What To Do This Weekend
History, heritage and hearty cuisine - here's everything you need to know about this weekend
Celebrate History
From now until Sunday 23rd, York is hosting Jorvik Viking Festival. Celebrating all things Viking, the full programme of events includes a Viking market with 10th century traders, Viking games and a march to Coppergate. Although there’s plenty for kids to do, there’s also fun for adults including a Norse tattoo event taking place all weekend and a Viking metal and folk night at Burton Lane Social Club on Saturday 22nd.
Rhubarb Season
Yorkshire is famous for rhubarb, so celebrate it in all its glory this weekend at Wakefield Rhubarb Festival, which will paint the town pink from Friday 21st until Sunday 23rd. At the food and drink market, more than 50 stalls will sell regional treats and Wakefield’s own Karen Wright will do a spectacular chef demonstration. The Rhu-Bar will have live music and drinks, and there’s a trail to follow around the city which showcases restaurants and bars with themed rhubarb fare throughout the weekend. To celebrate at home, try these delicious rhubarb and custard slices – we guarantee you won’t be able to stop at just one!
Yes, Chef!
Celebrity chef James Martin comes to Newcastle’s O2 City Hall this Sunday 23rd with his live tour. Taking inspiration from world cuisine, James will cook up a storm and journey through the decades, providing a great night of entertainment for all foodies. If you fancy staying in, catch up on this week’s Great British Menu as the top chefs from our region compete to cook at the Blenheim Palace banquet (including Solstice head chef Scott John-Hodgson and Callum Leslie, Executive Chef at The Black Swan, Oldstead).
Musical Madness
In Newcastle, indie rock band Circa Waves will come to NX this Friday 21st. Perfect for fans of indie music or those looking for a new favourite band, their chilled summer sound will get concert-goers in the mood for the season ahead. Until Sunday 23rd, The Acousatron will come to Eureka! Halifax. This ever-changing, fully-interactive soundscape can be controlled by children, and is made using everyday objects and salvaged instruments for an immersive sensory experience.
Brilliant Bistros
Valentine’s Day might be done, but if you want to keep the romance going, head to your local bistro for some great food and wine. Black Wheat Club in York opens this weekend, combining bistro with bakery for an ultra-cool independent venue serving brunch early and wine later. Hexham’s Bouchon Bistrot is as authentically French as it gets, with classics and favourite such as steak tartare, moules marinière and tarte tatin. Staying at home? Make this Coq au Vin with a twist, using Riesling and Cognac instead of red wine.
Cracking Comedy
This Sunday 23rd, Jenny Eclair will come to Alnwick Playhouse with her hilarious show Jokes, Jokes, Jokes, Live! A celebration of her recent memoir of the same name, the show is autobiographical and chronicles her whole life thus far. Also on Friday 21st is Rachel Fairburn’s Side Eye at ARC Stockton. Playing seven brilliant characters during the show, this isn’t one to be missed. At Leeds Grand Theatre, Omid Djalili will present Namaste, a hilarious show about the state of the world, on Sunday 23rd.
