Looking for something to do in early May 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 2nd May to Thursday 11th May.
Whitby 70s Weekend – Whitby Pavilion – Fri 3rd and Sat 4th May
This week, we’re starting in Whitby for the ultimate blast from the past at Whitby 70s Weekend! Featuring live music, themed decor and delicious food and drinks, this is the a sure fire way to transport yourself back to arguably the grooviest decade of them all. You’ll be able to dance the night away to all your favourite hits from the era, including songs from ELO, Elton John, The Bee Gees and so many more, in the stunning Northern Lights Suite at Whitby Pavilion. That’s on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th, so if you fancy making some last minute plans, this could be a fantastic option and I’m going to say that fancy disco dress is absolutely encouraged, so book your tickets on the Whitby Pavilion website.
Darlington Food & Drink Festival – Darlington town centre – Fri 3rd to Mon 6th May
We’ve actually got two food festivals happening over this Bank Holiday weekend, but we’re starting in Darlington for the annual Food & Drink Festival, which is on from Friday 3rd until Monday 6th. Now this is going to be an absolutely fantastic way to spend the weekend, with over 20 street food vendors to try, tons of local artisan food and drink traders, an indoor craft market, a line up of live music, sushi making workshops and so much more. I don’t think the organisers could’ve squeezed any more in if they tried! Let’s keep our fingers crossed for glorious weather, but if the heavens do open, you’re spoiled for choice for pubs and bars to take shelter in. That’s taking place in the market square and around the indoor market, so take a look if you’re in the mood for food this weekend and visit the Darlington Market Facebook page for more info.
Newcastle Food Festival – Exhibition Park – Sat 4th to Mon 6th May
The second food festival that’s happening this weekend is in Newcastle’s Exhibition Park. This is a brand new food festival and it’s a celebration of international influence and local talent, so you can expect international food, independent drink, live music, demos, entertainment and so much more. There’s a whole host of street food vendors lined up, selling everything from pizzas to gyozas, as well as oodles of artisan food and drink traders. The demos will be coming from local chefs from restaurants such as Blackfriars, Parmorama and My Delhi, and kids can even have a go at being chefs with the bookable kids cooking classes taking place over the event. There’s honestly so much to see, do and eat at Newcastle Food Festival, so it’s definitely one to keep in mind if you’re in the area from Saturday 4th to Monday 6th, and you can book your tickets on the Newcastle Food Festival website.
Picture by Dawn McNamara 05/09/21
20 years of Tees Active – Teesside-wide – Sat 4th May
If you’re in the market for something a bit more energetic this weekend, then this could be for you. The charitable trust, Tees Active, are celebrating their 20th birthday and are marking the milestone by offering discounts across a number of their activities and there’s absolutely loads to choose from. You could get 20% off ice skating at the Billingham Forum, aqua inflatables at Thornaby Pool or Big Splash family sessions at Splash in Stockton. There’s also 20% off kayaking courses for beginners at the Tees Barrage and the Air Trail high ropes course for the daredevils among us. All of these sessions are happening on Saturday 4th, with free gym passes available to be used until Monday 6th too. There’s also a prize draw for a local charity to have an exclusive ice skating party at the forum and raffle tickets will be handed out on the Saturday during activities for people to be in with a chance of winning prizes on social media. I think there’s some brilliant options for the whole family and it’s a great opportunity to maybe try something you haven’t before, so take a look at the Tees Active website to book.
We Are 10! – Whinstone View, Great Ayton – Sat 4th and Sun 5th May
Bank Holiday weekends are the perfect excuse to get your dancing shoes on and just let your hair down a bit, and no one knows that better than Whinstone View in Great Aston. On Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th, they’re celebrating 10 years of their event space and they’re throwing a whole festival to mark the occasion. They’ll have a tipi up and the event barn open to welcome live music from local musicians, including DJs Peverell Brothers and infectious percussionist Toni Ripley, as well as stone baked pizzas from their terrace and additional sweet food vendors. This is happening on Saturday and Sunday, and while the Saturday tickets are sold out, you can go on Sunday and enjoy yourself knowing that there’s no work the next day. It should be a really fun one, so if you want to grab the last of the tickets, head to the Whinstone View website.
Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals – Sunderland Empire – Tues 7th and Wed 8th May
If you want an absolutely fab-u-lous night, look no further than Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals at Sunderland Empire. This exhilarating show will showcase the exceptional talent of 12 of TV’s beloved professional dancers, including Diane Buswell, Vito Coppola and Gorda Marquez, supported by incredible singers and a live band, all performed within the wonderful world of glamour and sparkle that fans know and love from the smash hit series. You’ll get up close to the dancers as they treat you to world-class dance, sparkling sets and stunning choreography with a generous sprinkle of Strictly magic. If you’re a fan of the show, this definitely isn’t one to miss, so it’s on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th and you can get your tickets on the Sunderland Empire website.
Sunderland Shorts Film Festival – The Fire Station, 17Nineteen and The Royalty Theatre – Wed 8th to Sun 12th May
Sticking with Sunderland, the annual Sunderland Shorts Film Festival is returning for its ninth year with a showcase of the best short films from around the world, the country and from homegrown talent. This festival is going to be spread out across the Fire Station, 17Nineteen and the Royalty Theatre with over 150 short films and music videos, as well as industry workshops and masterclasses. There’s films from a whole host of genres, including comedy, sci-fi, animation, art and experimental, the list just goes on and on. I think this will be brilliant for the film buffs and those who are aspiring to work in the film industry, so if that sounds like you, that’s on from Wednesday 8th to Sunday 12th and you can find tickets and the schedule on the Sunderland Shorts website.
The Syndicate – Newcastle Theatre Royal – Wed 8th to Sat 11th May
The Syndicate is based on the hit BBC show that entertained millions of viewers over four series, and it follows five supermarket employees whose lottery syndicate numbers come in, just as their jobs and livelihoods are under threat. Will a share of the jackpot make their future dreams come true or turn their nightmares into a reality? Written by the iconic Kay Mellor and directed by Gaynor Faye, this moving comedy drama of love, joy, secrets and betrayal will have you laughing, crying and thoroughly entertained from start to finish. And not only is this show based on a BBC show, but it’s featuring some fabulous soap actors, including Coronation Street’s Brooke Vincent and Emmerdale’s Samantha Giles, so it’s a real mash up of TV worlds. If this sounds like it could be up your street, it’s on from Wednesday 8th to Saturday 11th and you can get tickets on the Sunderland Empire website.
Magic Of Motown – The Glasshouse International Centre for Music – Thurs 9th May
Motown music fans, this one is for you. Magic Of Motown is the ultimate Motown party, has been seen by over a million people and is now in its 18th year. You’ll be going loco down in Acapulco as you’re taken back down memory lane with all the Motown classics from artists such as, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder to name just a few, to celebrate the sound of the generation. I promise that you’re going to find it so hard to stay in your seat for this, and singing and dancing along is definitely encouraged. There’ll be glittering costumes, dazzling dance routines and outstanding musical performances, so don’t miss out on this. It’s on at the Glasshouse International Centre for Music on Thursday 9th and you can get the last of the tickets on the Glasshouse website.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
