Must-Not-Miss Events in the North East and Yorkshire this July
From the best shows to where to have plenty of fun with the family - don't miss our guide on what to book this July
SIN: THE ART OF TRANSGRESSION
FROM 17TH JUNE
Bishop Trevor Gallery, Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland
aucklandproject.org
Sin has permeated life since the earliest days, but until now the story of its relation to art has never been told. Bringing together works of art that span centuries, this exhibition explores the concept of sin in art in a truly unique presentation. The exhibition includes eight exceptional paintings from the National Gallery’s collection as well as works on loan by Tracey Emin and Ron Mueck.
THE COMMITMENTS
26TH JUNE–1ST JULY
Main Stage, Newcastle Theatre Royal
theatreroyal.co.uk
The Commitments is back! Based on the BAFTA award-winning film classic, adapted from the iconic novel by Booker prize winning author Roddy Doyle himself, and directed by Andrew Linnie, this smash-hit production stars Coronation Street legend Nigel Pivaro and is a five-star fantastically feel-good celebration of soul!
OUR STAR
THROUGHOUT JULY
Kielder Observatory
kielderobservatory.org
During the summer our closest star dominates the sky. At Kielder Observatory you’ll discover the processes that cause the sun and other stars to shine so brightly and why one day all stars might be doomed. Their many telescopes are capable of observing the sun safely, and a radio telescope can help astronomers listen to the sun. During this event, you’ll be treated to a hot beverage and can take home a momento of your visit.
GAIA
10TH JULY–10TH SEPTEMBER
Durham Cathedral
durhamcathedral.co.uk/gaia
From 10th July–10th September, visitors to Durham Cathedral will be able to experience the Earth as it’s seen from space as the giant illuminated globe grounds itself in the cathedral. The inflated globe features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface and provides the opportunity to see Earth as it is seen from space, floating in three-dimensions, and a specially made surround-sound composition by BAFTA award-winning composer Dan Jones will be played alongside the sculpture. A programme of Earth-themed events will also accompany the installation. Visitors will be able to experience Gaia daily, during cathedral opening hours.
CABARET NIGHT
14TH JULY
Spanish City, Whitley Bay
spanishcity.co.uk
Back due to popular demand, Spanish City have announced their next Cabaret Night on Friday 14th July. It’ll be headlined by Britain’s Got Talent’s winner The Lost Voice Guy who’ll be joined by aerialist Rachael Ward, and comedians Lauren Stone and Sammy Dobson. Guests will also enjoy a two-course meal and a live set from their resident DJ.
DURHAM FRINGE FESTIVAL
26TH–30TH JULY
Durham
durhamfringe.co.uk
Locals are looking forward to the return of the hugely successful Durham Fringe Festival. The event, which is now in its third year, promises an even bigger variety of entertainment in venues across Durham city centre. Audiences can expect to see everything from plays and musicals to stand up comedians, dancers, acrobats, singers, poets, magicians and family shows, and performances will take place in some surprising and unconventional spaces, including a beautiful marquee on Palace Green between the Castle and the Cathedral. The festival will also celebrate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s First Folio, with their own take on Shakespeare.
THINGS LEFT UNSAID
22ND JUNE–5TH NOVEMBER
Leeds Art Gallery
museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
This new exhibition unveils the story behind one of the most iconic portraits of the 20th century. Wyndham Lewis said it took him the strength of 17 water buffaloes to paint Praxitella. This focused exhibition tells its story, including an investigation into the once lost painting found hidden underneath this painting more than 100 years after it was first exhibited, and explores what Praxitella means to us today.
ACTION-PACKED SUMMER
26TH JULY–3RD SEPTEMBER
Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds
0113 220 1916
royalarmouries.org
This summer, Royal Armouries Museum is the place to be for combat, demonstrations and dramas. Every day will be different but there’ll be two horse shows taking place each day (you can also visit the stables and meet the horses and their grooms). Visitors can take part in archery, sword-fighting, cannon-firing and axe-throwing, and don’t miss The Smashes as England take on Australia in a jousting battle for honour and trophies on August Bank Holiday.
WILD LIVE
12TH, 19TH & 26TH AUGUST
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster
yorkshirewildlifepark.com
Summer concerts are back with a bang and Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s own unique stage is the place to see platinum-selling band The Vamps, a tribute to Tina Turner and all-round entertainer Olly Murs perform. Raise a glass and dance the night away at one or all of these open-air shows.
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.
GREAT ESCAPES
UNTIL 22ND DECEMBER
The Green Howards Museum, Richmond
01748 826561
greenhowards.org.uk
Celebrating the museum’s 50th anniversary and the 60th birthday of this classic war film, this special exhibition explores a rich history of escape and evasion, the kindness of strangers, personal sacrifice and real-life survival. Entry to Great Escapes is included with your admission to The Green Howards Museum.
