Looking for something to do at the 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 4th to Sunday 14th July (I usually do Thurs to Thurs, but there’s some great events I couldn’t leave out!).
Durham Brass Festival – across County Durham – Fri 5th to Sat 13th July
We’re starting in Durham for nine days of music with Durham Brass Festival. This starts from Friday 5th to Saturday 13th, with so many brass-based events crammed in right the way across County Durham. There’s going to be free pop up brass gigs in multiple towns over the entirety of the festival, like Newton Aycliffe, Shildon and Crook, to name just a few places, as well as a Streets Of Brass event this Sunday, which will see the streets of Durham City come to life with music and various bands playing. All of them will then join together for the finale, so don’t miss that. And if you’re available this Saturday night, there’s a big free brass concert on in Wharton Park, which is, again, totally free of charge. If you want to know more about the Durham Brass Festival or see the full programme, head to brassfestival.co.uk
KAPOW! – Stockton Globe – Sat 6th July
This is an annual family-friendly sci-fi event that is completely free to attend, and this year, it’s bigger and better than ever. From dinosaurs to Daleks, Bumblebee to Stormtroopers, sci-fi fans of all ages will be able to enjoy an exciting variety of activities, workshops and of course character appearances when KAPOW! arrives at its new home of the Stockton Globe on Saturday 6th July. There will be everything from trader stalls, film and TV props, roaming dinosaurs, cosplay and exciting competitions. People of all fandoms and interests are welcome, and as I mentioned, this is free to attend, so there’s no need to book a ticket – just simply turn up on the day and enjoy yourself. If you’d like to know more, take a look at the Stockton Globe website.
Summer Streets Festival – Roker, Sunderland – Sat 6th and Sun 7th July
If you like music, arts and culture, you’ll love Summer Streets Festival in Roker. This is the festival’s tenth birthday, so the organisers have pulled out all the stops to make it the best yet. This is happening across Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th, with a brilliant line up of live music to enjoy, including Sunderland’s rising star, Tom A Smith, Mackem punks, Dead Wet Things, and the Royal Northern Sinfonia, it’s a real mixed bag with something for everyone. But that’s not all! There’ll be mini theatre performances, speedy poetry open mic sessions, weaving workshops, kids music sessions, street food and so much more. It’s looking like a jam-packed couple of days, so you’ll be totally spoiled for choice. This is another free event to enjoy, but if you want more info, head to the Summer Streets Festival website.
Leo’s Fest – Sedgefield Racecourse – Sat 6th July
Another brilliant festival, but this time, it’s all for the kids. Leo’s Fest is an annual event that aims to raise funds for the Neonatal charity, Leo’s, by creating a world of play and imagination for families to enjoy. There’s absolutely loads on as part of this festival, like taster sessions with award-winning children’s providers, like Lingotots, Mini First Aid and Mix It Up Music. There’s also going to be lots of free-play opportunities, like inflatables, laser tag, fort building, a pop up beach and so much more. And grown ups, don’t worry, there’ll be street food to enjoy, a mini high street to browse and roving entertainment, so you wont feel left out. Not only will you have a fun-filled day, your tickets will help to raise crucial funds for families who experience neonatal care or pregnancy and baby loss. That’s on Saturday 6th at Sedgefield Racecourse, so if you’d like to book your ticket or get more info, head to the Leo’s Fest Facebook page.
This Is South Tyneside Festival – South Shields – Sat 6th and Sun 7th July
It’s very clear that we’re well and truly in festival season now, and another one that’s kicking off this weekend is the July programme as part of This Is South Tyneside Festival. On Saturday 6th, get yourself to South Shields Town Hall to see the spectacular South Tyneside Summer Parade make its way to Bents Park on the seafront. Be amazed by colourful costumes, dances and music, all in the theme of ‘celebration’, then enjoy the Bents Park entertainment, like a silent disco, stilt walkers, live music, craft stalls and so much more. Then on Sunday 7th, the fun continues with Entertainment By The Sea at Sandhaven Promenade, like an interactive Alice In Wonderland show or the aerial dance performance. Or if you’re looking for something a bit more chilled out, there’s Proms in the Park on in Bents Park. And what makes this weekend of fun even better is that it’s totally free to enjoy ahead of the big concerts at the amphitheatre later this month, so look out for those. Find more info on the South Tyneside Festival website.
Proms in the Park – South Park, Darlington – Sun 7th July
If the Proms in the Park of South Tyneside tickled your fancy, you’ll be pleased to know that you’ve got another option if you’re closer to the Tees Valley. On Sunday 7th, you can head to South Park in Darlington to sit by the bandstand and enjoy the sounds of the annual Proms in the Park there. This free event offers music for all tastes and ages from bands from across the region, and you’re guaranteed to hum, sing or foot tap along to one or two numbers. Why not take a picnic and a blanket or camping chairs, and get settled in for a really lovely afternoon? There’s no tickets required, just simply turn up at South Park this Sunday, but if you’d like more info, take a look at the Enjoy Darlington website.
The Bootleg Beatles and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra – The Glasshouse – Sun 7th July
This is a must see multimedia show for Beatles fans of all ages. The incredible Bootleg Beatles and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra are joining forces to celebrate The Beatles’ Blue Album in a way you’ve never heard it before. This collaboration is a 50th anniversary celebration of The Beatles 1967-1970, a period that covers hits like Let It Be, Penny Lane and All You Need Is Love. This is an extraordinary one-off chance to hear these songs and more played against the backdrop of a full throttle symphonic sound, bringing the concert that never was to life. That’s on at The Glasshouse in Gateshead on Sunday 7th and the tickets are incredibly low, so run don’t walk if you fancy it.
Mouth of the Tyne Festival – Tynemouth Priory and Castle – Thurs 11th to Sun 14th July
More live music now with the Mouth Of The Tyne Festival from Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th at the gorgeous Tynemouth Priory and Castle. This is set to be a massive few days of music and entertainment, with multiple stages and headliners including Rick Astley, Heather Small, Ocean Colour Scene and local lad, Andrew Cushin. And that’s not all because there’s a packed programme of street theatre too, like wheelchair dancing, acrobatics, ventriloquism, people inside giant balloons and just a touch of silliness, as well as street food to help you keep those dancing feet going. It’s going to be a fantastic few days, so if you’d like more info or to book your tickets, visit the Mouth Of The Tyne website.
Make & Mend Festival – Ormesby Hall – Sun 14th July
And last, but by no means least, this event isn’t on until next Sunday, but I wanted to bring it to the table a little earlier so that no one misses out. Make & Mend Festival is a celebration of all things craft, colour and wellbeing, and it’s all happening at Ormesby Hall in Middlesbrough on Sunday 14th. It’s the perfect introduction to a range of crafts and gives you the chance to try something new or enhance your existing skills. A ticket gets you entry and one workshop of your choice, and the options include macrame, paper cutting, polymer jewellery, punch needle and so much more. There’ll also be free drop in sessions to try out, like yoga or felt flower making, and demos to watch, as well as a makers market to treat yourself to a little something. And if you’re torn between workshops, there’s always the option to add an extra one to your ticket! This is one of my personal favourites, so I really recommend it to the crafty and creative folks out there. It’s getting booked up fast, so visit the Make & Mend Festival website for tickets.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
