- Play Hard
- 1st May 2024
- 0
- 9 minutes
14 things to do in the North East this May Bank Holiday weekend
CHARLOTTE TILBURY MASTERCLASS
When: Thursday 2nd May, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Where: The Alchemist, Newcastle
Price: £35 per person
Discover tips, tricks and beauty secrets with this Charlotte Tilbury masterclass at The Alchemist, Newcastle. Start the evening with a colour-changing cocktail and canapés, then learn how to create your dream beauty look that will help you feel like the best version of yourself. There’ll be plenty of time at the end of the session to ask questions and browse the new range.
BAO AND BEER
When: Thursday 2nd May, 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Where: Blackfriars, Newcastle
Price: £75.00 per person
Dive into a fun-filled evening of Chinese bao making. Grab your nearest and dearest, roll up your sleeves and learn how to craft these fluffy, flavour-packed delights. No experience cooking? Blackfriars’ expert chef will guide you through every step. Plus, there are plenty of Asian beers to keep the good times flowing. And the best part? You’ll take home with enough boas to impress everyone. Veggies and vegans are welcome, too.
CONSETT COMEDY FESTIVAL
When: Friday 3rd May – Sunday 5th May, 7.00pm – 10.45pm
Where: Consett Rugby Club
Price: from £6.00
Head to Consett Rugby Club for the revered Consett Comedy Festival, where some of the best comedians will fill the marquee for four days. Get to know local and up-and-coming comedians, then be wowed by headline acts that have toured the UK or shown their faces on TV.
SLICE WARS 2024: A NEW HOPE
When: Friday 3rd May – Saturday 4th May, 10.00am – 6.00pm
Where: Wylam Brewery
Price: Free – buy tokens for pizza
Satisfy your cheese and carb cravings at this popular weekend event, where pizza and Star Wars unite. Indulge in slices from top-notch North East vendors, each vying for the title of ultimate favourite. With Star Wars-themed names, fantastic beer choices, tunes spun by a live DJ, and non-stop pizza goodness, this event is a must-attend. Don’t miss out on the epic Slice Wars battle, two days of tasty pizza, great beer, good vibes and awesome tunes at the historic Palace of The Arts.
IN THE PARK FESTIVAL
When: Friday 3rd May at 4.00pm – Sunday 5th May at 3.00pm
Where: Leazes Park, Newcastle
Price: Various tickets – see the website for details
In The Park Festival Newcastle will be taking over Leazes Park over the May Bank Holiday weekend, with three days of incredible artists lined up. Tom Grennan, #1 platinum-selling singer/songwriter, will be taking centre stage on Friday 3rd May with his distinctive soulful vocals and songwriting talent. On Saturday, expect a day of dance music with the Lost Minds Festival. Sunday’s headliner is Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, who will be treating Newcastle to his baritone voice. In addition to the music, there will be a range of bars and food stalls to keep your energy up throughout each day.
CHAKA: THE MUSIC OF CHAKA KHAN
When: Friday 3rd May, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Where: Princess Alexandra Auditorium, Yarm
Price: From £28.50
An exhilarating music show celebrating one of the world’s most gifted music icons and multi-grammy award winner, Chaka Khan. Honouring the legacy of a legendary singer and songwriter who has captivated audiences and inspired generations of singers for over five decades with her funk, soul, pop and dance hits. Get ready to dance, sing, and groove to the music that has made Chaka Khan a true icon.
NEWCASTLE FOOD FESTIVAL
When: Saturday 4th May at 10.00am – Monday 6th May at 6.00pm
Where: Exhibition Park, Newcastle
Price: £9.95
Introducing a new culinary bash for 2024 – The Newcastle Food Festival. It’s a good vibes-only packed celebration of global flavours and local talent, set against the stunning backdrop of Exhibition Park. Think sipping cocktails, grooving to live tunes and diving into a world of international food. And if you’re into artisanal goods, check out the vibrant markets. Plus, what we love is that it’s all for a good cause – supporting mental health with Tyneside and Northumberland Mind.
CURIOUS HISTORIES: QUEER IN THE CITY
When: Saturday 4th May, 12noon – 4.00pm
Where: Great North Museum: Hancock
Price: Free
Play a part in preserving Newcastle’s LGBTQIA+ heritage with this celebratory afternoon run by Curious Arts. Delve into the communities’ history through archiving and relaxed zine making, where you’ll help to centre LGBTQIA+ voices for generations to come. You’re also encouraged to bring along an object or photo that lets you be your true self, or helps you feel safe and seen.
WILLOW DRAGONFLY WORKSHOP
When: Saturday 4TH May, 12noon – 3.00pm
Where: The Workshop, Whitley Bay
Price: £38.00
This three-hour workshop will introduce you to willow weaving and let you make your very own sculpture for the home or garden. Under the guidance of an expert, you’ll learn the different types of willow, how to harvest and prepare them, and finally how to weave the canes together into a beautiful dragonfly. This focused and fun session is suitable for complete beginners and those with prior experience.
BALTIC SHOP CREATES: STITCHED COLLAGE
When: Saturday 4th May, 1.30pm – 4.00pm
Where: Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts, Gateshead
Price: £40.00
Tell your own visual story in this mindful workshop focused on stitched collage. Ailish Henderson, a narrative-based artist, will show you how to find storytelling inspiration in photos, memorabilia and other treasures, then incorporate them into your own beautiful collage. All materials are provided, but you may wish to bring reference photos or personal memorabilia.
TAYLOR SWIFT BANNER MAKING WORKSHOP
When: Saturday 4th May, 4.00pm – 7.00pm
Where: Flaura Rose, Ouseburn
Price: £45.00
This fun workshop is perfect for any Swifties out there. Embroidery artist Bianco Perry will show you how to make your very own banner dedicated to the icon that is Taylor Swift. Get creative and meet some fellow fans. The workshop lasts three hours, with refreshments provided throughout.
SWIFTOGEDDON: THE TAYLOR SWIFT CLUB NIGHT
When: Saturday 4TH May, 9.00pm – 1.00am
Where: Boiler Shop, Newcastle
Price: £38.00
Continue the Taylor Swift theme with this club night at Boiler Shop. In true celebration of the timeless singer-songwriter, the DJ will play non-stop hits, mixes, fan favourites and deep cuts all night long. Dance away the hours with friends and fellow Swifties – the ultimate feel-good event.
DEMO DAY WITH VIKING OPTICAL
When: Sunday 5th May, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Where: WWT Washington Wetland Centre
Price: Free
Whether you’re looking to get your first pair of binoculars or want an upgrade, Trish from Viking Optical will be at Washington Wetland Centre to present a range of popular options and brands. Test out the different optics on offer, ask questions and find out which is the best one for you. You’ll also be able to purchase your favourite option on the day.
THE GREAT BRITISH DOG WALK: RABY CASTLE
When: Monday 5th May, 10.30am – 12noon
Where: Raby Castle, Darlington
Price: £12.00
Head to the spectacular Raby Castle in Country Durham for this huge charity dog walk, which raises money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Walk alongside hundreds of other dog walkers and their furry companions as you take in the majestic castle and its beautiful parklands. This is a lovely chance to get out in nature while contributing to a good cause, which helps train dogs to support deaf children and adults.
Image credit: @GemHearingDogs
Want more inspo for things to book? Head to our High Life North events calendar for all of the events you’ll want to know about.
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