What's On in the North East and Yorkshire in July
There's so much to see and do this July
House of Fun
Wentworth Woodhouse is being turned on its head this year to challenge your curiosity, and imagination. In a new interactive exhibition there’ll be two large installations by contemporary artists, Pippa Hale and Bruce Asbestos. Plus, clay planter workshops, yoga in the Marble Saloon, a drumming workshop, silent disco and much more.
House of Fun
THIS SUMMER
Wentworth Woodhouse, Rotherham
wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk
Criminally Good
Chicago returns to Hull in June for just one week only so snap up tickets fast to see Strictly pro Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart and Darren Day as Billy Flynn. It would be criminal to miss it...
Chicago
30TH JUNE–5TH JULY
Hull New Theatre
hulltheatres.co.uk
Off Track
Adapted from the Paula Hawkins novel which was later adapted for screen starring Emily Blunt, don’t miss The Girl On The Train when it comes to Leeds Grand Theatre this summer. Rachel’s only escape is the perfect couple she watches through the train window every day, until the woman in this couple suddenly disappears – and so begins a thrilling mystery. This new production stars Laura Whitmore following the play’s first sell-out UK tour.
The Girl On The Train
1ST–5TH JULY
Leeds Grand Theatre
leedsheritagetheatres.com
Happy Birthday!
Perfect for children aged two and over, this interactive show celebrates Spot’s birthday. The perfect introduction to theatre for children, everyone’s invited to his birthday party and it’s worth it for the free party hat, and opportunity to meet with Spot after the show.
Spot’s Birthday Party
4TH JULY
Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham
queenshall.co.uk
Music To Your Ears
This special concert at Ripon Cathedral will celebrate the very best of British choral tradition. Guests will experience the acoustic splendour of one of Britain’s finest choirs in the breathtaking setting of this stunning cathedral.
All the Pomp, All the Glory: Ripon’s Summer Choral Finale
5TH JULY
Ripon Cathedral
riponcathedral.org.uk
Community Creations
This month artist Harold Offeh will develop new work in collaboration with Baltic’s communities. For two decades he has produced work in a range of media and his playful creations are often humorous, reflecting historical narratives and contemporary culture. We’re excited to see what he’ll come up with.
Harold Offeh
FROM 5TH JULY
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art,
Gateshead Quays
baltic.art
Be a Hero
An original take on the classic tale, this family-friendly show is all about community, adventure and becoming a hero, and features original live music. Robyn’s den is under threat so she retreats into her own forest world where she is the hero, and where she can learn to be the real-world hero that everyone needs.
Robyn Hood
5TH JULY
Arc Stockton Arts Centre
arconline.co.uk
Laugh Out Loud
Some of the biggest names in comedy including Dara Ó Briain, Katherine Ryan, Joel Dommett and local favourite Maisie Adam are coming to York Comedy Festival. If you’re in need of a good laugh, you know where to go.
York Comedy Festival
6TH JULY
York Museum Gardens
york-comedy-festival.com
The Greatest Show
Don’t miss the 166th Great Yorkshire Show. TV presenters Helen Skelton and Matt Baker, Rob and Dave Nicholson, of Cannon Hall Farm (which hosts Channel 5’s Springtime on the Farm series), and Peter Wright of Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet will appear on the Ariat GYS Stage where, for the first time, the Fashion Show will also be held. Plus, the very best of British agriculture will be under the national spotlight. Don’t forget to come and say hello to us whilst you’re there!
Great Yorkshire Show
8TH–11TH JULY
Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate
greatyorkshireshow.co.uk
Book Lovers
To celebrate the release of Don't Let Him In by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell, she'll be interviewed by award-winning local writer Trevor Wood. This special evening for book lovers comes from the organisers of Bay Tales, and book sales will be provided by The Bound.
An Evening with Lisa Jewell
9TH JULY
The Exchange 1856, North Shields
theexchange1856.com
Book Club
Alison Weir, the UK’s biggest-selling female historian, has been invited to Alnwick Castle to share details on her latest novel, The Cardinal: The Secret Life of Thomas Wolsey. Take this chance to view rarely-seen items from the Alnwick Castle archive relevant to the subject of Alison’s talk.
