Looking for something to do at the beginning 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 6th March to Saturday 15th March.
British Science Week – Life Science Centre – Fri 7th to Sat 16th March
We’re starting in Newcastle at the Life Science Centre for British Science Week. This national celebration is from Friday 7th until Sunday 16th and the Life Centre have got a whole host of things to do for the occasion until Saturday 15th. There’s going to be a 9 metre long, glowing, interactive snail called Luma, a chance to step inside a giant drink can made from 1,500 recycled cans, and sessions in the planetarium. There’s also all of the regular live shows, experiments and making activities, so this is a great one for a full day out. Everything is included in the price of your ticket, so you just need to book your day through the Life Science Centre website and enjoy!
Bootleg Blondie – Sunderland Fire Station – Fri 7th March
Bootleg Blondie were established in 2001 and they are the only Blondie tribute band to have performed with two original members of Blondie – legendary drummer Clem Burke, and songwriter and bass player Gary Valentine. Since coming together, they’ve delivered iconic Blondie experiences to stages worldwide, thrilling fans with that era-perfect sound on hits like Heart of Glass and Call Me, all while channeling the spirit that made Debbie Harry and the the band the legends they are. They are the ultimate tribute for long-time fans and newcomers alike, so if you fancy making some last minute plans, they’re playing at Sunderland Fire Station on Friday 7th and you can get tickets on the venue’s website.
World Book Day – Ormesby Hall – Sat 8th and Sun 9th March
It’s World Book Day today, but Ormesby Hall are celebrating over the weekend, so on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th, you can head there for all kinds of book-related things to do. There’ll be creative writing sessions with local author Lisette Auton, where kids can make their own stories. There’ll be poetry sessions and exploring the use of foreign words with Rumana Yasmin, there’ll be drawing sessions with a children’s book illustrator, and of course, lots of storytelling. And to make this weekend even better, it’s free entry for everyone, so all you need to do is visit between 10:30am and 3pm on Saturday or Sunday and join in the fun.
Deer Feeding – Raby Castle – Sat 8th and Sun 9th March (plus more dates up to Sun 30th)
A trip to Raby Castle is always lovely, but it’s even better when you spot the resident deer roaming around the grounds. And if you’re a keen deer spotter or wildlife fan, you might like the deer feeding sessions that Raby are running throughout March. Led by the Estate Ranger, this unique event offers a rare opportunity to witness these majestic animals as they gather for their daily feed. The first two sessions are on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th, then there are other dates up to Sunday 30th, so there’ll be plenty of opportunities to join in. These sessions are included with a deer park and gardens ticket, so you’ll be able to have a look round the rest of the grounds too. Get your tickets booked now on the Raby Castle website.
… Earnest? – Darlington Hippodrome – Mon 10th and Tues 11th March
If you’re looking for a bit of comedy or a bit of theatre, then you’re going to love … Earnest? This show was an Edinburgh Fringe smash hit and is about to embark on a West End run, so it’s one to catch while it’s in the area! When a traditional production of Oscar Wilde’s classic play gets underway, everything seems to be going perfectly to plan… that is, until the lead actor fails to arrive on cue and an actual audience member is chosen to star in the show. Yes, that means that you could be the star of the show. What follows is a medley of impromptu games and spontaneous solutions while the director does his best to keep the production going. It’s a one-of-a-kind, rip-the-script-up-and-run-with-it comedy sensation, so if you fancy it, it’s on Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th, and you can get the last of the tickets on the Darlington Hippodrome website.
King Arthur – Newcastle Theatre Royal – Mon 10th to Wed 12th March
This is another theatre and comedy hybrid, and this one is perfect for the whole family. This is King Arthur at Newcastle Theatre Royal. Camelot is in trouble and King Arthur knows that if he doesn’t turn things around, this civilisation will be forgotten. He doesn’t want his time on the throne to be known as a rather dull time in British history, but when three hapless squires approach him about changing that legacy, a legend is born. This is a hilarious retelling of the Arthur legends that will have you crying with laughter and amazed at the daring stunts. It’s suitable for ages 8 and up, so this could be a great shout for a family night out. It’s on from Monday 10th to Wednesday 12th and you can get tickets on the Newcastle Theatre Royal website.
Valley of Light – Saltburn Valley Gardens – Sat 14th and Sun 15th March
We love a good light trail in the North East and usually they’re reserved for the later months of the year, but Valley of Light by Stellar Creates is on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th. This is a magical celebration of community and creativity under the stars, where Saltburn Valley Gardens will be transformed by light and colour. There’s going to be beautiful light installations, live performances, storytelling, music and craft activities, as well as artworks created by local community groups. It’s set to be a gorgeous event for the whole family and the tickets have been really popular so far, so if you want to go, you’ll have to hotfoot it to the Stellar Creates website to book ASAP.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
