Looking for something to do in late March or start of April 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 27th March to Saturday 5th April.
Helios events – National Trust Seaton Delaval – Thurs 27th March to Sat 5th April
We’re starting at National Trust Seaton Delaval because Helios is now in situ and ready to view with a whole host of events to celebrate. So Helios is a piece of art that features a giant ball suspended from the ceiling with projections from NASA of the sun. It’s essentially as close to the sun as you could get! Now you can go see this artwork until Saturday 5th, but there are lots of events to go along to as well, such as the solar poetry takeaway where you will have your very own sun-themed poem written for you. There’s some Aurora Strings events, where the hall will stay open late and a string quartet will provide a solar-themed soundtrack. And Kielder Observatory will be going on selected dates to chat all things sun and space, so there’s a little bit of all sorts. All of these events I’ve mentioned are on different dates from now until Saturday 5th, so to find out more details, take a look at the National Trust website.
Mums go free at Whitehouse Farm, Morpeth – Sat 29th and Sun 30th March
If you’re looking for a last minute Mother’s Day plan, Whitehouse Farm near Morpeth could be a shout. On Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th, mums go free, so this could be a great option for a family-friendly day out. Now if you’ve never been to Whitehouse Farm before, it’s absolutely packed to the rafters with things to do, like lamb feeding, tractor rides, all weather tobogganing and so much more. There’s things for kids of all ages and with the saving on mum’s ticket, this would be a fab way to fill a day. If you want any more info or fancy booking a day at the farm this weekend, check out the Whitehouse Farm website.
Mothering Sunday – Beamish Museum – Sun 30th March
A trip to Beamish is always a lovely idea, but it’s even better during their special events and occasions, and they’re celebrating Mother’s Day on Sunday 30th. The main attraction is their screening of Singin’ In The Rain in their 1950s Grand Cinema, a building that brings the original Ryhope Grand back to life. And alongside this film screening, there’ll be traditional craft activities at various points around the living museum, all inspired by Mother’s Days of the past, as well as all the usual activities that Beamish offers. The film screening requires a separate ticket to the general admission, but when you book an admission ticket, you get entry for 12 months, which is a nice little bonus. You can find more details about Mother’s Day and tickets on the Beamish Museum website.
The Rocky Horror Show – Darlington Hippodrome – Mon 31st March to Sat 5th April
Calling all wild and untamed things, The Rocky Horror Show is rolling into Darlington Hippodrome next week. This show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet. When their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr Frank’n’Furter and embark on an adventure they’ll never forget, filled with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity. This new world tour will see Motherland star Jackie Clune take on the role of the narrator, and I think she’ll be brilliant. It’s on from Monday 31st to Saturday 5th and you can grab the last of the tickets on the Darlington Hippodrome website.
Candlelight Tribute to Coldplay and Candlelight Tribute to Adele – Ushaw House – Fri 4th April
If there’s one thing we really love in the North East, it’s a candlelight concert and lucky for us, there’s two on at Ushaw house on Friday 4th. So first up, we’ve got a tribute to Coldplay at 6pm, so you can expect heart melting renditions of Yellow, Speed of Sound and Fix You. And the next is a tribute to Adele at 8:30pm, so this should be one for all the romantics out there, with stunning performances of Hello, Someone Like You and Chasing Pavements. Both of these concerts will be held in the chapel at Ushaw, which will be so magical when bathed in the glow of the candlelight and filled with the live music. Like I say, these are on Friday 4th, so if you want tickets, you’ll need to book through the Ushaw House website ASAP.
TINA: The Tina Turner Musical – Sunderland Empire – Wed 26th March to Sat 5th April
West End mega hit show, TINA, is coming to Sunderland Empire as part of its first ever UK and Ireland tour. From humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her triumphant transformation into a multi award-winning global superstar, Tina Turnerdidn’t just break the rules, she rewrote them, and this show celebrates her inspiring story. Of course, it’s set to her plethora of hits, like River Deep, Mountain High, Simply The Best and What’s Love Got To Do With It, so it’s sure to be one that Tina fans and lovers of musicals enjoy. This is on from Wednesday 26th April until Saturday 5th and it’s been very popular so far, so if you want to snatch up any of the last tickets, head on over to the Sunderland Empire website.
Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds – Newcastle Utilita Arena – Sat 5th April
Jeff Wayne’s musical version of The War of The Worlds is back with a monumental new arena tour, including a stop at Newcastle Utilita Arena on Saturday 5th. The show will be conducted by Jeff Wayne and feature a 3D hologram of Liam Neeson as The Journalist, who recounts his story of survival from the Martian invasion of 1898. And not only that, but there’s an all star cast, including Charlie Simpson from Busted, Maisie Smith from Eastenders, Max George from The Wanted and many more. This is a cutting edge show with amazing special effects that’ll make your hairs stand on end and it truly isn’t one to miss. There are just a handful of tickets left, so if you fancy it, scoot on over to the Newcastle Utilita Arena site to book.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
