How to Entertain the Family in the North East this August
Roarsome dinosaurs, everyone's favourite sheep and bubbles like you've never seen them before
SHAUN THE SHEEP ON THE TYNE
19TH JULY–27TH SEPTEMBER
The Tyne
shaunonthetyne.co.uk
Flock to the Tyne and discover little and large individually-designed Shaun the Sheep sculptures made by artists and children. This trail is presented by and raising funds for St Oswald’s Hospice and is free for everyone to enjoy.
CIRQUE DU HILARIOUS
FROM 8TH AUGUST
Laughter Dome Big Top, Wallsend Rugby Club
cirqueduhilarious.co.uk
Dubbed ‘The Superstars of Slapstick’, father and son Clive and Danny’s hilarity runs throughout this show, which is filled with chaos. With a supporting cast of international circus acts, Cirque Du Hilarious is like no other circus you’ll have ever seen.
RAVEN
FROM 15TH AUGUST
Alphabetti Theatre,
Newcastle
0191 261 9125
alphabettitheatre.co.uk
From the moment Raven was born her family were forced to live as Shadows, never to be seen or heard again, but why? On the eve of her 10th birthday, strange feelings begin to bubble inside her. Join Raven on a journey of bravery and discovery in this mischievous show focused on children’s mental health, filled with live music, puppetry, and a talking gargoyle.
NATIONAL FESTIVAL CIRCUS
16TH–20TH AUGUST
Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Bedale
01677 425323
thorpperrow.com
Enjoy a fun-filled family show in a traditional Big Top tent as the circus comes to Thorp Perrow. You’ll meet clowns, contortionists, jugglers and acrobats who’ll put on various performances through the day and refreshments will be available throughout.
Read More: How to Take Part in The Big Butterfly Count
THE ULTIMATE BUBBLE SHOW
19TH AUGUST
The Witham, Barnard Castle
01833 631107
thewitham.org.uk
Join Iain and Ray, international bubbleologists (that’s a real thing) and Guinness World Record holders, on a quest to create the ultimate square bubble. Expect stunts, magic and spectacular bubble displays but be prepared for a bit of audience participation and games with a splash of science.
NEWCASTLE MELA
26TH & 27TH AUGUST
Newcastle
newcastlemela.co.uk
Newcastle Mela is a fantastic two-day event that takes place every year during the August Bank Holiday weekend – it’s free and everyone is welcome. With up to 40,000 visitors from across the region, it’s one of the most vibrant and popular multi-cultural events in the North East and is based around Pakistani, Bengali, Indian and other South Asian culture. Take this chance to experience the music, food and entertainment associated with these cultures and have fun with all the family.
SUMMER AT MANOR WALKS
THROUGHOUT SUMMER
Manor Walks Shopping & Leisure, Cramlington
01670 735023
manorwalks.co.uk
Throughout the summer holidays, Manor Walks are hosting fun events for the whole family including their Makers & Bakers markets (on the second Saturday of each month). Shoppers will find unique artisan gifts, handmade crafts and fresh local produce from a range of independent traders – and there’ll be a face painter, and fun family activities to get involved in. Plus, don’t miss Martin the Magician on 5th August and the Captain Hook and Tinkerbell meet and greet on 25th August.