Book Talk with Alison Weir
9TH JULY
Alnwick Castle
alnwickcastle.com
Living History
Three rare Magna Cartas from Durham Cathedral’s collection will go on display to mark the 800th anniversary of the 1225 issue, and three artists have been commissioned to create bespoke temporary installations throughout the cathedral, that tell the story of the 800-year-old documents. See the only surviving 1216 Magna Carta, along with issues from 1225 and 1300, and three Forest Charters in Durham Cathedral Museum. Marvel at work by artist and photographer Ash Mills in the Galilee Chapel and see a ‘river of words’ flowing through the Nave of the cathedral.
Magna Carta and the North
FROM 11TH JULY
Durham Cathedral
durhamcathedral.co.uk
Dynamic Duo
Strictly Come Dancing pros (and winners) Dianne Buswell and Vito Coppola have come together for this fabulous dance show with amazing choreography and beautiful storytelling. Strictly fans won’t want to miss it.
Dianne and Vito: Red Hot and Ready
13TH JULY
Darlington Hippodrome
darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
Artful
Make & Mend Festival is back – the perfect opportunity to try something new. As ever, there are various workshops to take part in and visitors can watch craft demonstrations, have a go at yoga and visit the maker marketplace to buy fabulous crafts.
Make & Mend Festival
13TH JULY
Ormesby Hall, Middlesbrough
makemendfestival.co
So Sweet
The biggest event in Pontefract’s calendar is the annual Pontefract Liquorice Festival, taking place this year on 13th July. Like every year, the town will celebrate its history as a centre of liquorice cultivation and the birthplace of the Pontefract cake – one of Britain’s oldest sweets.
Pontefract Liquorice Festival
13TH JULY
Pontefract Precinct
experiencewakefield.co.uk
Bold as Brass
Durham Brass Festival is back with a fantastic lineup of events with performances including Barry Hyde, Simon Armitage and LYR, Brassed On and The Fairey Band which will, for the first time ever, bring Jeremy Deller’s ‘Acid Brass’ to Durham. Enjoy free concerts, activities and a full week of entertainment from street bands.
Durham Brass Festival
13TH–20TH JULY
Durham
brassfestival.co.uk
Run For It
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of one of the greatest achievements in track athletics history (when Jarrow Arrow Steve Cram broke three different world records in the space of only 19 days) join Steve, Jeff Brown and special guests to relive world records on the big screen. We’re sure there’ll be some behind the scenes memories to share too.
Back To 1985
16TH JULY
Gala Durham
galadurham.co.uk
Flower Power
RHS Flower Show is coming to the grounds of Rotherham’s stunning stately home, Wentworth Woodhouse. Gardening enthusiasts can look forward to exploring unique gardens, hearing talks and learning tips, whilst there’ll also be children’s activities, floral installations, markets, stalls and food and drink.
RHS Flower Show
16TH–20TH JULY
Wentworth Woodhouse, Rotherham
rhs.org.uk/wentworth
Crime Time
The world’s longest-running celebration of crime writing returns to Harrogate this summer where bestselling authors and emerging voices come together to offer readers the chance to get the scoop on new writers and new reads. Bookworms won’t want to miss it.
Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival
17TH–20TH JULY
Harrogate
harrogateinternationalfestivals.com
Switching Off
Explore the Discovery Museum at night as part of a digital detox and take part in mindful activities throughout the gallery spaces during this special event. Discovery Nights are a highlight of the Steam to Green: A North East Energy Revolution events programme, and for Unplugged, visitors can take part in mindful meditation, book swaps or retro board games for example.
Discovery Nights: Unplugged
18TH JULY
Discovery Museum, Newcastle
northeastmuseums.org.uk
Family Fun
Bluey and Bingo will be making appearances at intervals throughout the day at Whistlestop Valley, where children can also enjoy a return steam train ride, the jumping pillow, miniature railway rides, face painting and fun crafts.
Bluey and Bingo
19TH JULY
Whistlestop Valley, Huddersfield
whistlestopvalley.co.uk
Take Pride
Get your tickets now for non-stop entertainment at Northern Pride’s Pride Arena where Pixie Lott, Gok Wan and Drag Race icon Michael Marouli will perform alongside tributes to Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift. Of course local favourite Miss Rory will be there too! There’ll be dedicated dance and cabaret acts, bars and street food all weekend long.
