The Hottest Tickets to Book For June
From a new festival in Bishop Auckland to James Arthur's homecoming gig, summer's event calendar is shaping up nicely
Art Attack
Discover secret studio spaces, watch artists at work and buy contemporary art direct from the maker when North Yorkshire Open Studios returns this summer. You’ll find paintings, prints, ceramics, woodwork, glass, jewellery, photography, sculpture, textiles, mixed media – the list goes on! We love Chris Moss’s wire sculptures, Anna Cook’s paper cut art, Claire Castle’s semi-abstract paintings and Dave Mercer’s digital art.
North Yorkshire Open Studios
1ST–2ND & 8TH–9TH JUNE
Across North Yorkshire
nyos.org.uk
Making An Impression(Ist)
Monet’s ‘The Water–Lily Pond’ is the central feature of a new exhibition at York Art Gallery to mark the 200th anniversary of the National Gallery. Monet’s water garden became the main obsession of his later career and ‘The Water-Lily Pond’ painting was amongst his earlier canvases on this theme. Don’t miss this chance to see it on display as part of the celebrations. Internationally renowned artist Michaela Yearwood-Dan has also been commissioned to produce new works, while art from other artists such as Roy Lichtenstein and Utagawa Hiroshige will be on display.
Monet in York: The Water Lily Pond
10TH MAY–8TH SEPTEMBER
York Art Gallery
yorkartgallery.org.uk
Just Dance
Strictly professionals including Dianne Buswell, Karen Hauer and Nikita Kuzmin are back on tour with creative choreography, stunning sets and sparkling outfits. Any Strictly fan won’t want to miss this show directed by Strictly’s creative director Jason Gilkison.
Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals
1ST JUNE
Stockton Globe
stocktonglobe.co.uk
Al Fresco Art
Join this workshop at Raby for a special opportunity to experiment with your artistic skills against the backdrop of the castle’s architecture and grounds. Everyone is welcome. Artist and tutor Jo Pickering will guide you to paint something beautiful outdoors whether you’re a keen painter, or just want to try something new.
Landscape Painting Workshop
1ST JUNE
Raby, Staindrop
01833 660888
raby.co.uk
It’s A Small World
Got a doll’s house? At The Dolls House & Miniatures Fair you can browse the finishing touches for your miniature projects from a wide range of exhibitors displaying quality doll’s houses. You can also get tips and tricks for new techniques from the demonstrators and meet like-minded people who share your love for all the small things.
Dolls House & Miniatures Fair
2ND JUNE
York Racecourse
yorkdollshousefair.co.uk
Join The Circus
Planet Circus’s tent is popping up across the region once again and showcasing even more shocking stunts and circus shenanigans. Within a state-of-the art big top theatre audiences can expect music, magic and gravity defying FMX stunts. This show is suitable for the whole family.
Planet Circus OMG!
4TH–9TH JUNE
Eden Lane, Peterlee
planetcircusomg.com
11TH–16TH JUNE
Redcar Racecourse
planetcircusomg.com
Wall to Wall
Take a deep dive into historic textiles and wallpapers at Castle Howard in this special talk. George and Rosalind, 9th Earl and Countess of Carlisle, moved into Castle Howard in 1880 and redecorated for more than 20 years. Visitors to Castle Howard on 6th June will gain exclusive access to private rooms, and will have the opportunity to view and handle historic textiles, wallpapers, and material from the archive.
If Walls Could Talk
6TH JUNE
Castle Howard, York
castlehoward.co.uk
Three’s a Crowd
Directed by Northern Stage’s artistic director Natalie Ibu, Underdog: The Other Other Brontë is a fascinating and quick-witted retelling of the lives of the Brontë sisters, carefully exploring the relationship between the three sisters – Emily, Anne and Charlotte. The latter has a confession to make about how one sister became an idol, and the other became known as the third sister. You’ll have to head to Northern Stage to find out what she’s got to say.
Underdog: The Other Other Brontë
7TH–22ND JUNE
Northern Stage, Newcastle
0191 230 5151
northernstage.co.uk
No Place Like Home
Fans of local lad James Arthur won’t want to miss his biggest headline show to date – performing live, at home, with special guests McFly and Lauran Hibberd. Listen to his studio album Bitter Sweet Love to get in the mood, and read our interview with James here.
James Arthur At The Riverside
8TH JUNE
Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough
mfc.co.uk
Food Glorious Food
Fancy trying street food from Michelin-starred chefs for just £6 a go - all to raise money for a good cause? The team behind Northumberland’s Restaurant Pine are bringing BiteBack to Wylam Brewery this June. In aid of Cancer Research UK, this foodie event with a difference will bring together 15 of the UK’s multi-award winning Michelin-starred chefs (including Tommy Banks and Kenny Atkinson) who will be offering their unique takes on street food dishes. It’s not often you get to sample food from Michelin-starred chefs for just six quid a go and visitors to Wylam Brewery can also enjoy DJs and live auctions from local celebrities. Find out more about the event here.
