Fantastic Things to Do This Weekend
Put a spring in your step with some great things to do this weekend
Show and tell…
Head to Newcastle to see global drag icon Sasha Velour at Tyne Theatre & Opera House on Thursday (14th). Expect fabulous lip syncing, hilarious stories and witty one-liners from the winner of season nine of RuPaul’s Drag Race (we caught up with the most recent winner of RuPaul's Drage Race UK, the North East's own Ginger Johnson). Further north, join David Swindle (the detective who brought serial killer Peter Tobin to justice) at Alnwick Playhouse for The Makings of a Murderer on Saturday 16th March – explore some of the most infamous cases in the UK with the help of his expert insight. Further south, feel the heat at Leeds City Varieties Music Hall on Sunday 17th March with Andalucia: Flamenco – a stunning flamenco show accompanied by a chamber orchestra.
Lights, camera, action…
Kicking off on Friday 15th, the Tyne Valley Film Festival will feature 36 films spanning the history of cinema, from pre-sound classics to contemporary blockbuster hits and previews of unreleased features. Head to Newbrough Town Hall with the family to catch Pixar favourite WALL-E, or for fans of the old classics, Oliver! is showing at Ovingham Reading Room on Saturday 16th. For something more sinister, be sure to catch the cult-favourite Stardust at Forum Cinema Hexham on Saturday 16th.
Food, glorious food…
Why not treat yourself to something delicious this weekend? The Old York Tearoom is new to the city in 2024 and has definitely made an impact on the locals. Warm and cosy with a delightful window display of its sweet treats, this is a great place to stop in during your adventures this weekend. For an evening out, give Coarse in Durham city centre a try. With an always-changing tasting menu full of refined local classics, this is a great way to indulge without breaking the bank.
Luck of the Irish…
It St Patrick’s Day this Sunday (17th) and you don’t need us to tell you how best to mark the day (pint anyone?). But before you head straight to the pub, get stuck into one of the events taking place near you. In Leeds on Sunday (17th), their annual St Patrick’s Day Parade is not one to miss, with colourful floats, pipe and brass bands, and displays from Irish organisations from across the city. Then, on Millennium Square, enjoy live music and dancing with plenty of refreshment stalls to choose from. In Newcastle, the Tyneside Irish Centre is hosting events from 15th–17th March, including family crafts, music and dance on Saturday 16th as well as hosting the Six Nations’ Ireland v Scotland game on Saturday afternoon. Staying in? Why not settle down in front of one of these brilliant Irish films, or celebrate with some comfort food by making this delicous cottage pie made with Irish stout.
Whatever the weather…
Although March has got off to a cold and wet start for many, don’t let that stop you from getting out and about this weekend. Wrap up warm, pull on your wellies and head to Plessey Woods Country Park in Northumberland. In 100 acres of enchanting woodland, this park boasts an intricate web of trails and paths, so no two visits are ever the same. For dramatic views of the coast, there’s no better place to explore than Flamborough Head – one of the most spectacular stretches of chalk cliffs in Britain, with the cliffs themselves standing at a staggering 400 feet high. This is also a great spot for bird watching, with the area being home to one of the most significant seabird colonies in the UK – so be sure to bring your binoculars!
Eye for art…
Explore the SmileyWorld Art Trail which includes installations in North Shields, Forest Hall, Killingworth, Tynemouth, Cullercoats, Wallsend and Whitley Bay – depicting emotions using bright, eye-catching sculptures. Download the map from their website before you go!
Laugh out loud…
This weekend will be a great one for fans of comedy. Legendary comedian Michael McIntyre will be performing at Newcastle Utilita Arena on Friday 15th with a limited number of tickets still available. A household name, Michael has appeared on 8 Out of 10 Cats, Would I Lie To You and The Big Fat Quiz of The Year. Did you miss Ross Noble earlier in the year? Don’t worry, you can still see him at Leeds Grand Theatre on Sunday (17th). For something a bit different, head to The Customs House in South Shields for Dom Joly’s The Conspiracy Tour on Thursday (14th). Expect a whole load of nonsense and hilarity as he explores some classic conspiracy theories like the JFK assassination, flat-earthers and whether Finland exists.
