Looking for something to do in early to mid to late February 2025 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 13th February to Friday 21sth February.
Snowdrop Walks and Astro Ventures Venus Valentine Spectacle – Howick Hall & Arboretum – from now until March for snowdrops, Sun 16th Feb for Astro Ventures
We’re starting in beautiful Northumberland at Howick Hall and Arboretum for a couple of different things. The first is their Snowdrop Walks, which are on from now until March, where you’ll get to see a huge collection of snowdrops peeking up to signify spring. These huge carpets of snowdrops were mainly planted between the wars by Lady Grey, who was a big bulb enthusiast, but over time, a number of natural hybrid’s have evolved and multiplied to make a sea of pretty white flowers.
The other event that you can enjoy at Howick Hall is on Sunday 16th and it’s all about space. Astro Ventures are heading to the venue to give visitors a chance to see a Venus Valentine’s weekend spectacle. You’ll be able to see the planet, alongside Jupiter and Mars, with the provided telescopes and binoculars, and there’ll be hot drinks on hand too to keep you toasty in the dark. It sounds like a great time to visit Howick Hall, so you can find all the info you need on their website.
The Rock Orchestra – Sunderland Empire – Sun 16th Feb
If you’re after something a bit different, maybe a bit haunting and atmospheric, then you’ll love The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight. This is a spellbinding 90 minute show that infuses rock and metal anthems from the last 50 years with a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. In the ethereal, candlelit theatre, the band of 14 classical musicians in rhinestone-decorated skeleton masks will play an array of familiar tunes, which will sound so magical on classical instruments. These shows always bring in absolutely glowing reviews for the music and energy, so if that sounds like a bit of you, it’s on at the Sunderland Empire on Sunday 16th and you can get your tickets on the Empire site.
Queen Extravaganza – O2 City Hall Newcastle – Mon 17th Feb
Queen fans or those who just love really great music are gonna be excited about this. The Queen Extravaganza is back in the North East at the O2 City Hall Newcastle on Monday 17th and it’s a must if you’re looking for an amazing show. This act is made up of musicians hand-picked by Roger Taylor and Brian May, so you can expect as close to the real thing as possible and 90 minutes of Queen classics for you to Freddie-style belt along to, like We Will Rock You, Somebody To Love and, of course, Bohemian Rhapsody. It sounds like it’s going to be absolutely brilliant, but like I say, they’re down to the last few tickets, so check out the O2 City Hall Newcastle website to grab yours.
Dial M For Mayhem – Darlington Hippodrome – Wed 19th to Sat 22nd Feb
If it’s theatre that you want, then look no further than Dial M For Mayhem at the Darlington Hippodrome. This is a brand new, charming comedy drama from the author and director of the hugely successful courtroom phenomenon, The Verdict. Set in 1991, it follows of a group of travelling actors from south of the Scottish border as they conquer the beautiful unforgiving landscape of the Highlands and Islands village hall circuit to perform Frederick Knott’s classic 1950’s thriller, Dial M For Murder. It’s had rave reviews and sounds hilarious, so it’s ideal if you want something light hearted and funny. It’s on from Wednesday 19th to Saturday 22nd, and you can get the last of the tickets from the Darlington Hippodrome website.
Live Skies in the Planetarium – Life Science Centre – Thurs 20th Feb
Another space-themed event now with Live Skies in the Planetarium at the Life Science Centre in Newcastle. With this event, you can enjoy a tour of the night skies – just as they would look on the evening of your visit, but without weather or light pollution spoiling the view. The presenter will share the history and mythology surrounding the patterns of stars and take a deeper look at this season’s chosen constellation, which is Orion. You get to sit or lean back in comfy, cinema-style seats, absorb the high res visuals and be enveloped in the stunning sounds. This on Thursday 20th and these events always sell out, so make sure you hop over to the Life Centre website to book ASAP.
Illuminated Trail – The Story, Durham – Fri 21st to Sun 23rd Feb
We love a good light trail in the North East and usually they’re reserved for later in the year, but The Story in Durham are doing their first ever Illuminated Trail on Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd. There’s going to be light installations, projections and even a fire garden to bring the building and grounds alive, including some brand new commissions by North East artists. There’s going to be a large-scale projection that turns the etchings on the wall of the new archives into an animated tapestry, there’s an installation that sees hundreds images of real life people and stories brought together, and even a flock of 30 life-sized model sheep. And the best bit about all of this is that it’s free to visit, but you will need to book tickets, so you can do that and find more info on The Story’s website.
All Change: S&DR200 opening spectacle – Kynren – not until 29th March, but tickets available now and going fast
This event isn’t on until 29th March, but it’s going to be a popular one, and I thought I’d bring it to the table today to make sure no one misses out. S&DR200 is a 9 month festival of events all themed around the 200 years since the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. And to mark the start of the celebrations, there’s going to be an opening event called All Change at the Kynren site. It will speed through 200 years of railway history and major historical moments, from the Industrial Revolution, two World Wars to the present, celebrating the transformative power of trains on the landscape and our lives. Think large-scale set pieces, 400 drones, 80 performers and original music to bring an absolute spectacular to the stage. Tickets for this are just £5 each and will sell fast because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be involved in this historical moment. You can book your spots now via the S&DR200 website.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