BiteBack for Cancer Research UK
9TH JUNE
Wylam Brewery, Newcastle
bitebackfestival.co.uk
On Yer (Motor)Bike
More than 100 years’ worth of motorcycling heritage will be on display when the annual Bamburgh Run sets off from Ford & Etal Estates, with more than 80 motorcycles lining up for inspection in Etal Village. You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy seeing these vintage machines (and their owners – some of whom will be in period costume) before they set off on the round trip to Bamburgh (returning to Etal at around 2pm).
Bamburgh Run
9TH JUNE
Ford & Etal
ford-and-etal.co.uk
Money, Money, Money
Leeds lass Gaynor Faye is bringing three generations together as she directs and stars in the stage adaptation of The Syndicate – her late mum Kay Mellor’s final play, which is starring Gaynor’s son. This play is based on the first TV series (which starred Timothy Spall, Joanna Page and Leeds’s own Matthew Lewis) and tells the story of five supermarket workers whose lottery syndicate numbers come in, changing the lives and relationships of the syndicate members forever. Soap stars Brooke Vincent and Samantha Giles will be joining Gaynor and Oliver on stage. Read our interview with Gaynor here.
The Syndicate
11TH–15TH JUNE
Lyceum, Sheffield
0114 249 6000
sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
Perfect Crime
This award-winning production of Bonnie & Clyde tells the story of arguably the most notorious criminal couple in American history and their love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of a nation.
Bonnie & Clyde
11TH–15TH JUNE
The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
01274 432000
bradford-theatres.co.uk
The Music Man
Following the release of his new album in May, legendary musician, singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer Richard Hawley (who found success in the ‘90s with Longpigs) is heading out on tour and he’ll be stopping by The Glasshouse International Centre for Music. In This City They Call You Love features 12 new songs and the title itself is reflective of his hometown. Fans of Richard’s music won’t want to miss this. Richard tells us more about his new album.
Richard Hawley
13TH JUNE
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead
0191 443 4661
theglasshouseicm.org
20TH JUNE
Scarborough Spa
01723 376774
scarboroughspa.co.uk
Competitive Comedy
Sunderland-born funnyman Matt Reed is leading Arc’s Beat The Gong, which offers 12 new acts the chance to shine with a comedy gig where the audience decides who wins.
Beat The Gong with MC Matt Reed
14TH JUNE
Arc Stockton Arts Centre
arconline.co.uk
Family Fun
With a comedy stage, Northern Soul tent, funfair and headliners Scouting for Girls and Blue, WentFest is a fun-filled two-day family event that everyone will enjoy this summer. Sheffield indie/rock band The Rosadocs will also be performing.
WentFest
14TH & 15TH JUNE
Hooton Lodge Farm, Thrybergh
wentworthfestival.co.uk
Purrfect
Grammy award-winning star Doja Cat is bringing The Scarlet Tour to Newcastle and fans can expect a unique and show-stopping performance when she sings her hit tracks including Say So, Woman, and Paint The Town Red.
Doja Cat
15TH JUNE
Utilita Arena, Newcastle
utilitaarena.co.uk
Ball Game
In his highly-anticipated return to stand-up (after a six-year hiatus) and following treatment for testicular cancer, Richard is talking openly and light-heartedly about his experiences.
Richard Herring: Can I Have My Ball Back?
15TH JUNE
Leeds Grand Theatre
leedsheritagetheatres.com
Horsing Around
For a totally different way to spend Father’s Day why not see The Knights of Royal England live jousting? Three tonnes of props and equipment will be used by 14 knights and four Spanish horses battling it out to become champion in a show that’s never been seen in the grounds of Bamburgh Castle before.
War of the Roses Joust
15TH & 16TH JUNE
Bamburgh Castle
bamburghcastle.com
On The Wild Side
Join this animal handling workshop this Father’s Day to get up close and personal with wildlife. The Silly History Boys will provide entertainment and you’ll hear tales of famous dads and their children through history.
Father’s Day Fun at Belsay Hall
15TH & 16TH JUNE
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
english-heritage.org.uk
Local Legend
Jill Halfpenny is heading to The Biscuit Factory ahead of the launch of her first memoir A Life Reimagined: My Journey of Hope in the Midst of Loss. Jill is one of the North’s most cherished actresses (known for her roles in Byker Grove, Coronation Street and EastEnders), and her memoir delves into her career, as well as sharing personal thoughts on grief and wellbeing. Join the former Strictly champ as she shares her highs, lows, and the life lessons she's learned. All tickets include a signed copy of Jill's memoir.
