Looking for something to do at the start of 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 2nd to Friday 10th January 2025.
Les Miserables – Newcastle Utilita Arena – Thurs 2nd to Sun 5th Jan
We’re starting off big for the New Year with a spectacular production at the Newcastle Utilita Arena, but not just any production… this is Les Miserables, adapted to suit the huge arena venue. So if you’ve seen the show before in theatres, you can still expect the amazing atmosphere, epic and uplifting story, and iconic songs like I Dreamed A Dream, On My Own and One Day More. But if you haven’t seen it before, then I promise you’re in for a real treat. The performers include huge names like Alfie Boe and Michael Ball, and they lead a cast and orchestra of over 65, so it’s going to be mega. If you fancy it, you’ll have to get your skates on because it’s on from Thursday 2nd until Sunday 5th, and you can get tickets on the Newcastle Utilita Arena website.
Sausage Festival – The Cluny Newcastle – Fri 3rd to Sun 5th Jan
If it’s something foodie that you’re after to see the New Year in, you might like the Sausage Festival at The Cluny in Newcastle. This annual event is on from Friday 3rd until Sunday 5th, bringing you three days of the finest bangers, wieners, chipolatas and hot dogs that the Ouseburn has ever seen. There’s going to be over 20 different types of sausage available with 10 different ciders to wash them down with. The Cluny’s bar will also be open if you fancy something else, like a beer or soft drink, and of course, as this is a live music venue, you can expect some bands and artists on stage to provide the soundtrack to the sausages. There’s no need to book a ticket for this, just visit The Cluny between 12 and 7pm on the first weekend of Jan to join in.
Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit – Hamsterley Forest – weekends from Fri 3rd Jan to Sat 1st Feb
I personally like a walk right at the start of January to really shake off the festive cobwebs and Forestry England are making that New Year walk even better by teaming up with Wallace and Gromit. Each weekend from Friday 3rd January until Saturday 1st February, you can go on forest walkies with your dog in Hamsterley Forest, using the Ordnance Survey Maps app to complete interactive games and challenges along the way. They’re all themed around Wallace and Gromit, just to make them that little bit more fun, so it’s a really nice way to get out and about with your pooch. The OS Maps app is free to download and you can buy an activity pack from Hamsterley Forest for £5 if you want the full experience, but otherwise, just head to the forest and start walking!
Stargazing at Raby Castle – Sat 4th (and Fri 25th) January
It’s the perfect time of year to do a bit of stargazing before the nights get too light again and one spot that’s offering guided sessions is Raby Castle. Whether you’re an experienced stargazer or a newbie, all ticket holders will have the guidance of an expert astronomer as they study the sky and use the telescopes for an up-close look. And there really is no better place to do some stargazing than Raby Castle because I was here when the Northern Lights were kicking off last year and it was so dark out there that I could see the lights with my own eyes, so I can only imagine just how amazing the stars will look. The first date for this is Saturday 4th and there aren’t many tickets left, but if you miss out, there’s another session on Saturday 25th, so take a look at the Raby Castle website to book.
Jack and the Beanstalk Beamish Museum Pantomime – from Sat 4th Jan to Sun 16th Feb
It’s definitely not too late to see a panto. In fact, Beamish Museum are starting their panto on Saturday 4th January and you can see it on weekends until Sunday 16th February. The Beamish AmDram Society will be taking to the 1950s welfare hall stage to perform Jack and the Beanstalk, an absolute classic that comes with all the historical charm of Beamish, of course, but all of the mischief and magic that we know and love from the iconic story. Jack heads off to sell the family cow at the market to get some money together for his family, but instead, he decides to trade her for a bag of beans and trouble just grows from there. There are three shows a day and while your Beamish pass will get you into the site, you will need a separate ticket for the panto. It’s £3 per person over the age of 5 and you can book through the Beamish Museum website.
The Elvis Years – Darlington Hippodrome – Wed 8th Jan
If it’s live music you want this month, then I’ve got a few different options over the next week, starting with The Elvis Years at Darlington Hippodrome. From the heart of the West End, with more than 20 years of critical acclaim and a Number One appearance on Top of the Pops, The Elvis Years is the ultimate celebration of The King. With no fewer than 12 costume changes, nostalgic videos that capture the essence of each Elvis era and 2 hours of epic performance, this show is a must-see for Elvis fans. You’ll also be treated to renditions of over 50 classic hits, including Blue Suede Shoes, Heartbreak Hotel and Hound Dog, so there’ll be plenty of opportunities to sing along. If that sounds up your street, it’s on Wednesday 8th and you can grab your tickets on the Darlington Hippodrome website.
MANIA: The ABBA Tribute – Sunderland Empire – Fri 10th Jan
I don’t think there’s a single person who doesn’t like even just a little bit of ABBA, but if you consider yourself a mega fan, you might want to check out MANIA at the Sunderland Empire on Friday 10th. This is considered as one of the world’s top touring ABBA tributes, forming in 1999, performing in over 30 countries, and even having a stint in the West End. They’ll be playing all of the hits, like Waterloo, Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia, so if you’re looking for an excuse to get your flares and platform boots on, and have a good old boogie, then this could be the answer. It’s a whole lot of fun and I highly recommend it, so get your tickets now from the Sunderland Empire website.
Showaddywaddy – Stockton Globe – Fri 10th
This one is for all the 70s music fans out there, so Showaddywaddy are celebrating their 50th anniversary with a tour, stopping at the Stockton Globe on Friday 10th. If you haven’t got any Friday night plans, then get some tickets booked for this because this is set to be a brilliant show featuring all of their greatest hits, many of which hit number one, like Under the Moon of Love and Three Steps to Heaven. Their tour has been so fun, dynamic and uplifting so far, so if you’re a fan of the group or just the 70s in general, this could be a great one for you to see the year in with. Get your tickets now on the Stockton Globe website.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
