Where to Enjoy the Sun this Weekend
Here are our top picks of where to enjoy the sunshine across the North East and Yorkshire this weekend
Soul searching…
June is National Soul Food month and what better way to celebrate than visiting Sunderland’s Soul Food & Music Festival. The Hairy Bikers’ Si King has helped bring together much-loved performers and top street food suppliers for this special weekend-long festival. The free event will include a street food market, as well as demos, workshops and fun activities for all the family. A new addition to this year's event is ‘Souled Out’, a ticketed show taking place opposite Keel Square on the events space at the former Vaux site, so it’s sure to be a weekend to remember.
Adventure time…
As the carpet of bluebells is replaced by the glow of buttercups, this time of year is one of the best to visit Studfold, near How Stean Gorge in Nidderdale. While you enjoy the ever-changing beauty of the surrounding countryside, the kids will love to take part in the Fairy Adventure Trail as they use their imagination to find the delightful tiny fairy and pixie houses that help make Studfold's award-winning trail a truly magical experience. They’ll need to find the code to unlock the gate and discover the fairy village of 'Two Stone Wishes’ too.
Glass act…
Saturday marks the launch of the second half of The Contemporary Glass Society Showcase: The Joy of Art and it is a must-visit. A two-part celebration of glass, the Craft Centre and Design Gallery in Leeds have curated 25 of the most renowned glassmakers based in the UK and beyond for this special showcase. Those visiting the exhibition can expect to see works by incredible artists including Whitby-based Efiie Burns, Yorkshire couple the Gillies Jones and Harrogate’s Penny Riley-Smith, as well as many more.
Riverside regatta…
On Saturday and Sunday, be a part of history at the 189th Durham Regatta. A great spectacle with lots of races and bankside entertainment, it’s known as the ‘Henley of the North’. With live bands and classic cars on display, it is a great family event with attractions for everyone. The weather is predicted to be perfect this weekend, so be sure to pack a picnic and get yourself a riverside seat to see all the action.
Listening in…
From Thursday to Sunday, Gary Barlow is at the Grand Opera House in York for a show like no other. Created by Gary and his long-time friend and collaborator Tim Firth, ‘A Different Stage’ sees the singer-songwriter narrate the journey of his life alongside the music from his incredible discography. In a one-of-a-kind production, the audience will go behind the curtain, with nothing off limits in this special performance.
Northern tales…
Hexham’s Annual Book Festival returns this Friday and includes the vintage Spiegeltent. The event shares specially commissioned work celebrating the diverse and fascinating county of Northumberland, its inhabitants, agricultural heritage and historical connections. There will be a particular emphasis on Hadrian’s Wall and its celebration of 1900 years, including reflections on the landscape and diversity of the people who worked on the Wall, as well as the existing communities of today. With a line-up of more than 100 authors and events, there's something for everyone to get involved in.
Sipping something…
Saturday is World Gin Day and we’re so lucky that we have so many amazing artisan gin distilleries in the North East and Yorkshire. To celebrate, why not try one of our delicious gin cocktail recipes? Or if you’d rather leave it to the professionals, we have picked just out some of the best rooftop bars in the North East and Yorkshire – the perfect place to find your gin-fix this weekend.
Sofa supporter…
This Saturday, England take on Italy in their next EUFA Nations League fixture. While the match is being played behind closed doors, you can still support the Three Lions from the sofa. Kick off is at 7.45pm so get the beers and snacks in and sit back as you join in the inevitable cheering, shouting and arguing with the VAR.
Beside the seaside…
With the sun set to make an appearance this weekend, we say that that calls for a trip to the coast. From where to eat in the North East, as well as LN’s office dog Winston’s favourite beach walk, we have so many top tips at livingnorth.com to help you plan the perfect trip to the seaside. Keep an eye out for our upcoming magazines for even more coastal inspiration, coming soon.
