Play Hard

4 eye-opening events in the North East this weekend

If, like us, you’re all about broadening your horizons in 2023, these four unusual events in the North East promise to delight, excite and inspire.

Written by Becky Hardy
Published 17.01.2023
Queen by Candlelight Durham Cathedral

QUEEN BY CANDLELIGHT

When: 7.30pm–10.30pm, Thursday 19th – Saturday 21st January

Where: Durham Cathedral  

Price: from £27.50pp 

We’ve heard iconic anthems ‘We Are The Champions’, ‘Who Wants to Live Forever’ and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ thousands of times – but never like this.

This weekend, Durham Cathedral will transform into the most unlikely of concert halls, as a cast of West End singers accompanied by a live rock band descend down the aisles to bring you Queen’s songbook by candlelight.

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VEGGIE MIGHT: FLOWER POWER 2023

When: 5pm–12am, Friday 20th January; 12pm–12am, Saturday 21st January

Where: Wylam Brewery, Newcastle upon Tyne

Price: Free 

It’s time for the next of Wylam Brewery’s famous food battles – this time, with a Veganuary special.

Awesome food is awesome food. And we can all (along with the planet) benefit from the occasional meat-free mealtime. So, if you’re vegan, ve-curious, or just very hungry, head down to Veggie Might 2023 and discoversome of the greatest veggie food the North East has to offer.

There will also be a fantastic selection of beers, a DJ and dancing into the night.

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Aurora Night Grassholme Observatory Barnard Castle

AURORA NIGHT

When: 7pm–10pm, Sunday 22nd January  

Where: Grassholme Observatory, Barnard Castle 

Price: from £15pp 

Has it always been your dream to see the Northern Lights?

Ever since humans first ventured to the polar regions and settled in frozen lands, folklore and fairy tales have echoed the icy, star-filled skies. Stories of valour and mythical lands filled wondering minds as they stared up at the Aurora Borealis.

Now’s your chance to unlock the scientific phenomena behind these ancient tales and – on certain nights, when conditions are right – see for yourself the magnificent Northern Lights in all their dancing colour from right here in the North East.

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Castle of Chaos Prohibition Cabaret Bar Newcastle upon Tyne

CASTLE OF CHAOS: NEW YEAR, NEW SHOW

When: 7pm–10pm, Sunday 22nd January

Where: Prohibition Cabaret Bar, Newcastle upon Tyne

Price: Pay as you feel 

Maybe this is the year to finally dip your toe into the more fabulous side of life… and discover the world of drag.

Newcastle has a thriving drag scene, not least evidenced by Prohibition’s (almost) monthly showcase, which has achieved something of a cult status.

Frida Sapphic, Ivy, Stacey Rhect and Risqué are already confirmed for the first show of the year, with more to be announced soon.

Go on, you know you want to.

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