What to Do this Sunny Weekend
It's hot outside - really hot - but as much as we like to moan about it, let's make the most of the amazingly warm weather
Head outdoors…
Why not enjoy a spectacular outdoor cinema experience this weekend? Adventure Cinemas are holding screenings of Elvis, Mamma Mia! and Top Gun: Maverick next to the lake at Shibden Park each evening. Picnics and drinks are welcome and don’t forget to pack your camping chairs and blanket. Or if live shows are more your thing, the sensational feel-good musical Mamma Mia! is at Scarborough Open Air Theatre until Sunday. The UK’s largest open air concert arena will see this worldwide smash hit performed under the stars (and by the sea) all weekend long.
Wheel-y good day out…
The VW and music festival, Mighty Dubfest, in on from Friday to Sunday on the Pastures near Alnwick Castle and it’s set to be a big one. The weekend will see a range of festival-themed activities, from silent discos to four stages of live music. Meanwhile in County Durham, the North of England Classic & Pre-War Automobiles Club are holding their classic car show this Sunday at Beamish Museum. Once you’ve had a look at the vehicles on display, make a day of it – the 1900s Pit Village will be alive with the sound of brass bands and you can visit the new 1950s exhibits which opened last week.
Family fun…
Europe’s largest funfair, The Hoppings returns for its 141st year this Friday and with over a kilometre of rides, attractions, food stalls and more, there’s something for all the family. Enjoyed by multiple generations of Geordies since 1882, The Town Moor will come alive with traditional favourites as well as the latest thrill rides. Reach new heights with the Star Flyer sending riders nearly 200ft in the air, touch speeds of 80mph on The Mach Bomber, the UK's favourite G4-listed attraction, or enjoy panoramic views of Newcastle on the famous giant observation wheel.
A super send off…
The final chapter of The Odyssey, ‘The Trial of the Twelve Axes’ is taking place this Saturday and the Yorkshire Coast Bid is partnering with Animated Objects to bring the whole two-year project to a close. There will be two larger than life puppets making their way around Scarborough town centre – Penelope, the wife of Odysseus and Odysseus himself, who has to face one final challenge to prove his identity. There will also be a range of free activities for families, including face painting, balloon modelling and art activities, as well as live music.
Musical medley…
London Concertante chamber orchestra regularly performs more than 100 concerts per year, making it the busiest ensemble of its kind in the country, and as part of their packed schedule, this Sunday they’ll be at Newcastle Cathedral to transport you into the dazzling world of musicals. Presented by candlelight, the event is suitable for all ages, with the orchestra performing tracks from new favourites such as Hamilton, as well as classics such as Les Miserables and West Side Story. With four stars of the West End and a full 11-piece band, it’s set to be a spectacular musical experience.
Sipping in the sun…
If you can’t resist enjoying a cold pint or chilled glass of wine in the summer sunshine, then you’re in luck as we have a number of fabulous beer gardens and outdoor drinking spots to do just that. Whether you’re a creature of habit who thinks nothing can beat their local, or are dying to try somewhere new for your afternoon Aperol, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to quench your thirst in the heat in the North East and Yorkshire this weekend. We’ve picked out 22 places for each region though, so we don’t recommend trying them all in one weekend!
Get wild…
This weekend is The Wildlife Trusts’ Big Wild Weekend and venues all across the country are holding special events to bring people closer to the natural world. In the North East, head to Northumberlandia on Saturday for a range of events such as outdoor yoga, herb walks, and mindfulness sessions, or on Sunday Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre will help you search for animal tracks and signs on the reserve, and get up close to their feather and skull collection. Meanwhile in Yorkshire, set sail from Flamborough’s North Landing on a traditional fishing coble for a wildlife cruise, before joining the Waves of Waste co-ordinators on Sunday as they give Filey South beach a thorough tidy up to protect marine wildlife.
Don’t forget…
It’s Father’s Day this Sunday, and if you don’t want to hear about it for the next 364 days, DO NOT FORGET! Whether it’s your dad, uncle, grandad or you’re helping the kids treat their dad, this is a day to appreciate the men in your life. Don’t worry if you‘re not well prepared… we’ve got a gift guide which might help inspire your last-minute buys, as well as the perfect presents for dads who like to get out and about. Stuck for what to do to celebrate? Find out what’s on here or browse our recipes and treat them to some home cooking.
