What To Do This Weekend
From good food to great music and plenty to keep the kids busy, there's so much to do this weekend
GET OUT & ABOUT
We’re keeping our fingers crossed for good weather, and with so many events taking place outdoors this weekend, we have good reason. Said to be Europe's largest funfair, The Hoppings has been entertaining visitors to Newcastle’s Town Moor all week and this weekend is your last chance to brave the 200ft Star Flyer and take in the view from the big wheel. Back on the ground, children will enjoy the traditional hook-a-duck stalls and bouncy castles. If you’re more of an art-lover than a thrill-seeker, head to Hartlepool for a special Mural Festival from Saturday 28th and admire the street art on display. If you’d prefer to sit back and relax, there are plenty of al fresco shows taking place this weekend including The Most Perilous Comedie of Elizabeth I at Gosforth Central Park on Saturday, courtesy of the fantastically funny Three Inch Fools. This is just the start of a jam-packed summer of outdoor shows (find the key dates for your diary here).
MUSIC TO YOUR EARS
The Northumberland Plate Festival (one of the most prestigious events in the racing calendar, featuring the iconic Northumberland Plate Handicap) returns to Newcastle Racecourse from Thursday, and the fun continues after the final race on Saturday thanks to the award-winning ABBA Revival tribute band. Fans of Olly Murs will be flocking to York Racecourse for Summer Music Saturday (he’ll play after some thrilling racing action), and more music can be enjoyed outdoors at Scarborough Open Air Theatre when Snow Patrol perform on Friday, followed by The Human League on Saturday.
FOR THE KIDS
There’s plenty to keep the kids busy this weekend, from PAW Patrol Live! at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on Saturday to the chance to meet Wallace & Gromit at Whistlestop Valley on Sunday. The Koala Who Could is performing fun-filled shows all weekend long at Darlington Hippodrome and The Natural History Museum presents the roarsome Dinosaurs Live at Whitley Bay Playhouse on Saturday. For something a bit different, at Hexham Abbey on Sunday, children can perfect their circus skills in an aerial workshop.
TRY SOMETHING NEW
Treat yourself to something new this weekend. How about Emba, Leeds’ new gastrobar by chef Liz Cottam, where you can dine overlooking the canal. York’s new Greek restaurant Inos is the sister restaurant to Greek street food vendors Sasa in Spark. Find it on Piccadilly to enjoy good food and great cocktails (and a huge wine list). Jom Makan Eatery is bringing a taste of Malaysia to Sunderland’s Frederick Street – maybe a good choice for a pre-theatre bite (from Friday to Sunday) before heading to Sunderland Empire to see Hamilton. We just couldn’t mention new openings without shining a light on the new luxury lakeside yurts at The Tempus (they’re dog friendly!), Be one of the first to stay in them, and stop by the tipi for fireside sips.
FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD
Harrogate Food and Drink Festival makes a comeback this Saturday and Sunday where visitors can enjoy chef demonstrations from Saltmoore’s Adam Maddock and MasterChef’s Owen Diaram alongside food stalls, live music, a comedy improv show and child-friendly entertainment. Staying in? Why not try out these fabulous summer recipes: we love this summery gnocchi traybake with sea bass, or go Greek with these mouthwatering recipes from Tim Vasilakis' Eat Like a Greek cookbook.
FLY THE FLAG
Saturday is Armed Forces Day and celebrations to honour our Armed Forces personnel, both past and present, will be taking place across the North East and Yorkshire. A full-scale replica of the Nao Victoria (which was the first ship to circumnavigate the globe more than 500 years ago) will be moored at North Wharf Quay in Scarborough from this Thursday to Sunday 6th July. In Sunderland on Saturday and Sunday as well as a parade there’ll be a chance to explore military displays and live entertainment including music and dance.
