Fun Things to Do This Weekend
Make the most of your weekend with our pick of the best things to do
Living North LIVE…
Living North LIVE is back and better than ever. Head to York Racecourse this weekend (22nd–24th March) for a cracking day out and get everything you need for a fabulous Easter at Yorkshire’s leading homes, gardens, shopping, food and lifestyle event. With stylish shopping, live demonstrations, talks and tastings, Living North LIVE brings you inspiring ideas for your home and garden, great gifts, delicious food and unique accessories that you won’t find anywhere else. Tickets can be bought online here until midnight tonight, and can also be bought on the door each day, so come along and say hello!
Dreamy desserts…
Thursday 21st is World Tiramisu Day (one of the best days of the year in our opinion) so make sure you celebrate it right. For a truly fantastic tiramisu, head to Punto Italian Kitchen in Newcastle, or in Yorkshire, the tiramisu served by Paradiso Dolce Salato in York comes highly recommended. Fancy trying something new? Stay in and give this indulgent tiramisu layer cake recipe a try – moist layers of genoese sponge, soaked in coffee syrup and coated in rich mascarpone icing. Yes please.
Barmy for books…
This is the last weekend to enjoy Barnsley Libraries’ first-ever Barnsley Book festival, concluding on Saturday 23rd. The festival features a jam-packed schedule of award-winning authors, artists and speakers who have come together to share their love of reading. Barnsley Libraries will be hosting family activities for everyone to get involved in and on Saturday (23rd) their final author-led event is a discussion with Richard Van Emden on his new book Volunteers: The Incredible Story of Kitchener’s Army Through Soldiers’ and Civilians’ Own Words. If you prefer to browse at your own pace, head to Haworth to visit Wave of Nostalgia, recently named Independent Bookshop of the Year 2024 for the North of England.
Shop local…
Food and drink festivals can be great, but sometimes a relaxed day exploring market stalls and independent shops can be just as nice. Head to Neepsend in Sheffield for the return of Rex Market for the first time in 2024 this Sunday (24th). The market offers a fantastic collection of independent businesses from the area as well as delicious street food, drinks, and best of all the event is dog friendly! Further north, Morpeth is always a safe bet for a great market day and the town itself also has a fantastic range of independent shops, cafés and galleries. Fika Gallery has very recently opened its doors to the community – with a light and airy interior, stunning artwork available for sale, and a café stocked by local legends Pink Lane Bakery, we can’t think of a better way to spend the day.
On your bike…
Get your blood pumping in Sheffield this weekend. Sheffield Urban CycloCross are hosting a hill climb event with a difference at Park Hill on Saturday (23rd). With a short course and challenging climbs, this is a great way to blow the cobwebs off this weekend. For a gentler experience, Sheffield Cycle Tours have planned a range of events to celebrate the Festival of the Outdoors 2024, including a social bike ride on Friday 22nd, starting from Sheffield train station. The route is fairly easy with regular stops to make sure no one is left behind. For a solo day out with some stunning scenery, head to the top of Northumberland for the College Valley and Yetholm cycle route, a leisurely ride that begins in Wooler, briefly dips over into Scotland and takes you through the heart of the Cheviot Hills.
Catch a show…
For something a bit lighter (and ruder) make sure to catch Scandaltown at Leeds City Varieties Music Hall from Thursday to Saturday (21st–23rd). Hilarious and more than a little bit naughty, follow Miss Phoebe Virtue as she tracks down her twin brother to fix his out-of-control lifestyle.
Music madness…
There are some must-see gigs to enjoy this weekend across the North East and Yorkshire. At Newcastle O2 City Hall on Friday 22nd, catch Happy Mondays on their latest tour. Icons of the 90s and beyond, the rock group were famous for their boisterous stage antics (we’re looking at you, Bez). At O2 academy in Leeds, you can catch global music icon Liam Gallagher of Oasis fame on Saturday (23rd) with John Squire, as the former hellraiser performs songs from the duo's latest release.
Catch a wave…
We don’t need much encouragement to take a dip so this weekend head to the coast for a spot of wild swimming, or try something new at one of the many surf schools across the region. In Yorkshire, Scarborough Surf School is a great choice to learn the basics of how to catch a wave on the iconic coastline. Further North, Northside Surf School based in Amble, Northumberland offers surfing lessons and paddleboarding, as well as a more intensive three-day surf course.
