Looking for something to do at the end of June or start of July 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 27th June to Thursday 4th July.
Darlington Community Carnival – town centre & Stanhope Park – Sat 29th June
We’re starting in Darlington for a day of fun and colour at the Darlington Community Carnival on Saturday 29th. This annual event is a fantastic, free and family-friendly day with so much to see and do, and this year, it’s all themed around British wildlife. The whole thing will start with a huge parade in the town centre heading to Stanhope Park, featuring schools and community groups in their wildlife-themed costumes. There’s also going to be over 25 outdoor performances from local groups such as Platform Perform, the EnPointe Dance Company and The Majestic theatre team, to name just a few. And as if that wasn’t enough, there’s going to be street food, stalls to browse and even more entertainment, so it’s a great option if you’re after something to with the whole family this weekend. Make sure you take a look at the Darlington Community Carnival for more info and updates.
Rock The Romans – Arbeia Roman Fort, South Shields – Sat 29th June
If it’s live music you’re after this weekend, then I’ve got a couple of options that you might be interested in. The first is Rock The Romans at Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields, featuring local band, Rivelino, who are back by popular demand for this event. This group is one of the most popular cover bands in the North East, playing a range of hits from the likes of Bruce Springsteen and The Killers, through to The Rolling Stones and Oasis. They play with a lot of enthusiasm and a touch of humour, and they love a bit of audience participation, so be ready to sing and dance along. This is on the afternoon of Saturday 29th, so you could absolutely make a day of it with a wander through the museum too. If you fancy it, take a look at the Arbeia Roman Fort website to book your tickets.
Tynemouth Fake Festival – Percy Park – Sat 29th June
The second live music option I’ve got for you is Tynemouth Fake Festival on Saturday 29th at Percy Park in North Shields, which is basically a festival of cover artists. They’re bringing six professional ‘touring-grade’ tribute bands that look, sound and move like the real rockstars – you have to see them to believe it! These artists include tributes to Alanis Morissette, Bon Jovi, Stereophonics, Kasabian, Foo Fighters and Queen, so there’s a bit of something in there for everyone. And there’s so much more than just the music too – there’ll be face painting and festival glitter, inflatables and games for all ages, and street food traders, so it’s set to be massive. The tickets for this are running really low, so if you fancy it, you’ll need to get in there quick, so get over to the Fake Festivals website to book.
Storyland 2024 – Queen’s Hall & Sele Park, Hexham – Sun 30th June
We talked about Hexham Book Festival a couple of months ago, which was something for the grown ups, but Storyland is the Book Festival’s family festival, so this will be perfect if you’ve got little bookworms. On Sunday 30th June, Queen’s Hall and Sele Park in Hexham will be brought to life with fun workshops, storytelling sessions, meet and greets with authors, and more over the course of the day. There really is so much on and a lot of it is free too, including the big book swap, circus show and reading dean. There are some ticketed events that have a small cost, like the aerial workshops and storytelling sessions, but there’ll be plenty to do even if you don’t book any of these. And of course, there’ll be community stalls and street food too, so you could definitely make a day out of it. If you want more info, take a look at the Hexham Book Festival website and follow the prompts to Storyland.
Classic Car Show – Raby Castle – Sun 30th June
Raby Castle are collaborating with Durham Automobile Club to bring a day of classic cars to the grounds on Sunday 30th. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out, you can join in with all the goings on in the Deer Park. Ticket holders will be treated to a unique experience with a chance to browse the vehicle displays and enjoy the extensive Raby Castle Park too. Cars from the 1950s right up to modern classics will be showcased with awards being presented for each car class and there are still tickets available for those who want to bring a classic car along with them as well. The Raby Estate chef will also be serving up both breakfast and lunch with sausage and bacon sandwiches in the morning, and Raby Longhorn beef burgers on the BBQ in the afternoon. It should be a really lovely way to spend this Sunday, so if you want to book your tickets, head to the Raby Castle website.
Unfortunate – Newcastle Theatre Royal – Tues 2nd to Thurs 4th July
This is something a bit different and will definitely sing to all the hearts of the Disney fans out there, or even those people who just love a good villain origin story. We’ve got Unfortunate on at the Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 2nd to Thursday 4th July, and this parody musical is the story of what turned Ursula, the sea witch from The Little Mermaid, into the devilish diva she is in the film. With an original hot pop soundtrack and trademark cheeky humour, it’s time to take the plunge and dive into this year’s hottest night out. Despite this being based on a Disney film, it’s not recommended for under 16s, so that’s something to keep in mind when you’re booking, but from what I’ve heard, it’s absolutely hilarious. If that sounds like it’s up your street, book your tickets on the Newcastle Theatre Royal website.
Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time – Middlesbrough Town Hall – Thurs 4th July
We love a bit of comedy in the North East and I reckon that as a collective, we’ve got one of the best sense of humours in the UK, but sometimes we need to use that sense of humour to deal with the difficult things in life, and that’s what Ed Byrne is exploring in his show Tragedy Plus Time. He’s on at the Middlesbrough Town Hall on Thursday 4th July with a set that’s open about grief, regret and holding your loved ones close, despite everything, while you still have the chance, all through the medium of comedy, of course. It had rave reviews after appearing at Edinburgh Fringe last year, so if you’re a fan of comedy, this one is definitely for you, and you can get your tickets now on the Middlesbrough Town Hall website.
Julius Caesar Outdoor Theatre – Kirkleatham Museum – Thurs 4th and Fri 5th July
Now that we’re finally getting some warmer weather, I think we’re going to see lots more cool and unique outdoor events popping up, and I think this one is going to be brilliant. We’ve got an outdoor theatre appearing at Kirkleatham Museum on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th July with performances of Julius Caesar. Set in 44BC Rome, the city is in chaos, trust in the government is weak and the emperor’s fate is written in the stars. You can expect the tearing of togas, the swishing of roman swords, some preposterous puppetry, and the biggest battle scene five actors have ever created. It’s suitable for everyone from 7 to 107, so I think this will be a great way to see some theatre without having to sit in a theatre. To find out more or book your tickets, take a look at the What’s On page of the Enjoy Redcar & Cleveland website.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
