Looking for something to do at the start of September 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 6th September to Friday 13th September.
Heritage Open Days – across the North East – Fri 6th to Sun 15th Sept
We’re kicking off with something that’s covering the whole of the North East and is perfect for those of us who love a bit of history. Heritage Open Days is running from Friday 6th until Sunday 15th and is England’s largest festival of history and culture that sees landmarks, places of interest and museums throwing open their doors with free events and ways to explore them like never before. Now because the North East is so historically rich, there are hundreds of different things to see and do, so I won’t rattle off the whole list, but just for example, there’s tours of the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, the chance to see and hear the North East’s only Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ in Crook, and behind the scenes access to Hexham Abbey. There’s honestly tons on the list and something to appeal to everyone. As I mentioned, the events are free, but you will need to book a space, so head to the Heritage Open Days website and search for the North East events to find out more.
Ushaw Flower Festival – Ushaw House – Fri 6th to Sun 8th Sept
We might be on our way out of summer now, but Ushaw House is still clinging on to the scents and colours of the season with their Flower Festival Weekend. This is on from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th, and is set to see Ushaw’s halls and rooms be turned into a garden. Professional florists, flower arrangers and community groups will combine their creative skills to create more than 30 floral installations throughout the historic buildings. The theme for this year is ‘A Moment in Time’, so I think we’ll see some depictions of key historical moments, but maybe some more personal moments too. There’s also going to be a craft and flower market during the daytime over the festival, with over 25 stalls from the local area selling handmade items, plus special evening viewing events tomorrow and Saturday, so it sounds like it’s going to be a really lovely event. If you want any more info at all, head to the Ushaw House website.
The Open Jar Tribute Festival – Seaton Carew – Fri 6th and Sat 7th Sept
If it’s music you’re after this weekend, then there are plenty of options to choose from, but the first is The Open Jar Tribute Festival in Seaton Carew. That’s on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th, bringing two days of the best tribute acts to the seaside town. And the best bit about it is that there’s something for absolutely everyone, so if you love that indie rock sound, there’s tributes to Gerry Cinnamon and Arctic Monkeys. If you like a throwback, there’s tributes to Spice Girls and ABBA. And if you didn’t manage to get tickets last weekend, there’s an Oasis tribute too, plus everything in between. And alongside all of these fabulous acts, there’s going to be a food village, a fun fair, circus performers and so much more, so it’ll be a brilliant weekend out. If you want to grab your tickets, head to the Open Jar Tribute Festival website.
The Southmartins – Sunderland Fire Station – Sat 7th Sept
The next music event we’ve got is another tribute-themed evening, but this time, it’s all about the sounds of The Beautiful South and The Housemartins. The Southmartins are on at Sunderland Fire Station on Saturday 7th and the group have made a huge name for themselves over the years as one of the North East’s top tribute acts, selling out shows and headlining festivals across the region. If you’ve never seen The Southmartins before, you’re in for a treat and I swear, if you close your eyes, lead singer Andy Johnson could actually be Paul Heaton. The group perform the two bands’ hits in their own unique, high energy way, like Perfect 10, Caravan of Love and You Keep It All In, so you’ll find it impossible not to sing along. It’s going to be a great night, so if you want to snatch up any of the last tickets, head to the Sunderland Fire Station website.
Last Train Home Festival – Darlington – Sat 7th Sept
If it’s another festival option you’re after, you might like Last Train Home in Darlington. This multi venue music and comedy festival is on Saturday 7th, and is taking over the town to put some of the best up and coming independent acts on stage. The day is totally jam-packed with music across stages in the Hippodrome, Hullabaloo and The Forum, and thankfully, these venues are all within walking distance of each other, so you’ll get to see everyone on your list, and there’s acts from across the UK coming to play, as well as North East names who are making waves at the minute, like Jodie Nicholson, Michael Gallagher and Finn Forster. There’s also the comedy stage where you can see ten different comedians over the day, so it’s a real mixed bag that’s guaranteed to be a blast. If you want to check out the full line up and book your tickets, visit the Last Train Home Festival website.
Middlesbrough Mela – Albert Park – Sat 7th and Sun 8th Sept
Middlesbrough Mela is back for its 34th year and what a weekend they’ve got planned. Happening on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th, the annual multicultural celebration of music, dance, food and art will be bringing Albert Park to life with a fantastic programme of things to see and do. The main stage will be buzzing all day with live performances and DJs, and there’s some brilliant activities to get involved with too, like Bollywood dancing workshops, puppet making, screen printing and so much more. And of course, there’ll be a range of stalls to browse, offering delicious food, henna painting, jewellery and accessories – the list just goes on. The programme is absolutely jam-packed, so there’s definitely something to suit absolutely everyone and this truly is an event that welcomes all. Plus, it’s another one that’s free to attend, so if you fancy it or want more info, check out the Middlesbrough Mela website for more details.
& Juliet – Sunderland Empire – Tues 10th to Sat 21st Sept
For an evening at the theatre, look no further than Sunderland Empire for & Juliet, an award-winning coming of age jukebox musical that turns the story of Romeo and Juliet on its head. In this musical, we find out the answer to what would happen if Juliet didn’t die at the end, and all to the sound of pop music’s number one songwriter, Max Martin. His name may not be too familiar to many of us, but his songs definitely are, so you can expect to hear Britney’s Baby One More Time, Backstreet Boys’ Everybody and Katy Perry’s Roar. It’s been a hugely popular show on both the West End and Broadway, and it’s in Sunderland as part of its tour from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 21st. It should be a lot of fun, so if that sounds like it could be up your street, grab your tickets on the Sunderland Empire website.
Staithes Festival of Arts & Heritage – across Staithes – Fri 13th to Sun 15th Sept
Last but certainly not least, we’ve got an event that’s taking over the gorgeous seaside town of Staithes. From Friday 13th to Sunday 15th, you can enjoy Staithes Festival of Arts & Heritage, which is a big celebration of local creativity and history. During the weekend over 150 artists will set up in over 90 cottages and public spaces around the village to turn them into temporary art galleries for visitors to browse and buy pieces. There’s also a programme of activities planned in, like heritage talks, lobster pot demos, Sunday lunch time comedy, live music from soul to sea shanties, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. And after dark, the town will light up with installations and an outdoor film show, so it’s a weekend that’s chockfull of things to see and do. The event is free to attend, but a lot of the extra programmed activities are ticketed, so make sure you go to the Staithes Festival website to plan your visit.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!