The four-day Go Racing In Yorkshire Winter Festival will be cantering into Catterick Racecourse on 28th December. With a thrilling six races scheduled, this is the perfect chance to make merry and keep the festive spirit alive long after the big day.
www.catterickbridge.co.uk
The Laing Art Gallery’s latest exhibition, The Enchanted Interior, will explore the sinister implications of a popular theme in 19th century painting: the depiction of the interior as a ‘gilded cage’, in which women are pictured as ornamental objects. Until 22nd February, iconic Pre-Raphaelite paintings will be shown alongside works by their female peers who challenge this ideal.
www.laingartgallery.org.uk
ALL THE FASHION
Until 21st December
The Civic, Barnsley
Major new exhibition Fashioning Identity explores the way the North is depicted, constructed and celebrated in photographs, artworks and fashion collections – bringing together visions of the North, unpicking themes that appear regularly in design and media, and considering truths, myths and all the spaces in-between.
www.barnsleycivic.co.uk
SLOW BUT SURE
Until 12th January
Leeds Art Gallery
As the name suggests, the Slow Painting exhibition is a showcase of artist whose paintings take their time – both in their creation and in the way they convey their message – and invite us to take our own. Painting has historically been both created and received patiently, offering a space of pause, contemplation and gradual unfolding, and this exhibition looks at contemporary British painting across a myriad of styles and applications – from figuration to abstraction – with that same traditional focus.
www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
FOLLOW THE PRINTS
Until 1st March
Beningbrough Hall, York
Beningbrough Hall and its galleries may be closed for the winter, but that doesn’t mean visitors should stay away – there is still plenty to discover thanks to the work of local linocut artist, Gerard Hobson. Wrap up warm and discover 14 sculptural scenes inspired by the resident wildlife you can spot for real in the grounds of this magnificent country house. Created especially for Beningbrough, Winter Wildlife In Print will include a short film played in the Bothy, so you can find out more about Gerard and his work, and follow his art into the Hayloft where there will be an indoor exhibition showing Gerard’s linocut prints.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
If you’re a fan of: Festive family pantomimes with star power
Then try: Jack and the Beanstalk
A giant of a panto is coming to Darlington this Christmas… Follow Jack (Britain’s Got Talent winner, George Sampson) as he climbs a huge beanstalk to outwit the evil giant and win the hand of the girl he loves. Helped along the way by Mother Nature (Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas) and his hapless brother Simon (comedian Phil Walker), will Jack make it back down to earth? Fee-Fi-Fo-Fabulous.
6th December–5th January, Darlington Hippodrome
www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
If you’re a fan of: Record-breaking Geordie singers
Then try: Sam Fender
With his debut album, Hypersonic Missiles, having soared straight to number one, local lad Sam is currently the toast of the North East, and with good reason. He barely set the record for the fastest sell-out at the Academy with this string of dates, before already claiming another sold-out show at the Utilita Arena for April next year. For those lucky enough to have nabbed a ticket to any of his shows, you’re in for a treat.
7th–8th and 21st–22nd December, O2 Academy, Newcastle
www.academymusicgroup.com
BASTILLE
3rd December
St George’s Hall, Bradford
In support of their highly-anticipated third album, Doom Days, Grammy-nominated, Brit-winning four-piece Bastille have changed their touring tack – favouring nine intimate venues across the UK over their usual arena touring route. Promising a truly unique show, the run will give fans the opportunity to experience an ‘apocalyptic party’ club night, warming them up with DJ sets before taking them on a journey through the narrative of the album, which the band will play live from start to finish.
www.bradford-theatres.co.uk
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
6th December–5th January
Darlington Hippodrome
A giant of a panto is coming to Darlington this Christmas… Follow Jack (Britain’s Got Talent winner, George Sampson) as he climbs a huge beanstalk to outwit the evil giant and win the hand of the girl he loves. Helped along the way by Mother Nature (Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas) and his hapless brother Simon (comedian Phil Walker), will Jack make it back down to earth? Fee-Fi-Fo-Fabulous.
www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
CINDERELLA
17th December–2nd January
The Grand Theatre & Opera House, Leeds
Escape into an enchanting winter wonderland with Northern Ballet’s beautiful reimagining of Cinderella this winter. In this sparkling adaptation of the classic rags-to-riches tale, Cinders is whisked away from her wicked step-mother to the glistening lake of ice where she first meets her Prince. Prepare to be captivated by the skill and elegance of Northern Ballet’s remarkable dancers as they bring their signature magic to the ultimate feel-good fairytale.
www.leedsgrandtheatre.com
