What's On in September

The last of the summer fun

Watercolour Wonders
Have a go at watercolour painting in this three-hour workshop, perfect for beginners. You’ll be led by an experienced instructor to experiment with washes, layering and colour blending.
Exploring Watercolours with Matt Scott Art
6TH SEPTEMBER
Raby Castle
raby.co.uk
Rail-y Good
This summer audiences are invited to see The Railway Children like they’ve never seen it before – on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, where the original 1970 film was shot. Find out what to expect from this special show’s director at livingnorth.com.
The Railway Children
UNTIL 7TH SEPTEMBER
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
visitbradford.com
Happy Birthday!
Immerse yourself in Miffy’s world and the artwork of her creator, illustrator Dick Bruna. This interactive exhibition celebrates 70 years of Miffy with creative displays and activities your kids will love.
Miffy’s 70th Birthday
UNTIL 7TH SEPTEMBER
Leeds City Museum
museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

Weaving Together
Before it’s dismantled, don’t miss your chance to see this unique structure in Yorkshire Sculpture Park’s Chapel by Derbyshire-based Laura Ellen Bacon. You can even walk inside this willow sculpture which was installed over an eight-week period. Several smaller woven willow works are also on display (and the Chapel is a great retreat when the great Yorkshire weather isn’t playing ball).
Laura Ellen Bacon: Into Being
UNTIL 7TH SEPTEMBER
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton
ysp.org.uk
Puppetry Perfection
The National Theatre’s production of War Horse arrives at Newcastle Theatre Royal for the first time this autumn. Adapted by Nick Stafford from Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, this epic tale follows Albert and his cherished horse, Joey, through the First World War.
WAR HORSE
10TH–20TH SEPTEMBER
Newcastle Theatre Royal
theatreroyal.co.uk
Coming Up Rosie
Rosie Jones is heading back out on the road with her brand-new stand-up show with her usual cheek and charm. Book tickets now and in the meantime stream all episodes of Pushers, Rosie’s new comedy, on Channel 4. Hear more from the Bridlington-born comedian at livingnorth.com.
Rosie Jones: I Can’t Tell What She’s Saying
11TH SEPTEMBER
The Studio, Bradford
bradford-theatres.co.uk

Book Club
Any bookworm won’t want to miss Britain’s largest rare book fair where a wonderful range of books will be available for experienced collectors and first-time buyers to browse
York National Book Fair
12TH & 13TH SEPTEMBER
York Racecourse
yorkbookfair.com
Something Funny
Join comedian Carl Hutchinson to celebrate a decade of touring with his best and favourite routines from over the years. The material for this show has been selected by both himself and his fans.
Carl Hutchinson
12TH & 13TH SEPTEMBER
Gala Durham
galadurham.co.uk
Living History
The award-winning live action show, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, is back this summer on Saturday nights with its 1,000-strong cast and crew of volunteers, and this year will celebrate its milestone 10th anniversary season. There’s also a reimagined royal scene for 2025 featuring brand-new choreography and an original score bringing Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee to life. Look out for the new baby goat, Snowdrop, who has joined Kynren’s talented animal cast (and has already become a firm favourite amongst the cavalry team).
Kynren
UNTIL 13TH SEPTEMBER
Flatts Farm, Bishop Auckland
kynren.com

Fright Night
Just when we thought Sunderland Empire couldn’t beat a six-week run of Hamilton, this highly-anticipated show comes pretty close – especially for Inside Number 9 fans! As always, expect the unexpected when the acclaimed BBC TV series from the minds of Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith comes to life on stage following a hugely successful West End run.
Inside No. 9 Stage/Fright
16TH–20TH SEPTEMBER
Sunderland Empire
atgtickets.com
Who You Gonna Call?
The ghosts are returning to York. Take yourself on a trail to discover all 45 of the translucent 3D wire sculptures in the city’s public gardens and green spaces.
Ghosts in the Garden
FROM 19TH SEPTEMBER
York
theyorkbid.com
Blooming Great
For garden inspiration, stunning floral displays and the chance to explore Newby Hall’s award-winning gardens plus live talks and demonstrations, shopping, and floral art, head to The Harrogate Autumn Flower Show this September.
The Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
19TH–21ST SEPTEMBER
Newby Hall & Gardens, near Ripon
flowershow.org.uk

Local Legends
The five-piece lineup of these local ‘70s folk-rock pioneers, fronted by original founder-member Rod Clements, will perform their best-loved songs at Alnwick Playhouse this September. Fog On The Tyne is bound to have the audience singing along.
Lindisfarne
20TH SEPTEMBER
Alnwick Playhouse
alnwickplayhouse.co.uk
Holding Space
A space-themed, family-friendly drone show will light up the skies over Newcastle Racecourse this September – the first show of its kind to take place in the city. BBC Springwatch star Michaela Strachan will narrate the show, based on an ancient African fable, as more than 500 drones take to the sky to depict safari animals. For your chance to win a family ticket to this event, head to livingnorth.com.
Space Safari
20TH SEPTEMBER
Newcastle Racecourse
spacesafari.show
Full Steam Ahead
Take a trip back in time to 200 years ago – the world’s first ever public passenger train journey! At The Station join Little Loco on a voyage of discovery and uncover some whistle-stop facts and endless activities. If you complete the trail you’ll find your prize in The Station Shop.
All Aboard Little Loco! - Summer Activity Trail
UNTIL 22ND SEPTEMBER
The Station, Richmond
thestation.co.uk

Summer Shopping
In aid of Martin House Children’s Hospice, don’t miss this Yorkshire Pop Up event at Hutton Wandesley Stables and Walled Garden including a fashion show, shopping, cocktails and canapés.
Yorkshire Pop Up
24TH & 25TH SEPTEMBER
Hutton Wandesley Stables and Walled Garden
huttonwandesleystables.co.uk
Joker
To celebrate the release of her hilarious memoir of the same name, Jenny Eclair is heading to Northern Stage with a brand-new autobiographical show. It’s a look back at what she can remember before she forgets everything, complete with animal impressions and baritone nursery rhyme singing.
Jenny Eclair: Jokes Jokes Jokes Live!
27TH SEPTEMBER
Northern Stage, Newcastle
northernstage.co.uk
Places in Paint
This new exhibition is celebrating the life and works of late Gateshead artist Charlie Rogers, alongside a new book which will feature the first published collection of his work. Living North learn why it’s important to keep Charlie’s legacy alive for future generations at livingnorth.com.
Pursued by Bulldozers: An exhibition of work by Charlie Rogers
UNTIL 27TH SEPTEMBER
Central Library, Gateshead
gateshead.gov.uk

Pinnies & Petticoats
Pinnies, petticoats, booties and breeches – Lotherton’s family-friendly exhibition for 2025 explores the history of children’s fashion from the 1600s to the modern day. See the changing styles worn by babies through to teens and what they can tell us about society’s attitudes towards growing up. Discover the development of the ‘teenager’ and how the onesie is not as modern as you may think! Accompanied by a programme of related events.
Fashion at Play: Children’s Clothing Through the Ages
UNTIL 12TH OCTOBER
Lotherton Hall
museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
Twin Thing
Head to Baltic’s gallery on level three to see works by Hartlepool-born and Ouseburn-based artists Laura and Rachel Lancaster – identical twins and prolific painters with distinct painting styles. They’ve exhibited nationally and internationally but Remember, Somewhere is the first institutional exhibition showing the sisters’ paintings side by side.
Laura Lancaster & Rachel Lancaster: Remember, Somewhere
UNTIL 12TH OCTOBER
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead
baltic.art