Looking for something to do mid-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 11th to Thursday 18th July.
Northumberland Balloon Festival – Tynedale Rugby Club, Corbridge – Fri 12th to Sun 14th July
We’re starting off strong this week with the Northumberland Balloon Festival at Tynedale Rugby Club in Corbridge. Now, when I say balloons, I don’t mean your run of the mill, birthday balloons – I’m talking about amazing hot air balloons. From Friday 12th until Sunday 14th, there’s a huge line up of fantastic activities to enjoy, including a fairground, live music, roaming entertainment, street food, and so much more. And of course, there’s up to 25 hot air balloons coming along, so you can expect to see magical night time balloon shows, activity throughout the days, and sunrise ascents if you’re up early enough. It’s not often that you get to see hot air balloons up close, so I think this is going to be a brilliant, family-friendly weekend and you can get your tickets on the Northumberland Balloon Festival website.
Outdoor Adventure Cinema – Raby Castle – Fri 12th to Sun 14th July
I love an outdoor cinema and what better location to have one than at the stunning Raby Castle? Adventure Cinema are a touring company who take their outdoor film experiences around the UK and they’re doing a stop at Raby this weekend. From Friday 12th to Sunday 14th, there are five different films to enjoy, including The Greatest Showman sing-a-long version, Encanto and Pretty Woman, so there’s films just for grown ups and films for the whole family. The Saturday evening will also see a Mamma Mia outdoor extravaganza, with an ABBA disco, street food and bar before the movie starts, and fancy dress is absolutely encouraged. Tickets for all films are selling super fast, so head to the Adventure Cinema website to book your places.
Seaham Carnival – Church Street and The Green – Sat 13th and Sun 14th July
If you’re looking for something to do by the coast this weekend, then this could be the perfect option. The annual Seaham Carnival is rolling back into town with so much to see and do that you’ll be totally spoiled for choice. Set across Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th, there’s going to be a fairground, a line up of films shown on a big outdoor screen, local musicians and tribute acts, a market with over 40 stalls and so much more. And I’ve got it on good merit that if England make it through to the Euros final, you’ll be able to watch the match on the big screen on the Sunday, so there’s something for everyone across the whole weekend. And the best bit is that this is totally free to attend, so there’s no ticket needed – just pop along to the Green in Seaham on Saturday or Sunday.
Ouseburn Festival – across the valley at multiple venues – Sat 13th and Sun 14th July
If you like all things art and culture, or maybe you’re after some more family activities this weekend, then the Ouseburn Festival is the way to go. Spread across multiple venues in the Ouseburn Valley, there’s absolutely tons to enjoy across Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th. I could be here all day telling you about everything that’s going on, but just to give you a little flavour, on Saturday, there’s a full schedule of stand up comedy at Ouseburn Farm, there’s a sound art trail in the Victoria Tunnel, and Tyne boat trips with Newcastle Motor Boat Club. On Sunday, there’s the Ouseburn community parade, a pony party at Stepney Bank Stables, and a treasure hunt at Flea Circus. And to really add the icing on the cake, all of the activities are free and unticketed, so that means you can get stuck in with absolutely everything. It’s looking like a fantastic couple of days, so if you want to see the full line up to plan your trip, head to the Ouseburn Trust website.
Sigala – Bents Park, South Shields – Sun 14th July
This is another fabulous and free outdoor option for the weekend. So if you like a bit of live music, Sigala is performing in Bents Park on Sunday 14th as part of the South Tyneside Festival Sunday Concerts. The chart-topping London-based DJ and producer has worked with some of the biggest names in pop, such as Paloma Faith, Ella Henderson and Becky Hill, making a prominent name in the dance music scene. This is the first of four free Sunday concerts, with Jason Donovan, Sister Sledge and Carol Decker following over the next few weeks, offering something for all music fans. If you’re in the mood to get your dancing shoes on, just head to Bents Park this Sunday and enjoy!
Newcastle Unleashed Comic Con – St James’ Park – Sun 14th July
If you’re a fan of all things comics, sci-fi, horror, gaming or cosplay, you’ll love Newcastle Unleashed Comic Con at St James’ Park on Sunday 14th. And no fandom is going to be left out because there’s all sorts of entertainment and attractions on the line up, like retro gaming, Pokemon displays, table top games, a cosplay masquerade and so much more. There’s also going to be a huge market, selling merchandise and collectable from all our your favourite franchises, and special guests to meet and greet. Entry is £10 or £15 for under 16s and it’s pay on the door, so be sure to take some cash with you. And if you want to have a look at the what’s coming up over the full day, head to the Unleashed Events website.
Radio Gaga – Darlington Hippodrome – Tues 16th July
Queen fans, this one is for you! Be a part of a night like no other and join the celebration of one of the biggest bands to have ever graced the stage – Queen. Radio Gaga is heading to Darlington Hippodrome for one night only on Tuesday 16th for two magical hours that bring the magic, fun and showmanship of the band’s touring days back to life. Playing all your favourite hits including ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, ‘I Want to Break Free’, and of course, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, it’s going to be impossible not sing and dance along. No matter if you’re a diehard Queen fan or someone who just simply loves the hits, this is a show for everyone and it sounds like it’s going to be brilliant. If you fancy it, head to the Darlington Hippodrome website for tickets.
The Country Music Experience – Tyne Theatre & Opera House – Wed 17th July
We’re going to be transported to the Deep South for The Country Music Experience at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House. Rodeo Rhythms are inviting you to throw on those cowboy hats, two step into your boots and head on down to their ranch, where you can dance the night away to some of the biggest country anthems from across the decades! They’ll be performing the music of Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, John Denver and Shania Twain, to name just a handful, so it’s set to be an amazing night for all the country fans. The tickets are incredibly low for this, so if you fancy it, it’s on Wednesday 17th and you can book on the Tyne Theatre & Opera House website.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
