Looking for something to do at the end of January 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 23rd to Friday 31st January.
Buble By Candlelight – Sunderland Fire Station – Fri 24th Jan
We’re starting in Sunderland for a magical evening that’s going to be so atmospheric. The Sunderland Fire Station are hosting Buble By Candlelight, where you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the charm and class of the legendary Michael Buble. The show will be led by the UK’s top Buble tribute artist, Josh Hindle, and he’ll be treating the audience to so many of the Canadian crooners greatest hits, like Cry Me A River, Feeling Good and Haven’t Met You Yet. And of course, the performance is going to be done by flickering candlelight, so it should be really special. If you fancy grabbing last minute tickets, it’s on Friday 24th and you can book on the Sunderland Fire Station website.
Milton Jones: Ha!Milton – Princess Alexandra Auditorium, Yarm – Sat 25th Jan
You might know Milton Jones from Mock The Week, Live at the Apollo or Radio 4, or you may know him for his deadpan, one-liner comedy. He’s going to be on at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium in Yarm on Saturday 25th with his show Ha!Milton, and don’t worry, it has nothing to do with the musical. In fact, Milton has said himself that he’s tone deaf and has no sense of rhythm, so instead, you can expect a comedy show with lightning fast wit, clever wordplay and just a touch of surrealism. This is down to the last few tickets, so if you want a laugh on Saturday 25th, get your tickets sorted via the Princess Alexandra Auditorium.
Big Garden Birdwatch – Land of Oak & Iron, Blaydon – Sat 25th and Sun 26th Jan
Tomorrow to Sunday marks the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, where everyone is encouraged to sign up and see how many birds they can spot in their garden, yard or outdoor space. But if you want to do your spotting outside the home, you could pay a visit to Land of Oak and Iron in Blaydon. The RSPB team will be there on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th to hand out ID sheets and give advice to help. The watch takes an hour and then you can explore the rest of the site, like Allensford Country Park and the old blast furnace, so it could be a lovely way to get outdoors this weekend. Remember to sign up to the Big Garden Birdwatch on the RSPB website then head to Land of Oak and Iron if you need any more info.
The Rocky Horror Show – Newcastle Theatre Royal – Mon 27th Jan to Sat 1st Feb
Calling all wild and untamed things, The Rocky Horror Show is rolling into Newcastle Theatre Royal next week. It’s going to be bringing Australian superstar, Jason Donovan, to the toon as he takes on the iconic role of Frank-n-Furter, and from what I’ve seen so far, he’s absolutely fantastic. 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. It’s on from Monday 27th to Saturday 1st and you can grab the last of the tickets on the Newcastle Theatre Royal website.
Hartlepool Restaurant Week – Mon 27th Jan to Sun 2nd Feb
We love a good Restaurant Week in the North East and we’re lucky that we seem to have them quite regularly, but from Monday 27th to Sunday 2nd, it’s all about Hartlepool Restaurant Week. There’s a great mix of offers starting from £5 up to £20 and a fantastic array of places getting involved, so you might struggle to pick just one place. But if you want my recommendations, Casa Del Mar are doing five tapas dishes for £15, Wallis & Co are doing two courses for £20, and Larry’s Lanes have got a deal on a game of bowling and food for two people. You can see the full list on the Explore Hartlepool website and I’d get your tables booked quickly because I think it’s going to be super popular.
The Sound of Space: Sci-Fi Film Soundtracks – The Glass House, Gateshead – Thurs 30th Jan
If you love sci-fi movies or beautiful movie soundtracks, then you might be interested in this one. The Sound of Space is on at The Glasshouse in Gateshead on Thursday 30th where you’ll be able to hear music from sci-fi movies performed by the Royal Northern Sinfonia. There’ll be sweeping and haunting performances of music from Gravity, Arrival and Interstellar to name just a few, making this a must-see for music and sci-fi lovers alike. This has been incredibly popular, so the show is down to the very last tickets, but if you want an out of this world experience, visit The Glasshouse website to book.
Wild Welly Walks – Washington Wetland Centre – until Fri 31st Jan
If you’re looking for something outdoorsy to do over the next week, wrap up warm and head to the Washington Wetland Centre. I think this spot is lovely as it is for a run out, but they’re doing Wild Welly Walks until Friday 31st to get little ones excited about being outdoors. These activity guides are packed with fun activity ideas to do as you walk around the centre and there’s challenges to complete too, like spotting and IDing birds, making stick people and snapping a beautiful winter photo. Plus, when kids show their completed guide in the cafe, they get a free cookie, which is just the best bonus. You can grab your Wild Welly Walk guide on your visit before the 31st, but if you want any more info, take a look at the Washington Wetland Centre site.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
