Looking for something to do mid-February 2024 in the North East? I’ve got you covered. 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 8th to Friday 16th February.
Whitby Steampunk Weekend – Whitby Pavilion – Sat 10th and Sun 11th
We’re starting in Whitby for the 15th Steampunk Weekend. This is being held Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th at the Whitby Pavilion, and you can expect two days of pure extravagance and whimsy. There’ll be over 70 traders to shop from, as well as workshops, 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.
Super Space Half Term – Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens – from Sat 10th to Sun 25th
If you’re looking for an out of this world idea for February, then this could be perfect. Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens are hosting Super Space Half Term from Saturday 10th through to Sunday 25th, and as the name might suggest, this event is all about intergalactic activities. There’s a remarkable rockets trail around the gardens, a searching for the stars indoor trail around the historic house, and a bottle rocket workshop that you can grab tickets for on the Ushaw website. This sounds like it’ll be a lot of fun, so if you’ve got little ones to entertain over February, make sure you take a look at this.
Ranger Jane Seashore Safaris – Seahouses – Sat 10th and Sun 11th
I know that the weather at the minute hasn’t exactly been very beachy, but it’s actually been pretty great for rockpooling and no one knows that better than Ranger Jane in Seahouses. She’s putting on Seashore Safaris throughout February, starting this Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th, where you’ll head out as a group in your wellies to see what you can find in the sand and rockpools. Jane will be able to tell you lots of fun facts and maybe even help you find things that you didn’t even know existed. I grew up with a mum who loved taking us rockpooling and fossil hunting, so this sings to my soul, and if it sounds up your street too, take a look at Ranger Jane Beach School to book your spaces.
Murder Trial Tonight – Newcastle O2 City Hall – Sat 10th
If you’re a fan of a whodunnit and always find yourself trying to suss out the bad guy in a crime drama, then you might love this. Murder Trial Tonight gives you the experience of a courtroom-setting with a fast-paced trial where the show audience plays the jury. It begins with the backstory, then the trial takes place, complete with prosecution, defence and cross examination, and closing with the audience delivering their final verdict. It’s a super immersive and thrilling experience, and you can catch it at the Newcastle O2 City Hall on Saturday10th , so take a look at the website to book your tickets.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong – Newcastle Theatre Royal – from Mon 12th to Sat 17th
This sounds absolutely hilarious and if you’ve seen the award-winning Play That Goes Wrong, then you’ll love this. So Peter Pan Goes Wrong is a play within a play that sees the members of the Cornley Drama Society attempt to perform J.M. Barrie’s classic story of Peter Pan, but with all kinds of technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes. It’s such a unique brand of comedy that’s really popular, so the tickets are running super low. It’s on at the Newcastle Theatre Royal from Monday 12th to Saturday 17th, so if you want to get yourself booked in, get in there while you still can.
That’ll Be The Day – Darlington Hippodrome – Tues 13th and Wed 14th
That’ll Be The Day is the world’s leading rock ‘n’ roll show and it’s back on the road to take audiences on a journey through the years. Combining rib-tickling comedy sketches and impersonations with spectacular vocals and music, has been touring and celebrating the 50s through to the 80s for over 35 years. It’s described as the ultimate feel-good experience, which I don’t think anyone can say no to. It’s on at the Darlington Hippodrome on Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th, so get booked on the Hippodrome’s website.
The Beatles By Candlelight – Durham Cathedral – Thurs 15th
People go wild for these candlelight concerts, but I think for me, the ones that are at Durham Cathedral sound so special because I bet the atmosphere is just magical. The next candlelight concert at the cathedra is dedicated to The Beatles, and that’ll be on on Thursday 15th. This event will see a cast of West End singers and a live band “Come Together” to play 40 of the fab four’s hits as you’ve never heard them before, including Let It Be, Hey Jude and All You Need Is Love. It should be really magical so get those tickets booked while you can.
Diversity – Stockton Globe – Fri 16th
Diversity are going on a massive 66 date tour across the UK and Ireland, and we’re lucky enough to have a stop off at the Stockton Globe on Friday 16th. They are one of Britain’s most successful dance groups after they won Britain’s Got Talent all the way back in 2009, resulting in countless sell-out shows and tons of TV appearances. You expect super tight, punchy routines with massive energy and even some acrobatics for good measure. They’re down to the very last few tickets, so take a look at the Stockton Globe to book.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
