What To Do This Weekend
It may be cold outside but here’s a whole host of activities to keep you busy (and warm) this weekend
Go and celebrate…
This Sunday sees the start of Chinese New Year and there is so much going on in the North East and Yorkshire to celebrate. From a two metre tall red rabbit and paw print trail in York city centre, to the ever popular dragon and lion dance in Newcastle’s Chinatown, there are a variety of ways to welcome in the Year of the Rabbit. Staying in? You can also celebrate from your own kitchen with thesethree delicious Chinese New Year recipes.
Have a laugh…
Fresh from his BBC Radio 4 series Rob Newman On Air, this award-winning comedian’s new show is a stand-up epic that goes from cave paintings to car-free cities, as well as asking: who are we? Where are we going? And how do spiders fly? This Friday Rob will be live on stage at King’s Hall Ilkley but it’s probably just one for the parents.
Watch on in awe…
While it’s not the cosiest activity on our list, wrap up warm for a trip to Grassholme Observatory this weekend and we promise it will be worth it. From exploring the Milky Way on Friday, to stargazing on Saturday, as well as an extra special Aurora night on Sunday, there is so much to be seen in the sky above and whilst chilly, the long clear nights make winter the best time of year for stargazing.
Read More: 23 Things to Look Forward to in the North East This Year
Head out to eat…
Newcastle’s Restaurant Week might have a load of local venues booked up this weekend, but don’t stress as there are still plenty of places to go. From casual cafés to fine dining restaurants, cosy pubs and worldly flavours, whatever you're in the mood for there is a foodie hotspot to head to. For inspiration here is Living North’s ultimate foodie guide for the North East and Yorkshire.
Take in a show
This Saturday is the last chance to see two TV favourites take to the stage in The Shawshank Redemption adaption at Newcastle Theatre Royal. Starring Joe Absolom and Ben Onwukwe, this superb stage production examines desperation, injustice, friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum-security facility. We won’t give too much away but trust us it’s not to be missed.
Stay in and cook…
Friday is National Cheese Lovers Day so what better excuse to cook up some of your favourite cheese-filled dishes? From a cheeseboard cauliflower mac-n-cheese with watercress to a British asparagus grilled cheese sandwich, or even figs, pistachio and gorgonzola cheese risotto, at Living North we have a huge selection of recipes to choose from. Or if you’re not a cheese-lover (they do exist), we also have four delicious winter recipes to warm up with this weekend.
Get creative…
Join artist and maker Kim Searle on Saturday to make your own hand-poured candles. The workshop at the Thread Republic Hub in Huddersfield Piazza will see you using soy wax, essential oils and scents, decoration, jam jars and even vintage tea cups to create your own aromatherapy candle to take home.
Family fun…
Panto season isn't over just yet but be quick to make the most of these family-friendly performances before they’re gone for another year. On Sunday, Aladdin’s week-long stint at The Forum, Northallerton begins, while the last performance of Puss in Boots takes place at the Tynemouth Priory Theatre. Or if pantomimes aren’t really your family’s thing, there is a live interactive performance of CBeebies show Hey Duggee at Darlington Hippodrome from Friday to Sunday.
