the main field you’ll find a show ring, agility area, competition marquee and chill-out zone, with dog show categories such as prettiest eyes, cutest puppy and waggiest tail. For the humans there will also be a selection of food and drink and shopping stalls, not to mention dog selfie zones, face painting, veterinary advice and more.
Read More: Three Gastronomic Getaways for the Perfect Foodie Holiday
Cheer on…
While it’s still early on in the tournament, England’s chances in this year’s Rugby World Cup are looking hopeful. Last Sunday’s match was admittedly a little bit messy, but a win’s a win and the team is one step closer to the quarter finals. This Saturday we’ll hopefully see the same result as England face Chile at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille at 4.45pm. With England’s captain Owen Farrell once again available, we’re possibly going to see an altered back line and it will be interesting to see how he fits in if selected. Closer to home The Newcastle Falcons play Sale at Kingston Park on Friday night at 7.45pm and hope to make it three out of three wins at the start of the new season in the Premiership Rugby Cup competition.
Autumn Equinox…
With the autumn equinox (and start of Strictly Come Dancing), it’s officially the end of summer. The weather has taken a turn for the worse meaning your wardrobe needs a rethink, and to help you transition we’ve picked out the eight best blazers for the new season. The kids are back to school and whether they’re heading into primary or university, here we’ve made go-to guide for navigating that. Finally, and arguably the most important change, is where you enjoy your glass of wine at the end of the week. It’s time to swap beer gardens for cosy pubs and here we’ve picked out nine of the best to warm up in this weekend.
