Looking for something to do in mid-November 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 7th November to Friday 15th November.
The Argie Bhaji – Wylam Brewery, Newcastle – Fri 8th and Sat 9th Nov
We’re starting in Newcastle for something that the foodies among us will love. Wylam Brewery run regular food battle events, and Friday 8th and Saturday 9th are all about the Argie Bhaji, which is a battle of the curries. So the idea is that a collective of the North East’s top curry specialists come together and you’re invited to sample as many of them as you want, then vote for your favourite. They’ll all be aiming for the win and My Delhi in Sunderland have won two years in a row, so could this be their third? Alongside the Indian food traders, there’ll be a range of other treats to enjoy, like The Yolker scotch eggs, churros and gelato, plus a dedicated gin bar and DJs. As I say, that’s on tomorrow and Saturday from 12pm until 10:30pm, and it’s free entry. All you need to do is pay for the curries, so head to Wylam Brewery to get in on the action.
Whitby Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival – Whitby Pavilion – Fri 8th to Sun 10th Nov
If it’s live music you want this weekend, then Whitby Pavilion are treating you to a three day festival in two parts from Friday 8th until Sunday 10th. So first of all, we’ve got Whitby Rocks tomorrow, where you can enjoy a night of the best local rock musicians, like Loz Campbell and Jack J. Hutchinson. Then on Saturday and Sunday, we’ve got the two day Whitby Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival with a line up of local, national and international artists. So you can either pick up individual day tickets or grab yourself a three day festival ticket and really make a weekend of it. It should be a really great time, so if you want any more info or any last minute tickets, head to the Whitby Pavilion website.
A Christmas Through Time – Bamburgh Castle – Sat 9th Nov to Sun 5th Jan
I know some people absolutely recoil at the mention of Christmas in November, but for those of us who are excited, like me, you might be interested in this. So this is A Christmas Through Time at Bamburgh Castle and I’m not sure it gets more festive than Christmas in a castle. Designer, Charlotte Lloyd Webber, will be taking visitors on a magical journey through a dazzling winter wonderland as they experience Christmases past, present and future in the castle’s state rooms. Meet merry-making characters, marvel at festive tales and Viking sails below shimmering Northern Lights and delve into Christmas traditions. This opens from Saturday 9th November and is on until Sunday 5th January, so you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy it and it’s included with castle admission, so you can explore the rest of the grounds too. If that sounds up your street, you can book your entry on the Bamburgh Castle website.
Giant Indoor and Outdoor Christmas Market – Gateshead International Stadium – Sun 10th Nov
We’re going to start seeing lots of Christmas markets popping up over the next few weeks, but we’re starting off the market season with a biggie. The clue is in the name with this one, it’s the Giant Indoor and Outdoor Christmas Market at Gateshead International Stadium on Sunday 10th and it sounds absolutely massive. There’s going to be over 200 stalls at this event, covering a whole range of gifts and maybe some treats for yourself, so you might be able to make a big dent in your Christmas shopping. There’s also going to a range of food and drinks on offer, like hog roast, wood fired pizza and, of course, mulled wine because it’s not a Christmas market without a bit of mulled wine. There’s fair ground rides as well to keep kids entertained, so this is a great option for families, and to make it even better, it’s free entry. You do need to book tickets though, so you can reserve your free tickets on the Gateshead International Stadium website.
Hairspray – Newcastle Theatre Royal – Mon 11th to Sat 16th Nov
If it’s a trip to the theatre you want, you’ll love Hairspray at Newcastle Theatre Royal. This show follows the big hearted Tracy Turnblad as she tries to pursue her dream of appearing on the Corny Collins TV show and tries to change the world against racial discrimination. This particular run of the show stars Strictly’s Joanne Clifton, so look out for her, and enjoy some of musical theatre’s biggest songs, like You Can’t Stop The Beat and Welcome To The 60s. The show has wowed audiences around the world and it’s so fun-filled that it’ll be hard to sit still. This is on from Monday 11th to Saturday 16th and if you want to go along, you can book your tickets on the Newcastle Theatre Royal website.
Blood Brothers – Darlington Hippodrome – Tues 12th to Sat 16th Nov
Another fabulous theatre option next week is the incredible Blood Brothers at Darlington Hippodrome. This show tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. This is one of the greats with over 10,000 performances in the West End, and it’s only one of three musicals to have achieved that milestone, and is guaranteed to bring audiences to their feet every night. It’s emotional, exhilarating and an absolute must-see for musical fans. It’s on from Tuesday 12th to Saturday 16th and you can get tickets on the Darlington Hippodrome website.
Uncanny Lands – Tyneside Cinema – Thurs 14th and Fri 15th Nov
This is something that’s really different and unusual, and I think it’ll get booked up quick, so you’ll have to run to the Tyneside Cinema site to get your tickets. But Uncanny Lands is an immersive and dining experience where you’ll watch a special screening of the 1971 classic The Blood On Satan’s Claw. This will be accompanied by an autumnal themed two course menu inspired by forests, fields and furrows. You’ll get to play folk horror bingo and then after the film is done, there’ll be a crackling campfire with hot chocolate and ghostly storytelling. It sounds like a brilliant, alternative night out and the last two dates to book on to are Thursday 14th and Friday 15th, so head to the Tyneside Cinema website to book yours.
Christmas at the Palace – Auckland Palace – from Fri 15th Nov to Tues 31st Dec
We’re rounding off this week with Christmas because why the heck not and for this final event, I’m talking about something brand new in Bishop Auckland. Christmas at the Palace starts on Friday 15th and will see Auckland Palace transformed with a touch of festive magic. The state rooms, St Peter’s Chapel and Bishop’s apartment will all be adorned with traditional Christmas decorations, winter-warming tones and a twist of golden opulence to suit the Prince Bishops who once ruled from the ancient seat of power. It’s set to be a really enchanting event and it’s going to be amazing to see the palace in a totally new way. It’s sure to be one that gives you all the warm fuzzy feelings, so if you fancy it, it’s on until Tuesday 31st December, so there’s plenty of time to visit and you can get your tickets on the Auckland Project website.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