The Pride Arena
19TH & 20TH JULY
Newcastle
northern-pride.com
When in Rome
Celebrate life in Roman Delgovicia (modern day Malton and Norton) with this action-packed day full of family fun. There’ll be live demonstrations, child-friendly activities and a chance to have a go at axe throwing!
Roman Festival
20TH JULY
Malton Museum
maltonmuseum.co.uk
Having a Laugh
Don’t miss this laugh-a-minute play which reimagines the lives of three of Britain’s all-time greatest comedy heroes – Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse. The Last Laugh is nostalgic, poignant and guaranteed to be the ultimate comedy night out.
The Last Laugh
22ND JULY–9TH AUGUST
Newcastle Theatre Royal
theatreroyal.co.uk
Night (and Day) at the Proms
From a performance by the Royal Northern Sinfonia to a Wildlife Jamboree courtesy of CBeebies, the whole family will be entertained as part of BBC Proms’ special events at The Glasshouse this summer. Special guest Jade Thirlwall will join the line-up of this Summer Festival Weekend too with an innovative orchestral concert, with arrangements by Robert Ames. Don’t miss it.
Summer Festival Weekend
25th–27th JULY
The Glasshouse, Gateshead
theglasshouseicm.org/proms25
Ladies’ Night
The most glamorous race day of the flat season returns to Newcastle Racecourse, so dress to impress. As well as flowing fizz, live music and must-not-miss racing action, guests can also look forward to a Bongo’s Bingo party.
Ladies’ Day Bongo’s Bingo Party
26TH JULY
Newcastle Racecourse
newcastle-racecourse.co.uk
Hands On
The Laing Art Gallery’s new exhibition explores paintings, drawings and prints all representing craft, and the identity, tradition and progress associated with hand skills. Produced in Britain and Europe from the 1750s onwards, the images in the exhibition, With These Hands, reflect changes in society, the growth of industry, and the importance of hand skills, and it takes you from elegant drawing rooms to weaving sheds and industrial forges. To find out more, hear from the exhibition’s curator at livingnorth.com.
With These Hands
THROUGHOUT SUMMER
Laing Art Gallery
northeastmuseums.org.uk
Colourful Creations
Internationally-acclaimed artist and writer Harland Miller’s exhibition continues at York Art Gallery until 31st August where the York-born artist is showcasing paintings and works on paper from his renowned Letter Paintings series. Plus, the gallery is now showing a bespoke new painting titled ‘York’ and three works which Harland has generously gifted to the gallery.
Harland Miller: XXX
UNTIL 31ST AUGUST
York Art Gallery
yorkartgallery.org.uk
Wonderful Wakefield
This new exhibition will bring colour, creativity and character to the UK’s capital of sculpture at WX – Wakefield Exchange. Expect vibrant inflatable sculptures, interactive digital artworks and playful projections throughout that celebrate Wakefield.
Jason and the Wakefield Adventure
Until 7TH SEPTEMBER
WX – Wakefield Exchange
wxwakefield.co.uk
Wild & Free
New artworks have transformed the moorland views of Penistone Hill Country Park, bringing together work by four artists, Monira Al Qadiri, Meherunnisa Asad with Studio Lél, Vanessa da Silva and Steve Messam. They’re all inspired by the landscape, industrial heritage, and local stories of Bradford. Don’t miss Earth and Sky – an immersive sound walk created with Opera North.
Wild Uplands
UNTIL 12TH OCTOBER
Penistone Hill Country Park, Keighley
visitbradford.com
Mum’s The Word
This summer, The Hepworth Wakefield is celebrating motherhood with a new exhibition, bringing together paintings made by Scottish artist Caroline Walker over the past five years exploring themes of motherhood and early-years care. She is known for her paintings which reveal the experiences of women living in contemporary society. This exhibition includes paintings of the daily life of the artist’s sister-in-law, Lisa, becoming a mother. After the birth of her second child, Caroline made a rare self-portrait which will be shown for the first time at The Hepworth Wakefield.
Caroline Walker: Mothering
UNTIL 27TH OCTOBER
The Hepworth Wakefield
hepworthwakefield.org
