Looking for something to do in early to mid February 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 Friday 7th February to Friday 14th February.
Sausage & Cider Fest – Newcastle Civic Centre – Sat 8th Feb
We’re starting at Newcastle Civic Centre with something that sounds like a banger of an event. It’s the Sausage & Cider Festival on Saturday 8th, so this is ideal if you’re looking for something foodie this weekend. Now, the clue’s in the name with this one because there’s going to be 12 different sausage varieties to get your chops round, including gluten-free and vegan, and over 25 ciders to choose from. There’s also going to be a world record attempt at this event and there’s going to be a red hot chilli pepper competition. And the soundtrack to your eating and drinking will be a Queen tribute and an Oasis tribute, which sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun. As I say, this on Saturday 8th, so if you want tickets, you’ll have to be quick, so head to sausageandciderfest.co.uk to book.
Three days of ballet at Darlington Hippodrome – Sat 8th to Mon 10th Feb
If you want a bit of culture, Darlington Hippodrome have got three days of ballet to enjoy, starting from Saturday 8th. Each day, there’s going to be a different ballet, so we’re starting with The Nutcracker on Saturday 8th, Swan Lake on Sunday 9th, and Romeo and Juliet on Monday 10th. Each of these are a classic and they are being performed by the critically acclaimed Varna International Ballet who have delighted audiences for decades at home and abroad. This would be a great opportunity to see some top quality ballet by renowned professionals, so these shows will be ideal for those who’ve never seen a ballet before or those who are experts on the dance. Get your tickets now on the Darlington Hippodrome website.
Sunderland Lunar New Year Celebrations – Sun 9th Feb
There have been celebrations in towns and cities over the past week or so, but one of the last chances to experience the Lunar New Year Celebrations is in Sunderland. On Sunday 9th, you can expect a jam-packed programme of things to see and do at Sunniside Gardens, starting with a traditional and authentic lion and dragon dance. There’s also going to be a fashion show, the chance to try your hand at origami or calligraphy, live music, Asian street food vendors and so much more. And the best bit about this is that it’s free to attend, so head to Sunniside Gardens on Sunday 9th between 11am and 3pm to join in.
Teesside Comic Con – Teesside University Students’ Union – Sun 9th Feb
This is one for the gamers, film and TV buffs, and anime fans. The popular Teesside Comic Con is back at Teesside University on Sunday 9th and there’s absolutely tons in store. There’ll be costume characters, interactive exhibitions, author meet and greets, a merchandise and collectables market and so much more. There’s also going to be a cosplay masquerade, so make sure that you get dressed up in your best. This is a pay on the door event, so you don’t have to worry about tickets selling out. Entry is tenner but please do remember to take this in cash and if you need any more info at all, you can have a look at the Unleashed Events website.
Only Fools and Horses the Musical – Newcastle Theatre Royal – Tues 11th to Sat 22nd Feb
Stick a pony in your pocket – the Trotters are back and heading to Newcastle. The smash hit show Only Fools and Horses The Musical – direct from a record-breaking four-year sold-out run-in London’s West End – is coming to the toon from Tuesday 11th to Saturday 22nd. We take a trip back in time, where it’s all kicking off in Peckham. While the yuppie invasion of London is in full swing, love is in the air as Del Boy sets out on the rocky road to find his soul mate, Rodney and Cassandra prepare to say ‘I do’, and even Trigger is gearing up for a date. This critically acclaimed spectacular features cherished material from Britain’s best loved TV series, combined with new songs that are full of character and cockney charm, making it a must-see for fans. You don’t want to miss out on this, so book now on the Newcastle Theatre Royal website.
Valentine’s Day Candlelight Special – Ushaw House – Fri 14th Feb
I thought it best to bring a few Valentine’s Day options because it’s just over a week away, so let’s start with the Valentine’s Day Candlelight Special at Ushaw House. I’m not sure it gets much more romantic than sitting in the Ushaw chapel, surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight and listening to timeless love songs. A few of the tunes you’ll hear include A Thousand Years by Christina Perri, Can You Feel The Love Tonight? by Elton John and All You Need Is Love by The Beatles, so it should be absolutely gorgeous. It’s not too late to get tickets for this, so if you’re looking for a magical atmosphere and swoon-worthy songs, get your tickets on the Ushaw House website.
We Love To Ceilidh – Great North Museum Hancock – Fri 14th Feb
We’ve got We Love To Ceilidh at Great North Museum Hancock. This one is definitely for those who are looking for something a bit more energetic to do on Valentine’s Day and what I love about this one is that you don’t have to go as a couple. It would be great to do with friends or your family because absolutely anyone can join in with a ceilidh. The John Hancock Ceilidh band will be guiding attendees through the dances and of course, the music will be super upbeat, so it should be a whole lot of fun. And your ticket gets you pizza and your choice of drink too, so it’s a bit of a complete package. Tickets for this stop selling tomorrow, so if you want to go, get your skates on and head on over to the Great North Museum Hancock asap to book.
My Bloody Valentine’s – Scream Factory, Redcar – Fri 14th and Sat 15th Feb
And last but certainly not least, if you want a Valentine’s event that’s sure to get your heart racing, you might like My Bloody Valentine‘s at Scream Factory in Redcar. This is an exclusive 18+ event where romance and fear collide to take you through the award-winning horror experience, making for a date night you’ll never forget! You can join the main tour, where you’ll go around the experience as a group, or you can take it one step further with the two together experience, where couples will go it alone. With live actors, fully immersive sets, special effects and food and drink to help you chill out afterwards, this would be a brilliant Valentine’s alternative for thrill-seekers. This is on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th and you can book on the Scream Factory website.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
