Looking for something to do at the end 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 25th to Thursday 1st August.
Hullabaloo in the Park – South Park, Darlington – Fri 26th to Sun 28th July
We’re starting in Darlington for the fabulous Hullabaloo in the Park. This is a fun-filled festival that’s designed for kids aged 0 to 10 that’s taking over the whole of South Park with music, dance, storytelling, messy play, craft workshops and so much more. In fact, there’s over 31 different activities squeezed in between Friday 26th to Sunday 28th, and the best bit is that it’s all totally free. That means you can take a walk through an Alice in Wonderland experience, join a giant’s picnic or make a clay critter without spending a penny. So if you’re after something family-friendly this weekend, Hullabaloo in the Park could be perfect for you and you can find more info on the Theatre Hullabaloo website.
Whitby Steampunk Weekend – Whitby Pavilion – Sat 27th and Sun 28th July
The Whitby Steampunk Weekend is back for its 16th year and it’s considered as one of the biggest steampunk events in the UK. This is being held on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th at the Whitby Pavilion, and you can expect two days of pure extravagance and whimsy. There’ll be over 80 traders to shop from, as well as demonstrations, live entertainment, presentations and so much more. And of course, this is an event that invites you to get dressed up to the nines, so if you’re a fan of the steampunk look, this is the perfect opportunity to put on your very best. This is a family-friendly event with free entry during the day, so go and check it out.
Soundwave Festival – Seaton Carew – Sat 27th July
If it’s live music you want this weekend, look no further than Soundwave Festival on Seaton Carew beach. They had a massive debut last year and they’re back with a bang for 2024, bringing headliners, Kaiser Chiefs, to the Teesside coast. Joining them on the line up are British rockers, Feeder, and the voice of M People, Heather Small, as well as some fantastic North East artists, like Finn Forster, Michael Gallagher and The Wildcats of Kilkenny. There’s also a comedy tent, which is being headlined by Paul Sinha, so there’s something for everyone. It’s going to be a huge day, so if you fancy it, it’s on Saturday 27th and you can snatch up some last minute tickets on the Soundwave Festival website.
Kynren – Bishop Auckland – from Sat 27th July
I mentioned Kynren a couple of weeks back, so hopefully everyone’s got their tickets sorted, but if not, it officially starts on Saturday 27th and is on every Saturday until 14th September. It’s an outdoor theatre spectacular that tells 2000 years of British history with some pivotal North East moments thrown in too, like the story of the Durham Prince Bishops and the first Miner’s Gala. It’s set on a 7.5 acre stage with a cast of over 1000 people and 150 live animals, and it truly is magical. There’s hand to hand combat, fireworks, amazing sets, incredible choreography and special effects that will absolutely make your jaw drop. It truly isn’t like anything I’ve ever seen before, so I really urge everyone to check it out and grab tickets on the 11 Arches website.
1940s Weekend – Aln Valley Railway – Sat 27th and Sun 28th July
Sticking with the history theme, Aln Valley Railway have got a 1940s Weekend event on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th. They’re taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane with vintage vehicles, historical re-enactments, live music and a miniature railway. Blyth Battery will also be there with some pieces from the museum for people to get up close to and there will be steam trains running all day for people to experience. It sounds like a really lovely mix of things to do and they’re encouraging visitors to dress in their best 1940s outfit, so grab your tickets from the Aln Valley Railway website and head to Lionheart Station in Alnwick for a great day out.
Saltburn Food Festival – Sun 28th July
If you’re a foodie and looking for a tasty day out, Saltburn Food Festival is the way to go. On Sunday 28th, the streets around Saltburn train station will be full to the brim of all kinds of food traders and street food, so whether you’re looking for a slice of pizza, decadent brownies, a little tipple or something else entirely, you’re guaranteed to find something to suit. And there’s more than just shopping available at the festival – you can also take part in a workshop or two! There’s a handmade sushi workshop where you can learn the art of rolling sushi and take home every single roll you make, and there’s a Turkish cooking workshop, where you can make three meze dishes and a flatbread. There’s also a live cookery theatre where you can watch a line up of demonstrations, so there’s all sorts to see and do. Entry is free, so just head to Saltburn this Sunday, or if you’d like to book a workshop, head to the Saltburn Food Festival Facebook page for more details.
West Side Story – Newcastle Theatre Royal – Tues 30th July to Sat 3rd Aug
I have a feeling there’s going to lots going on at our theatres over the summer and the school holidays are starting strong with West Side Story at Newcastle Theatre Royal. Performed by the Newcastle Musical Society, this is the iconic musical that takes the story of Romeo and Juliet, and places it in the 1950s Manhattan. It’s got a rivalry between the Sharks and Jets gangs, and a tragic love story between Maria and Tony, as well as much-loved songs, like There’s A Place For Us, I Feel Pretty and America. It’s on from Tuesday 30th July until Saturday 3rd August, and I think it’s going to be absolutely brilliant, so don’t miss out on tickets. Get yours on the Newcastle Theatre Royal website.
Gruffalo Olympics – Hamsterley Forest – from Thurs 1st Aug
Last but not least, we’ve got something that’s perfect if you want something family-friendly to do next week. Hamsterley Forest are mashing up two worlds to bring a wealth of activities for kids – the Olympics and the Gruffalo. So to celebrate the Gruffalo’s 25th anniversary, Hamsterley Forest are improving their existing trail with some Olympic-sized challenges. Forest explorers will be able to do sporty trials to test their skills and agility, and hunt for the hidden letters to decode an Olympic-themed word. This will be a great way to get kids out in the fresh air and it’s free to do, which is a lovely little extra. That’s on from Thursday 1st August and if you want any more info, take a look at the Forestry England website.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
