Looking for something to do in 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 9th May to Friday 17th May (I usually do Thurs to Thurs, but I had to include the final event in this list!).
Stockton Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival – Stockton ARC – Sat 11th May
We’re starting in Stockton for the Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival at the ARC, so this is definitely for those of us looking for live music this weekend. This festival is on Saturday 11th from 2pm until 10pm, giving you a good solid half day of music with a line up of six bands to enjoy from across the UK. Some of the names you can see include Redfish, a new blues ensemble featuring talented Scottish and Cumbrian musicians blending blues, roots, jazz and soul influences, Chantel McGregor, who is a blues rock guitarist with crystalline vocals hailing from Yorkshire, and Animals And Friends, whose line up features original Animals member, John Steel, and a setlist that includes some of their most iconic songs, like House of the Rising Sun. And as this is all happening at the ARC in the centre of Stockton, you’re spoiled for choice with local places to eat and drink too. I think it sounds like it’ll be a fab day, so take a look at the Stockton ARC website to book your tickets.
Osprey Watching Cruise – Kielder Waterside – Sat 11th May (every Sat and Wed until Sept)
You’re invite to discover one of Kielder’s most enigmatic summer visitors on an exclusive Osprey Watching Cruise. Guided by Wild Intrigue, you will head out on to Kielder Water in search of ospreys, which return from Africa to nest in this beautiful part of Northumberland each year. This specially-tailored, two hour-long wildlife experience gives you the opportunity to enjoy a short talk about the fascinating history, ecology and local conservation of ospreys, and take a peek through the provided binoculars to see if you can spot them in the sky or on their nests. It’s suitable for all ages, so whether you’re a grown up twitcher or you have little wildlife enthusiasts in the family, this could be perfect. The first of these cruises is on Saturday 11th, but they’re running every Wednesday and Saturday until September, so you’ve got plenty of time to book in on Kielder Waterside website.
Tynemouth Food Festival – Tynemouth Priory & Castle – Sat 11th and Sun 12th May
This is one for all the foodies out there and it’s always incredibly popular. Tynemouth Food Festival is back on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th, bringing a whole host of delicious street food, artisan traders, kids activities, live music and so much more to Tynemouth Priory and Castle. Of course, the food is the headline act and there’s going to be so much to sink your teeth into, like parmos, mac and cheese, pizza, loaded naan wraps, the list just goes on and on. The trader selection sounds just as delectable with stalls selling all sorts, from scotch eggs and pies to kimchi and beer, so there’s something for everyone, including kids who can get stuck into some family yoga, mini cooking classes, craft activities or sports, like archery and street golf. Whether you go on the Saturday or Sunday, it’s guaranteed to be a brilliant day out, so check out the Tynemouth Food Festival Facebook page for more info and book your tickets via See Tickets.
Witton Castle Vintage Vehicle Rally – Witton Castle, Bishop Auckland – Sat 11th and Sun 12th May
This is another great family-friendly option that offers something for absolutely anybody. Witton Castle are hosting a vintage vehicle rally on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th with a range of steam engines, classic cars, vintage tractors and so many more on display, so it’s ideal for old school vehicle fans and those who love a bit of nostalgia. But if you don’t fall into either of those categories, then don’t worry, there’s plenty more to see and do while you’re there/ You can try your hand at axe throwing, get up close with birds of prey or see some historical re-enactments. There’ll also be food, craft and vehicle-related stalls to browse too, so you’ve got plenty to squeeze in while you’re there. If you fancy it, you can find out more and book your tickets on wittoncastlevintagerally.co.uk
Blossom Picnic Weekend – Crook Hall Gardens – Sat 11th and Sun 12th May
I like to think that we’re ever so slowly creeping into picnic season – the sun’s starting to show its face a bit more and it’s getting just a touch warmer, and one place that’s on my side is Crook Hall Gardens. They’re celebrating blossom season by hosting a blossom picnic weekend on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th, where they’re inviting you to come and sit amongst the blossom trees in the orchard with a bite to eat and some live music. You can take along your own picnic or enjoy a little something from their cafe. They also have some deck chairs that they can lend out or you can take your own blanket and camping chairs. You don’t need to book for this and it’s free to go along to with your standard Crook Hall Gardens admission ticket, so you can have a wander through the rest of the grounds afterwards and get lost in the maze. If you want more information, take a look at the National Trust website.
An Officer & A Gentleman – Newcastle Theatre Royal – Mon 13th to Sat 18th May
This is a show that’s going to absolutely sweep you off your feet that’s definitely for all the hopeless romantics listening. An Officer and A Gentleman is coming to Newcastle Theatre Royal and is a musical based on the award-winning 80s film that follows the emotional journey of Zack Mayo, a fearless young officer candidate, and the captivating Paula Pokrifki, whose fiery spirit matches his own. Set to a smash-hit soundtrack featuring the songs from Madonna, Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper, Blondie, and many more, you’re carried through the highs and lows of the characters’ extraordinary love story by some incredible music. This is definitely one of those shows where you’re just rooting with all your might for everything to work out, so if you fancy seeing something romantic that will absolutely leave you wanting more, this is on from Monday 13th to Saturday 18th, and you can get your tickets on the Newcastle Theatre Royal website.
Teesside Restaurant Week – Mon 13th to Sun 19th May
We absolutely love a Restaurant Week here in the North East and we’re lucky that so many different towns and cities run them, but next week is all about Teesside Restaurant Week. From Monday 13th to Sunday 19th, you can enjoy a discounted meal at a number of venues across Teesside, and even some from outside of the area too. Now there’s absolutely all sorts to choose from and something to suit all palates, but most of the restaurants involved are doing menus with three courses for £20, including Tomahawk Steakhouse in Yarm, Potto and Darlington, the super varied Oven in Middlesbrough, and the gorgeous Brockley Hall in Saltburn, and that’s just a few. The list is massive! Tables are going to get booked up pretty quickly, so get in there sharpish to make sure you don’t miss out and see the Teesside Restaurant Week website for the full list of participating restaurants.
Seven Drunken Nights: The Story of the Dubliners – Tyne Theatre & Opera House – Thurs 16th May
Direct from the West End and having sold out venues worldwide, Seven Drunken Nights: The Story of the Dubliners is returning to theatres this year with a stop off at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House on Thursday 16th. This show tells the story of The Dubliners career, spanning 50 years and bringing their iconic songs back to life. With all of their most well-known songs making an appearance, including The Irish Rover, Whiskey In A Jar and Molly Malone, the talented cast of musicians and singers will definitely have you singing and dancing along in the aisles in no time at all. If you’re a fan of The Dubliners or Irish music in general, you’ll adore this feel-good show and tribute to Ireland’s favourite sons. For more info or to book your tickets, take a look at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House website.
Toddler Takeover Day – Great North Museum Hancock – Fri 17th May
I feel like this is a brilliant thing to end on and I spotted it by accident the other day and thought I couldn’t not bring it to the table. So next Friday 17th, Great North Museum Hancock are running a Toddler Takeover Day where your littles can have a go at working in the museum. They’ll get to discover what happens behind the scenes at a museum through games and activities to keep them busy. Each toddler will receive a job checklist of things to do, which will take them to different stations around the museum, and these activities will include going on gallery patrol, sorting the museum store room, making puffballs to package objects safely, and even sweeping and dusting. Of course, these will all be made fun and can be done at your own pace, but it should be a really unique way to experience the museum. And the best bit is that this is totally free, but you will need to book places via the Great North Museum Hancock website.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
