Looking for something to do late 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 18th April to Friday 26th April (I usually do Thurs to Thurs, but I had to include the final event in this list!).
Living North Live – Newcastle Racecourse – Fri 19th to Sun 21st April
We’re starting at Newcastle Racecourse for the massive Living North Live event. This huge spring fair is the leading homes, gardens, food and lifestyle event where you can do a bit of shopping, watch a live demo, get involved in a workshop and so much more. There’ll be absolutely tons of stalls to browse, with local and independent businesses covering interiors, the great outdoors and sweet and savoury foods, to name just a few. And in terms of workshops, there’s going to be a hand-built pottery class, a yoga session, a linocut workshop, the list just goes on and on. There’s so much going on that I’ve got no doubt you’ll be able to fill a whole day there, so if you fancy it, that’s on Friday 19th to Sunday 21st and you can get tickets on the Living North website.
Bishop Auckland Food Festival – Sat 20th and Sun 21st April
This is another massive event that happens every year in the North East and one that I personally look forward to. Bishop Auckland Food Festival is back with a bang on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st, and what a weekend they’ve got planned. There’s going to be over 150 local and regional food and drink traders to browse, including fantastic street food that you can eat as you wander and artisan food producers. There’s also a lineup of guests who will be doing demos throughout the day, including Marcus Bean, who is an Iron Chef UK winner, Dan Hunter, who was a finalist in last year’s Bake Off, and so many more. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s some fab live music and street theatre programmed in too, so there really is something for everyone. It’s always a massive hit and it’s free to go, so if you’re about this Saturday or Sunday, head to Bishop Auckland for a look.
Brutus Gold’s Love Train – Sunderland Fire Station – Sat 20th April
I think this sounds like a whole lot of fun, especially if you’re a fan of 70s disco. Brutus Gold’s Love Train has earned a reputation as the ultimate disco night, and has even entertained the likes of Tina Turner, Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson at private parties. The immersive evening will come complete with an all-star cast of crazy characters and spectacular production, and of course, the best music from arguably the grooviest decade. Singing and dancing is absolutely encouraged, and so is dressing in your finest 70s threads to really get in the spirit. If that sounds up your street, it’s on Saturday 20th at the Sunderland Fire Station, and you can get tickets on the venue’s website.
Earthleathem Day – Kirkleatham Museum – Sun 21st April
Sunday 21st marks Earth Day, which is celebrated globally, but we’ve got our very own celebrations in the North East at Kirkleatham Museum with their Earthleatham event. Alongside taking a look around the museum, you’ll be able to bring your own rocks and fossils from home for expert Fossiliam to identify and answer any questions that you might have about geology. There will also be an Earthleatham guided walk that will take you on a deep-time stroll through the Earth history of Kirkleatham village. This should be a really fun and different day for those who are interested in geology and local history, and it’s all free, but you will need to book spaces on the guided walks, and you can do that through the Enjoy Redcar & Cleveland website.
Anton Du Beke & Friends – The Glasshouse International Centre For Music – Mon 22nd April
Strictly Come Dancing legend and judge, Anton Du Beke, is taking to the Glasshouse International Centre For Music stage on Monday 22nd and you’re invited to come and see the spectacle. With his live band, a guest singer and his dancers, you can expect a fab-u-lous evening of song, dance and laughter. Anton will be performing some of his favourite songs and dances that have inspired his career throughout his life and there might also be some behind the scenes stories from his time on Strictly that will have you laughing out loud. There aren’t many tickets left for this, so if you fancy it, head to the Glasshouse website to snatch them up.
I Should Be So Lucky – Sunderland Empire – Mon 22nd to Sat 27th April
If you love a feel-good musical, then this is for you. I Should Be So Lucky is a brand new show and its stint at the Sunderland Empire is actually part of its world premiere. The story follows Ella and Nathan, a star-crossed couple with wedding jitters and tropical dreams, and you’ll have to go see it to find out if their romance will sail smoothly or whether there are stormy break ups ahead. The music is all based on the chart topping hits produced by Stock Aitken Waterman, including Rick Ashley’s ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’, Jason Donovan’s ‘Too Many Broken Hearts’, and of course, Kylie’s ‘I Should Be So Lucky’. It sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun and really put you in the summer mood, so that’s on from Monday 22nd to Saturday 27th and you can get your tickets on the Sunderland Empire website.
Say Yes to the Prom Dress – Wellington Square, Stockton – Thurs 25th April
Prom season will be on us sooner than we know it, and lots of youngsters will already be in planning mode for the evening. Luckily, Wellington Square in Stockton are putting on an event to help you out and get a bit of a head start with the shopping. At Say Yes To The Prom Dress, you’ll be able to browse hundreds of second hand and donated dresses and suits at a hugely discounted price, with some costing as low as £10. There’ll also be accessories, shoes and handbags, so you could walk away with a whole outfit for your child without breaking the bank or compromising on style. And to really make an event of it, there’ll be a live catwalk, hair trials, makeup masterclasses, a caricature artist and so much more. It’s on Thursday 25th and totally free to attend, but you will need to register through the Say Yes To The Prom Dress website if you want to go along.
Hexham Book Festival – Fri 26th to Sun 5th May
If you’re an avid reader, budding author or established writer, you might be interested in this. It’s the Hexham Book Festival from Friday 26th to Sunday 5th May, taking over venues in the town for 10 whole days with 55 events to get stuck into. There’s plenty of writing workshops to book into, covering a range of styles, including comedy, journalling and writing from life. This alongside an assortment of author talks and discussions, including an appearance from broadcaster Clare Balding as she talks about her newest book, Isle Of Dogs, and a conversation between Ian Dunt and Alastair Campbell, which should be interesting for those with a passion for politics. There’s absolutely loads on, so if you want to see the full line up and book your tickets, check out the Hexham Book Festival website.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
