Looking for something to do at the start of April 2024 in the North East? I’ve got you covered with this list. As part of my feature on BBC Tees and Newcastle, I select my top picks of things happening across the North East, and here’s what I’ve chosen for Thursday 4th April to Thursday 11th April.
The Overtones – Sunderland Fire Station – Fri 5th April
We’re starting in Sunderland for a bit of live music. So on Friday 5th, you’ll be able to see the fabulous Overtones at the Fire Station, a four-piece who are best known for their exquisite vocals, amazing harmonies and charming, distinctive style. They’ve headlined many prestigious venues, like the London Palladium and Royal Albert Hall, and now they’re bringing a show to Sunderland. You can expect a mix of originality and a classic, nostalgic sound, so if you fancy it, you can get the last of the tickets on the Sunderland Fire Station website.
Totally Tina – Billingham Forum – Fri 5th April
We’ve got another fantastic music event, so if you want to see a performance that’s second to the real deal Tina Turner, then you’ll love Totally Tina at the Billingham Forum on Friday 5th. This recreation of a live Tina concert celebrates the golden anniversary of the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll’s signature tune, Proud Mary, but you can expect all the other hits too, like River Deep Mountain High and Simply The Best. With dazzling dancing girls, fearsome vocals and plenty of glitz, this sounds like it’s going to be a fabulous night so grab tickets while you can.
Big Birthday Party – RSPB Saltholme – Sat 6th April
RSPB Saltholme is turning 15 this year and they’re celebrating with a Big Birthday Party that absolutely everyone is invited to. If you’d like to go along, get Saturday 6th booked in your diaries and get ready for a day of fun and nature. The centre will be hosting a variety of guided walks, pond dipping, deadwood hunting, garden games, crafts and so much more. And what’s even better is, for this day only, these activities will be offered at a reduced price. There’ll also be a picnic between 12 noon and 1:30pm, so bring along your own sarnies, and of course, it’s not a birthday without cake, so save some room for a slice! They’d love to see as many people there as possible, so make sure you pop along.
British Steam Gala – Beamish Museum – Sat 6th & Sun 7th April
This is something a little bit different and could be perfect for both big kids and little kids who love all things vehicles and things on wheels. Beamish Museum are hosting the British Steam Gala on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th, and there’ll be a whole host of vehicles to see. This’ll include the museum’s own fleet and a number of visiting vehicles, including a timber tractor, a McLaren road loco, a Marshall traction engine and so many more. Alongside these vehicles, there’ll be an impressive model tramway exhibition in the 1950s welfare hall over the weekend, and of course, you’ll be able to explore the rest of the museum too. You visit Beamish if you bought a ticket in the last month or you can pay for admission, which will give you access to the museum for the next 12 months, which is a lovely bonus.
Professor Foss-Cecil and the Dino Safari – Bamburgh Castle – Sat 6th & Sun 7th April
We’re going from vintage vehicles to dinosaurs with Professor Foss-Cecil and the Dino Safari at Bamburgh Castle and I think this would be a great option for half term. The quirky professor and his team have made a miraculous discovery on one of their adventures and they can’t wait to share the findings. Join them and become a fully fledged dino discoverer with fossil rubbing, digging for bones and maybe even coming face to face with a dinosaur. This is on at Bamburgh Castle on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th, and also next Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th, and the activities cost £5.50 per child on a first come, first served basis, so if you fancy it, make sure you get there in good time.
Cinderella – Darlington Hippodrome – Sun 7th April
We might be a little ways past Christmas, but what’s to stop us from having a panto in April? This Sunday 7th, Cinderella will be hitting the Darlington Hippodrome, providing plenty of side-splitting comedy, stunning sets, beautiful costumes, and of course, plenty of boos and hisses. Starring Hollyoaks and Waterloo Road’s Ben-Ryan Davies as Prince Charming, he decides to throw a ball in search of his princess, but could it be Cinderella? If she’s to find true love before the clock strikes midnight, she’ll need all the magic the Fairy Godmother can muster up. Will she get her happy ending? You’ll have to book your tickets on the Darlington Hippodrome website to find out.
The 39 Steps – Newcastle Theatre Royal – Tues 9th to Sat 13th April
If you love a thriller or fast-paced spy stories, you’re going to love this. Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy film, The 39 Steps, is heading to Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 9th to Saturday 13th, bringing a bit of comedy and espionage to the toon. This show took Broadway by storm, played in 39 different countries and delighted over 3 million people around the world with its plucky spirit and sense of fun. Follow the adventures of our handsome hero, Richard Hannah, as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents, and of course, devastatingly beautiful women. It sounds like it’s going to be brilliant, so make sure you take a look at tickets on the Newcastle Theatre Royal website.
Easter Forest Club and Into The Wild – Hardwick Park – Tues 9th & Thurs 11th April
These are two great options for keeping kids busy over half term, especially little ones who love being outdoors. So Hardwick Park are hosting an Easter Forest Club on Tuesday 9th for kids under five that will give them a hands-on experience to teach them about the natural world with an Easter theme. And then on Thursday 11th, Hardwick Park will be hosting Into The Wild, which sounds like it’ll be perfect for the whole family. You’ll join the education team in the great outdoors where you’ll build your own den, decorate the inside, then build a fire to toast marshmallows. Both of them will be a brilliant way to kill a few hours, then you can have a walk around the park, so if you want to get your kids out of the house over half term, head to the Durham Council website to book your places.
The Carpenters’ Songbook – The Glasshouse International Centre for Music – Thurs 11th April
Last but certainly not least, we’ve got a stunning celebration of The Carpenters’ music at the Glasshouse International Centre for Music. On Thursday 11th, you can see The Carpenters’ Songbook, featuring Toni Lee as she recreates the voice of Karen Carpenter like no one else, other than the real deal. Accompanied by an audio visual presentation, full band and backing singers, this show is a mesmerising journey through The Carpenters’ hits, like Close To You, Top Of The World and We’ve Only Just Begun. It sounds like it’s going to be fantastic, so if you’re a Carpenters’ fan, make sure you snatch up some of the final tickets from the Glasshouse website.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
