Looking for something to do at the start of March 2025 or in half term 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 27th February to Friday 8th March.
Big Days Out: Signs and Symbols – Baltic Gateshead – until Sun 2nd March
We’re starting in Gateshead at the BALTIC to see out half term. They’ve got jam-packed Big Days Out until Sunday 2nd March, all based around the art of signs and symbols. They’ve got tons to see and do over the next few days, like helping to build a mini city with signs that spread smiles instead of just rules. There’s going to be drop in storytelling and poetry sessions, and an interactive exhibition with tactile sculptural objects and colourful assemblages. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, there’s absolutely loads on and you can see the full list on the BALTIC’s website, but the best bit about this event is that it’s totally free to enjoy. All you need to do is turn up at the BALTIC any day from now until Sunday and join in the fun.
Snowdrop celebrations – National Trust Wallington – until Sun 2nd March
The snowdrops are out and that’s a big sign that spring is on the way, and one place that knows that better than anywhere else is Wallington. They’re hosting a bunch of events and activities until Sunday 2nd March to celebrate the gorgeous flowers, including their annual planting sessions. They’re on track to plant 1 million snowdrops with the final 100,000 being planted over the next few days and you can join, so take your wellies and gloves, and get stuck in. There’s also going to be craft sessions to make snowdrop crowns and jingle sticks, and then a snowdrop parade to music through the grounds, so it should be a whole lot of fun for kids. All you need is National Trust membership or day admission and you can join in, so book your dates on the National Trust website.
A Man and His Music – Sunderland Fire Station – Sat 1st March
Experience the exceptional vocal talents of Joseph O’Brien as he recreates the golden age of swing with his homage to the Chairman of the Board, the one and only Mr Frank Sinatra, in A Man and His Music. Fresh from the nationwide UK tour of The Rat Pack Live In Concert, where he also played Frank, Joseph is as versatile a performer you’re ever likely to meet. He will transport you to a world of Hollywood glitz and glamour, Vegas casinos and Chicago with an evening of classic Sinatra hits, backed by a seven piece swing band. This is one magical music night that you don’t want to miss. It’s on at the Sunderland Fire Station on Saturday 1st March and you can get the last of the tickets now on their website.
A Taste of Redcar & Cleveland – Sat 1st to Mon 10th March
This is one for the foodies out there – it’s A Taste of Redcar & Cleveland. This is the borough’s restaurant week from Saturday 1st to Monday 10th March and it’s looking like a good’un with lots of restaurants and cafes signed up. Now it’s really hard to whittle it down, but if you want to know my top picks, there’s two courses for £20 at the gorgeous Gisborough Hall, The Pillar Box in Saltburn are doing charcuterie boards and two glasses of wine for £25, and Holey Molies in Skelton are offering a game of mini golf, a parmo or burger and a drink for £20. There’s deals ranging from £5 to £30, so there’s something to suit all budgets and tastes. They all run on a voucher basis and you can get all of the vouchers for all of the spots involved on the Enjoy Redcar & Cleveland website, so go take a look and get your tables booked.
Ben Fogle: Wild – Tyne Theatre & Opera House – Wed 5th March
We’ve got tales of expeditions and adventures from Ben Fogle with his show, Wild, at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House. He’ll be chatting about a whole host of remarkable stories from his travels, including the extreme environment of Chernobyl, the jungles of Honduras, and the mountains of Nepal. It’s sure to have you on the edge of your seat, as well as give you an inspired and uplifted feeling as he details how all of these journeys have changed and shaped him. I think it sounds truly fabulous, so if you want to go along, that’s on Wednesday 5th and you can grab your tickets from the Tyne Theatre & Opera House website.
Sing The Musicals – Darlington Hippodrome – Fri 7th March
If you’re one of those people who loves a musical and knows all the words to all the songs, then this is for you. We know that it’s widely considered to be bad theatre etiquette to sing along when seeing a musical, but with this show, you’re encouraged to join in. Sing The Musicals is on at Darlington Hippodrome on Friday 7th, and is the first national tour of the greatest musicals of all time performed by a sensational live band and character singers. And not only that, they’ll be accompanied by a giant screen with sing along lyrics for you to join in. Featuring hits from the likes of Mamma Mia, Oliver, Rocky Horror and so many more, this should be such a fun night. Tickets are running super low for this, so head over to the Darlington Hippodrome website to book ASAP.
International Women’s Day at Beamish Museum – Sat 8th and Sun 9th March
It’s International Women’s Day on Saturday 8th and no one celebrates quite like Beamish, in my opinion. They’re dedicating both Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th to the occasion with a whole host of events happening around the museum. This year, there’s going to be a focus on the WI, so you’ll be able to see banners, posters and craftivist items in the 1950s Welfare Hall. There’s going to be Suffragette rallies and debates in the 1900s Town, opportunities to get involved with crafts and so much more. All of this is included in the standard Beamish Museum ticket price and plus, you get to use that ticket for 12 months, so that’s a nice bonus too!
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