An Evening with Jill Halfpenny
17TH JUNE
The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle
ticketsource.co.uk
Dreaming of Dolly
Packed with the iconic songs Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream, I Will Always Love You, Here You Come Again and more, this lively and touching new musical tells the story of a diehard fan whose fantasy version of international icon Dolly Parton gets him through trying times. With her wit, humour and charm, Dolly teaches him a whole lot about life, love and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps… even if your bootstraps don’t have rhinestones!
Here You Come Again
18TH–22ND JUNE
Newcastle Theatre Royal
0191 232 7010
theatreroyal.co.uk
On Fire
Following the release of their new album, Kings of Leon have revealed details of their Can We Please Have Fun World Tour, and you won’t want to miss their Leeds arena show with support from The Vaccines.
Kings of Leon
20TH JUNE
First Direct Arena, Leeds
firstdirectarena.com
Summer Songs
Pop star and new mum Anne-Marie (now armed with three albums) will perform an open-air show in Scarborough this summer (where Jess Glynne and Tom Jones will also be performing). Why wouldn’t you want to see her perform her hits 2002, Ciao Adios, Friends and Unhealthy live on stage?
Anne-Marie
20TH JUNE
Scarborough Open Air Theatre
scarboroughopenairtheatre.com
Simply the Zest
Squeezing every last drop out of what life’s had to throw at him recently, Rhod Gilbert is back on tour playing more than 90 dates (running until October 2025). Don’t miss his show in Sunderland when this multi-award winning comedian will be absolutely hilarious and a little bit too personal.
Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit
21ST JUNE
Sunderland Empire
atgtickets.com
A Kind of Magic
Middlesbrough’s comedian-magician Pete Firman is a TV favourite, but his tricks are always better live. Don’t miss this evening of amazing magic and laugh-out-loud comedy as he shares some of his critically-acclaimed magical skills.
Pete Firman: Trik Tok
22ND JUNE
The Witham, Barnard Castle
01833 631107
thewitham.org.uk
Female Form
This new exhibition at YSP presents one of the world’s leading contemporary artists, Bharti Kher, whose work will be displayed both indoors and outdoors. Bharti Kher depicts the female body and experience through sculpture and reframes the perspective and position of women from her own experiences.
Bharti Kher: Alchemies
FROM 22ND JUNE
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton
01924 832631
ysp.org.uk
Go Outdoors
Make this summer one to remember with Summer Fest, a brand-new month-long music and arts festival in the grounds of Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland. From Abba Mania to Motown, country to classical, and family favourites on the big screen, there’s something for all the family. With an unmissable mix of live music, theatre and outdoor cinema, it’s like nothing Auckland Castle has seen in over 900 years! Summer Fest runs every weekend from 22nd June–20th July.
Summer Fest
22ND JUNE–20TH JULY
Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland
aucklandproject.org
Go Potty
The Hepworth Wakefield Ceramics Fair is the go-to place to buy and explore all things pottery. There’ll be more than 60 of the UK’s best independent ceramicists and potters selling homeware, tableware and jewellery and visitors can also enjoy family activities, street food, new exhibitions and discounted gallery entry.
Ceramics Fair
29TH & 30TH JUNE
The Hepworth Wakefield
hepworthwakefield.org
Book This
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Bradford Literature Festival is back with 10-days of the best in literature, music, theatre and heaps of family events for everyone to get involved in. Pre-order your programme online now so you can plan your day when the lineup is announced.
Bradford Literature Festival
28TH JUNE–7TH JULY
Bradford
bradfordlitfest.co.uk
Beat Again
JLS are back and they’re heading to Newcastle Racecourse. The 2008 X Factor runners up have sold more than six million records and were the first X Factor act to win a prestigious BRIT Award, so you won’t want to miss this chance to see Aston, Marvin, Oritsé and JB perform Everybody in Love and Beat Again. To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to see JLS perform at Newcastle Racecourse on Sunday 30th June, simply enter our competition here.
JLS Live
30TH JUNE
Newcastle Racecourse
0191 236 2020
newcastle-racecourse.co.uk
Portrait Mode
Internationally renowned, Scarborough-born celebrity portrait photographer Derrick Santini is heading home for his upcoming exhibition at Scarborough Art Gallery. In this exhibition you’ll see a cool collection of photographs featuring famous faces from the worlds of art, fashion, music and stage. Think Adele, Dame Judi Dench, Idris Elba, One Direction and Stephen Graham.
Self Made: Derrick Santini
THROUGHOUT JUNE
Scarborough Art Gallery
scarboroughmuseumsandgalleries.org.uk
