Looking for something to do towards the end of June 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 20th June to Friday 28th June (plus a couple of things that you need to book before they sell out!).
Kynren – Bishop Auckland – 27th July to 14th Sept
We’re starting in Bishop Auckland for the return of the absolutely mega Kynren by 11 Arches. Now, this isn’t on until 27th July to 14th September, but tickets will get booked up quickly and I wouldn’t want anyone to miss out. So what exactly is Kynren? Well, it’s a huge, outdoor spectacle that sees over a thousand cast and crew members, from ages 5 to 88, performing 2000 years of English history on a 7.5 acre site. It’s a real feast for the senses with daring stunts, pyrotechnics, horsemanship, special effects and even hand-to-hand combat. And new for this year, there’s a Return of the Vikings pre-show where you can walk through a living and interactive Viking village. I feel like Kynren is one of those things that everyone should see at least once because it truly is unbelievable, especially when you think about the work that goes into such a production and the fact that a lot of the cast and crew are volunteers. Don’t miss out, book your tickets on the 11 Arches website.
The BIG Art Festival – Stockton town centre – Sat 6th and Sun 7th July
This is another one that isn’t until July, but again, it’s getting booked up pretty quickly, so I thought I’d bring it to the table today for the crafty folk among us. The BIG Art Festival is taking over Stockton town centre on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July with all kinds of creative goodness. There’s going to be live artist demos, an art market, a street art trail with amazing murals, some of which are going to be on a huge scale, and craft workshops for all ages. There are lots to choose from, so grown ups can stuck into ink art or contemporary embroidery, and kids can try interactive drawing or printmaking. There’s a £15 deposit per person per workshop, but this will be refunded back to you after the festival, so the workshops are all free, making them ideal if you’ve been itching to try something new. It’s going to be a brilliant weekend, so if you want more info or want to book your workshop tickets, take a look at the BIG Art Festival website.
The Hoppings – Newcastle Town Moor – Frid 21st to Sun 30th June
If you’re looking for a thrilling day out like no other, The Hoppings is back at Newcastle Town Moor from Friday 21st until Sunday 30th. After starting up in 1882, Europe’s biggest funfair is still going strong and popping up in the North East every year. The site hosts over 400 of the country’s biggest and brightest attractions, from traditional favourites to the latest jaw dropping thrill rides. You could reach 200 feet on the Star Flyer, touch speeds of 80mph on the Mach Bomber, or enjoy panoramic views of Newcastle on the famous, giant observation wheel. Or if you want something a bit gentler, there’ll be street food and stalls to browse too, with your feet firmly on the floor. Entry to the site is free, but there’s a charge for car parking and the rides are individually priced, so be sure to carry some cash on you. If you need any more info at all, make sure you take a look at The Hoppings website.
Under The Sun 2 – Hexham Abbey – Sat 22nd June
Following on from the success of their first Under the Sun event back in 2020, you’re invited to go and celebrate 1350 years of Hexham Abbey with music, food and fun at Under The Sun 2 on Saturday 22nd. The Cloister Lawn will be transformed into a stage hosting talented musicians who will entertain you for the afternoon. They’ll be performing a range of styles too, from folk to street music, barber shop to New Grass – there’s going to be something for everyone! Take a blanket and a picnic along, or grab something to eat from one of the street food stalls or the Abbey Refectory Café, and keep your fingers crossed for good weather. This is a free family-friendly event, so if you fancy some live music this weekend, Hexham Abbey is the place to be on Saturday 22nd.
Love Local Weekend – National Trust Ormesby Hall – Sat 22nd and Sun 23rd June
Ormesby Hall are hosting a weekend of fabulous, free things to do, showcasing the best of what Teesside has to offer. On Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd, it’s their Love Local event, where you’ll be able to visit the National Trust site completely free of charge, giving you access to the house, gardens, cafe and second hand bookshop. There’s going to be a guided walk around the grounds at 11.30am, book packs hidden around the site for kids to find and take home to keep, and live music performances throughout the day in the marquee. And as if that wasn’t enough, there’ll be a market across both days with hot food, sweet treats, gifts and so much more, all from Teesside local traders. It sounds like it’s going to be a really lovely weekend and perfect if you want something family-friendly and low-cost. You can find more info and updates on the National Trust Ormesby Hall social media pages.
The Kite Runner – Newcastle Theatre Royal – Tues 25th to Sat 29th June
Direct from Broadway, the theatrical tour de force that is The Kite Runner is heading to the UK with a stop off at Newcastle Theatre Royal. Based on the international best selling novel of the same name, this play is a haunting tale of friendship spans cultures and continents and follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption. It’s a beautiful afternoon in Kabul, the skies are full of colour and the streets are full of the excitement of a kite flying tournament, but no one can foresee the terrible incident that will shatter their lives forever. It’s an emotional one for sure, but totally outstanding and unforgettable too, so if you like the sound of that, it’s on from Tuesday 25th to Saturday 29th and you can get your tickets from the Newcastle Theatre Royal website.
Fleetwood Mac By Candlelight – Middlesbrough Town Hall – Fri 28th June
We had a lot of these candlelight concerts in the winter, thanks to the darker nights, but if you’re missing the magic or haven’t been to see one yet, then fear not. Fleetwood Mac By Candlelight is on at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Friday 28th and it’ll be an amazing way to hear the band’s music like you’ve never heard it before. Featuring an incredible cast of West End singers and awesome live band, it’ll be a ‘Landslide’ of concert, jam-packed with Fleetwood Mac hits, like The Chain, Don’t Stop and Rhiannon, to name just a few. And all of them will be performed by atmospheric candlelight, so it should be really special. If you’re a Fleetwood Mac fan or just love live music, this could be totally up your street, so get your tickets booked on the Middlesbrough Town Hall website.
The Rising at Raby Castle – open now!
There’s a brand new destination to visit called The Rising, which has only just opened in the past week, so it’s completely fresh and exciting. It’s the newest, large development at Raby Castle with 5 acres that encompass heritage buildings, immaculately remodelled gardens, stylish shopping and local food. The Coach House has been repurposed and renovated to create an exhibition space that tells the story of the castle’s history, The Stables has been transformed into an elegant retail space with homeware and gifts, and the new Vinery Cafe Restaurant is a recreation of the glass house that stood on the same spot. The 18th century walled garden looks absolutely stunning too, so if you’re a keen gardener or flower enthusiast, you’re going to love it here. It sounds like the perfect place to spend a sunny day for a bit of a meander, so find more info on the Raby Castle website and plan your visit.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
