Looking for something to do at start of April 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 3rd April to Sunday 13th April.
Railway Pioneers – Hopetown Darlington – Fri 4th April to Sun 22nd June
We’re starting in Darlington at Hopetown, the North East’s newest railway attraction. As part of the S&DR200 celebrations, the bicentenary of the passenger steam railway, Hopetown are playing host to the first exhibition in the 9 month-long programme. So Railway Pioneers will be bringing together three iconic locomotives that have played an iconic role in the history of the railways, including the original Locomotion No 1. This will be brilliant for train buffs, but also great for families who want to play in the giant Wagon Woods playground, explore the museum and have a go on the Experiment simulator. It’s on from Friday 4th April until Sunday 22nd June, and the best part about all of this is that entry to Hopetown and the Railway Pioneers exhibition is free, but it’s recommended that you book tickets to ensure a space, and you can do that via the Hopetown Darlington website.
Aelius Alternative Festival 2025 – Newcastle City Centre – Sat 5th April
If it’s live music you’re after, there are a couple of festivals happening on Saturday 5th, but the first is Aelius Alternative Festival in Newcastle City Centre. With five stages across four venues and 40 artists, spoken word performers, and live comedians, the heart of the city really is the place to be. The line up is made up of artists from across the North East and Cumbria – some you might have heard of, and some you might not know just yet, but you never know, you might find your new favourite! There’ll be the hard rock sounds of Crowley, the infectious indie pop of Cat Ryan, and the female-fronted experimental vibe of Rushbonds, plus so many more. As I say, this is on Saturday 5th and you can book your tickets via the Aelius Alternative Festival Facebook page.
Twisterella Presents: This Is Middlesbrough – Teesside Uni Students’ Union – Sat 5th April
The second of our Saturday 5th music festivals is This Is Middlesbrough, which is coming from the minds behind the fabulous Twisterella. This is a brand new, multi-stage event, but all taking place at Teesside University Students’ Union, so you won’t miss any of your favourite acts while walking between venues. This festival will be showcasing 20 of the brightest and best breaking bands from across the UK, including indie-folk duo Lilo, fast-rising Scottish punks Soapbox, and North East post-punk heroes Pit Pony. The organisers behind this event brought the likes of The 1975, Sam Fender, and Catfish & The Bottlemen to Middlesbrough before they broke out, so you might just get to see the next big thing at this festival. Tickets for this are available via See Tickets and I’d book ASAP because it’s been a popular one.
Lloyd of the Flies Bug Hunt – Washington Wetlands Centre – Sat 5th April to Sun 1st June
It’s always lovely to go for a walk at the Washington Wetlands Centre, but it’s even better when there’s a trail on. Their new one starts on Saturday 5th April to Sunday 1st June and it’s all themed around Aardman’s Lloyd of the Flies. He’ll be guiding visitors on a bug hunt around the wetlands to the bug hotel, with fun things to see and do along the way. You might have to strike a yoga pose like Cornea the Butterfly, ‘bee’ the best dancer like Yard the Bee and form your own ant conga like Queen Libby the Ant. There’s also a free app that you can download called Lloyd of the Flies AR Bug Hunt, which will shrink users down to minibeast size and show the world through an insect’s eyes by using augmented reality. The trail is included in the price of admission, so all you need to do is pick the day you’d like to go and book your tickets on the Washington Wetlands Centre website.
North East in Blossom 2025 – across North East National Trust sites – Sat 5th April to Sun 1st June
We’re well and truly in spring now and I for one am absolutely loving the warmer weather we’ve been having. And thanks to the warmer weather, the trees are starting to blossom, and National Trust are celebrating this with their North East in Blossom events. From Saturday 5th April to Sunday 1st June, there’s going to be dedicated events at various sites, including a blossom exhibition at Seaton Delaval Hall, guided walks and beekeeper talks at Gibside, blossom care sessions at Crook Hall and a blossom trail at Ormesby Hall. Each event is on a different day, so the best way to find out what’s happening when is via the National Trust website, but all are included with day admission or membership. It should be a really lovely way to see in the season.
An Inspector Calls – Sunderland Empire – Tues 8th to Sat 12th April
There’s a couple of fab things going on at the theatre next week, but the first is An Inspector Calls at Sunderland Empire. It’s the winner of 19 major awards and hailed as the theatrical event of its generation, so it’s a must-see if you’re fancying some culture. The story begins when the mysterious Inspector Goole calls unexpectedly on the prosperous Birling family home. Their peaceful family dinner party is shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman. His startling revelations shake the very foundations of their lives and challenge us all to examine our consciences. It’s an absolute landmark of a production that brings old fans rushing back to see it and new theatregoers experiencing the thrill for the very first time. This is on from Tuesday 8th to Saturday 12th and if you want tickets, I’d head on over to the Sunderland Empire website as soon as you can because they’re running low and for very good reason.
Dracula – Darlington Hippodrome – Tues 8th to Sat 12th April
If you’re something a bit spookier instead, you might like Dracula at the Darlington Hippodrome. This theatrical treatment of Bram Stoker’s adventure features a haunting soundscape, powerful performances and innovative design that’ll really make your hairs stand on end. The year is 1897. Mankind is on the cusp of vast technological change, scientific mastery and media innovation. But poised between traditional beliefs, the threat of the unknown and the shock of the new world, a darker fear is emerging. As a new shadow looms over England, a small group led by Professor Van Helsing is plunged into an epic struggle for survival. This is also on from Tuesday 8th to Saturday 12th, and you can book your tickets now on the Darlington Hippodrome website.
Bishop Auckland Food Festival – Sat 12th and Sun 13th April
We’re rounding off with a belter and one of my personal favourites in the North East event calendar. We’ve got Bishop Auckland Food Festival on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th, and it’s going to be a mammoth of a weekend. There are over 140 traders going along with everything from brownies to beers, and chilli sauces to cheese and chutney. I guarantee, you won’t leave with an empty bag! There’ll also be a range of street food vendors to choose from, live music and entertainment, and a festival cookery theatre with a huge line up of guests. Names include TV chef and Sunday Brunch presenter, Simon Rimmer, food writer and blogger, Jane’s Patisserie, and Bake Off: The Professionals judge, Cherish Finden. It’s going to be a great weekend and it’s free entry, so no need to book tickets. Just head over to Bishop Auckland town centre next weekend and get stuck in.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
