What to Do This Weekend
Here's everything you should be doing over the first weekend of September
Refuel After You Run
This Sunday 8th, the 60,000 runners in this year’s Great North Run start on the Central Motorway and finish in South Shields where runners should head to the Aprés Run zone at the finish line. With live music and street food from Fire & Dough, Yardies, Lemon Squeezy, The Street Diner and more it’s a great place to relax and recharge. Nearby Ocean Road is home to a huge selection of Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants and the famous Colmans serve fish and chips to eat in or takeaway. For a cool-down treat, head to Minchella’s for ice cream. The finish line will be packed, so prepare for queues and wait times. For spectators staying nearer the start line, HWKRLAND has a selection of food vendors and views from beneath the Tyne Bridge.
Meet a Dinosaur
This Saturday, dinosaurs will once again roam the streets of York. From 2 pm to 6 pm, the heart of the city—Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square—will transform into a prehistoric playground. Meet the very realistic looking baby dinos, as well as Betsy the Triceratops and Roxy the T-Rex, alongside their trainers who’ll be keeping them all in check. Some of the dinosaurs reach up to eight metres in length.
Author Afternoon
This Sunday 8th, Alexander Armstrong will be coming to Hatfield College Dining Hall in Durham to discuss his new children’s book, Evenfall: The Golden Linnet. The event is in collaboration with Waterstones and the ticket price includes a copy of the book, which is partially set in Durham. Children can solve puzzles and riddles, design their own crest and discover Alexander’s top tips for writing – all followed by a Q&A and book signing session.
Car Crazy
Head to Driffield this Sunday for the Driffield Car Craze. With something for everyone, there’s a kid’s corner and funfair rides and, of course, display cars, shows and trophies to be awarded. There are day tickets available, or the option of public camping from Saturday 7th. There’s also plenty of food on offer, and you can bring your own booze.
Sing Your Heart Out
British boyband The Vamps are coming to Newcastle this Sunday 8th as part of their 10-year anniversary tour. They’ll be playing the entirety of their debut album, Meet the Vamps, at O2 City Hall, including hits such as Can We Dance, Wild Heart and Somebody To You. In York, Will Young will be performing his ninth studio album Light It Up, which he released last month. Head to the Grand Opera House York on Sunday to see him. If you love tribute acts, you can’t miss The Open Jar Tribute Festival this Friday 6th and Saturday 7th in Seaton Carew. With tribute acts such as Oasis, Harry Styles, ABBA, Fleetwood Mac and Coldplay there really is something for everyone at this fab festival by the sea.
Puppy Love
On Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th, Harewood House will celebrate man’s best friend with DogFest Yorkshire. Explore the beautiful country park with your pooch on the big dog walk, make friends at the breed meet-up and watch the dogs compete in the shows and action arena. Plus, get advice from a team of experts and spoil your pet rotten at the shopping stalls.
Festival Fun
In Sunderland this Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th, Sunniside Gardens, Sunderland will host Urban Fest, a celebration of street and urban culture. See skateboarding and BMX pros show off their skills, whilst learning how to recreate them yourself in interactive workshops. The event is supported by Red Bull, who’ll be DJing and giving out free Red Bull drinks to over 18s, and there’ll be plenty of street food available.
Show Time
Be transported to 1980s Westerburg High at the Theatre Royal until Saturday 7th with the musical production of Heathers. Based on the film of the same name, this black comedy musical was the highest-grossing show at the West End’s The Other Palace. Read our review here. In Leeds, everyone’s favourite board game will come to life in the form of comedy play Cluedo 2. The show, which has a new, original storyline, will star former Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach as Miss Scarlett and Jason Durr as Colonel Mustard, and runs until Saturday 7th.
