What to Do This Weekend
Christmas is coming, the festivities have begun and we’ve found plenty of places for lots of family fun
Walk in a winter wonderland…
The Auckland Project’s Winter Experience kicks off on Friday 18th November, with a whole host of events to get you into the festive spirit. The Throne Room of Auckland Castle will feature an impressive, handcrafted 50ft-long flower garland, and you’ll find a monumental 11ft-tall and 15ft-wide Neapolitan Nativity scene in the Faith Gallery. They’re keeping their top-secret event in Auckland Tower under wraps until Friday – so watch this space.
Dance the night away…
This Saturday is your last chance to see Strictly Ballroom at Darlington Hippodrome (tickets are still available). Based on Baz Luhrmann's award-winning worldwide film phenomenon, Strictly Ballroom: The Musical stars Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kevin Clifton and Eastenders' Maisie Smith. Directed and co-choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, this show features smash-hit songs including Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time. Can’t make it to the theatre? It’s Blackpool week on Strictly Come Dancing and the eight remaining couples will be back in the ballroom with some spectacular performances, from the quickstep to the American smooth (BBC One, 7.45pm).
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Get in the spirit…
It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. This year marks the 30th anniversary of St Nicholas Fair, which starts this weekend – a staple in York’s streets during the festive period. The famous Alpine chalets will line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square with local traders selling artisan products.
Take the kids…
Some of the most famous faces from your favourite rhymes are coming together to present a spectacular Christmas cabaret at Northern Stage, Newcastle from Saturday 19th November. Headed up by Nero (a cat who plays the fiddle) and Lazzo (a little dog who loves to laugh), the pair bring together their nursery rhyme friends to share their own special stories and skills. Featuring live music, puppetry, laughter and lots of chances to join in, this 45-minute show is an ideal introduction to panto for children aged six and under.
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Cast a spell…
Korky Paul is marking 35 years of the global phenomenon Winnie the Witch on Saturday 19th November. Listen to spellbinding readings, learn how to draw scenes from the stories, and take part in the special magic raffle at Seven Stories, Newcastle.
Get creative…
Celebrate The Big Draw (a worldwide celebration of drawing) at The Hepworth Wakefield this Sunday, and have a go at mark making, texture and colour inspired by paintings in their new exhibition by Jadé Fadojutimi. Discover Jadé’s paintings in the galleries, then head to the learning studios to create colourful drawings using paint, oil pastels and drawing tools.
Bake…
Feeling inspired by this year’s Great British Bake Off? We know we are. See if you’ve got what it takes to be star baker this weekend by trying these three deliciously sweet recipes. We’ll take a slice of the spiced mango layer cake thanks.
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