Looking for something to do mid-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 18th to Thursday 25th July.
Hopetown Darlington is open now! – McNay Street
We’re starting in Darlington at the brand new visitor attraction, Hopetown. What was once the Head of Steam Museum has now been redeveloped and transformed into much larger site to learn all about the steam railway and how the local area fits into the story. On site, you’ll find a new and improved museum, with lots of fun, interactive features, an exhibition hall that’s currently showing a transport-themed Lego exhibition, an outdoor soundscape, a cafe and shop, and a fabulous playground. We’re currently in the middle of their opening week, but I recommend you visit this weekend because they’ve pulled out all the stops to celebrate. There’ll be live music performances, walkabout street theatre, lino printing drop ins, bubbles and so much more. Entry is free, but there are some paid extras, like the exhibition hall and playground, so check out the Hopetown Darlington website to plan your trip.
Newcastle Fringe Festival – across the city – until Sat 27th July
If you’re in the mood for comedy, music, theatre or cabaret over the next couple of weeks, you might like Newcastle Fringe Festival. This is on now until Saturday 27th and each day is jam-packed with amazing up-and-coming artists, giving them the opportunity to get into the festival scene. There are five independent venues taking part – Alphabetti Theatre, which is acting as a hub, Dance City and Prohibition Cabaret bar in the city centre, and the Old Coal yard and the Cumberland Arms in Ouseburn. There’s absolutely tons to see, like comedy from Lost Voice Guy or Lauren Pattison, poetry open mic sessions, music from an 18 piece jazz orchestra and family-friendly events over the first week of the school holidays. Each event is individually ticketed, so make sure you take a look at the Newcastle Fringe Festival website to see the full line up and plan your visit.
Feast by the Sea – Spanish City Plaza, Whitley Bay – Sat 20th and Sun 21st July
If it’s food you’re after this weekend, then look no further than Feast by the Sea in Whitley Bay. Taking place outside Spanish City over Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st, the plaza is going to be filled with street food serving up all kinds of deliciousness, like dirty smash burgers, woodfired pizzas and loaded naans. And alongside them, there’ll be artisan food traders, well-stocked bars and some live music, and to make it even better, it’s free entry too. These events have been running for a good few years and they’re always really popular, so I’d say to get yourself to Whitley Bay earlier rather than later to make sure nothing is sold out. But if you want more info, take a look at properfoodanddrinkfestivals.co.uk
The Great Seaside Vintage Fair – Whitby Pavilion – Sat 20th and Sun 21st July
We’re going from one iconic coastal town to another with the Great Seaside Vintage Fair at Whitby Pavilion. If you’re a fan of all things antiques, nostalgia and vintage, then this is for you. This is the 13th year that the fair has been running and will play host to over 40 stalls selling genuine vintage fashion and homewares from the 20’s to the 80’s. Expect everything from vintage frocks and gents’ suits, to jewellery, toys, ceramics and more. There’ll also be a selection of specialist stalls selling vinyl records and original vintage glasses that can be fitted to your prescription. That’s on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st, and entry is £3 on the door, so I recommend taking a bit of cash with you. If you want any more info, check out the Whitby Pavilion website.
Summer of Play – across North East National Trust sites – from Sat 20th July to Sept
If you’re looking for some school holiday inspiration, then the North East National Trust sites have got you covered. Ormesby Hall, Gibside, Wallington and Seaton Delaval Hall are all running Summer of Play events, which start from Saturday 20th and run all the way through to September. Each location will be running different events on different days, but to give you just a flavour of some of the things you can expect, there’ll be circus skills workshops, junk orchestras, outdoor summer sports, soft archery and so much more. All of the activities are free of charge, but you will need to pay admission to the sites, which also gives you a good excuse to explore too. To see the full list of everything that’s going on across the North East sites, take a look at the National Trust website.
Summer Spectacle – Ushaw Historic House & Gardens – from Mon 22nd July to Sept
Ushaw are celebrating the summer holidays in quite a fabulous way with their Summer Spectacle. From Monday 22nd, they’ve squeezed in all sorts of activities and events across the whole school holidays for all of the family to enjoy. The list is extensive and I could be here all day chatting through it, but some of the highlights include Humanimals, which is an interactive sculpture exhibition, there’s going to be a summer garden trail and an indoor bunny trail, there’s going to be mosaic coaster workshops and the chance to have a go at stop motion animation. It’s set to be a really creative and exciting six weeks at Ushaw, so if you’d like to plan your visit and see the full list of activities and dates, head to their website.
Durham Fringe Festival – across the city – Wed 24th to Sun 28th July
We’re really spoiled in the North East over the next couple of weeks with not one, but two Fringe Festivals. We had Newcastle Fringe earlier on, but we’ve also got Durham Fringe Festival from Wednesday 24th to Sunday 28th. This is the fourth year of Durham Fringe and they’re doing it in style with 90 different events squeezed into those five days, so you really are spoiled for choice! There are magic shows, one man theatrical performances, comedy, live music and so much more. You could make a real week of it and get a few shows in and grab a bite to eat in the city. To see the full list of shows and get your tickets booked, visit the Durham Fringe website.
Darlington by the Sea – Market Square – Wed 24th to Sun 28th July
We’ve not had the best weather so far this summer, so if you want to manifest a bit of sunshine, head to Darlington town centre from Wednesday 24th to Sunday 28th for Darlington by the Sea. This popular family event sees the Market Square turned into a giant sandpit to bring the seaside to Darlington. Kids can play in the sand for free, along with getting stuck into beach-themed crafts and face painting. It’s always a really lovely event, especially if the sun decides to show its face, and there’s no ticket needed. Just pop down to Darlington town centre between 11am and 5pm from Wednesday 24th to Sunday 28th and enjoy!
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
