- Play Hard
- 26th Mar 2025
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20 things to do this weekend in the North East


2025 Reopening – Alnwick Castle
When: Friday 28th March, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Alnwick Castle
Price: free
Alnwick Castle will be reopening its doors on the 28th March. Look forward to a range of upcoming events, including Medieval Tile Making, Cannon Firing Displays, Jester Shows, Medieval Music, Falconry Displays, and so much more. Roam the castle grounds, explore hidden dungeons and towers, and see where Harry had his first flying lesson at Hogwarts.

Needle Felting Workshop: Spring Bunny – Shipley Art Gallery
When: Friday 28th March, 10:00am – 11:30am
Where: Shipley Art Gallery
Price: £10 + booking fee
Sculpt an adorable spring bunny using the art of needle felting. You’ll use a barbed needle to form coloured wool into a cute spring design, then incorporate embellishments to add character to your piece. A friendly tutor will give you all the help you need, so there’s no sewing experience needed for this workshop.

Lions and Tigers and Bears with Gordon Buchanan – Tyne Theatre & Opera House
When: Friday 28th March, 7:30pm – 10:00pm
Where: Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Price: from £27
Join wildlife photographer and filmmaker Gordon Buchanan on an awe-inspiring journey from the bamboo forests of China to the snowy landscapes of Russia. Gordon will share thrilling encounters with creatures like pandas, grizzlies, tigers, jaguars and more, as well as some of the moments that went on to shape his incredible career. From heart-warming interactions to all the mud, sweat and tears, Gordon will leave no stone unturned during this extraordinary show.

Bottomless Brunch in the Brasserie – The Glasshouse
When: Saturday 29th March, 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Where: The Glasshouse
Price: £30 pp
Tuck into slice upon slice of hand-stretched pizza during this Bottomless Brunch at The Glasshouse’s Brasserie. Choose from meaty creations, classic combos and plant-based delights, all accompanied by bottomless bubbles. Feeling a little extra? Add a welcome cocktail for just £5 and elevate your pizza with sides, salads and dips.

Newcastle Whisky Festival 2025 – Newcastle Civic Centre
When: Saturday 29th March, 12:00pm – 8:30pm
Where: Newcastle Civic Centre
Price: from £10
The Newcastle Whisky Festival showcases some of the finest distillers from as far afield as India, Japan, and the USA – as well as those closer to home. You’ll have the chance to chat with each exhibitor about their products, enjoy a tasty dram of whisky at each stall, and purchase your favourites.

Spring Embroidery Workshop – The Biscuit Factory
When: Saturday 29th March, 12:30pm – 4:30pm
Where: The Biscuit Factory
Price: £65
During this workshop, you’ll create your own floral embroidery inspired by spring. Textile artist Lucy Freeman will teach you the basics of contemporary embroidery, which is easier, quicker and more expressive than traditional methods. You’ll get everything you need for your design, including fabric, threads, designs, an embroidery hoop and needle, as well as instructional sheets and video tutorials after the workshop so you can continue your skill at home.

Primary School Assembly Bangers Live – The Glasshouse
When: Saturday 29th March, 2:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: The Glasshouse
Price: £22.50
Be transported back to your school days with the ultimate sing-along event. James B Partridge will treat you to all your classic primary school bangers, as well as school disco mashups and hilarious reflections on growing up in the 90s. Luckily, you won’t have to sit cross-legged on the hard wooden floor, but you will be encouraged to sing your hearts out.

Mother’s Day Tea and Tour at the Castle – Raby Castle
When: Saturday 29th March, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Where: Raby Castle
Price: from £22.50
Treat mum to an unforgettable afternoon at Raby Castle this Mother’s Day. You’ll be led on a guided tour through the Castle’s elegant rooms and suites, then sit down for a delicious afternoon tea of freshly made sandwiches, cakes, scones, and your choice of tea or coffee (and optional fizz). The ticket also includes complimentary access to the Deer Park and Walled Gardens, so enjoy a stroll and some fresh air after tea!

Come Wine With Me: Cheese & Wine Matching – Blackfriars Restaurant
When: Saturday 29th March, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: Blackfriars Restaurant
Price: £39.50
Enter wine-and-cheese heaven during this classic tasting evening at Blackfriars. Sip and nibble your way through five sumptuous wine and cheese pairings, learning why they go so well together. You’ll even get a glass of fizz on arrival…

Candlelight Gig: The Brothers Gillespie + Ouseburn Folk Choir – Cobalt Studios
When: Saturday 29th March, 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Where: Cobalt Studios
Price: from £10
Enjoy music in its rawest form with this candlelight acoustic gig at Cobalt Studios.
Inspired by their Northumbrian upbringing, The Brothers Gillespie are known for their lyrical songwriting, fine-finger style guitar playing and multi-instrumental talents. Get sucked into their ethereal, romantic and radical music, heightened only by the flickering candles around you. The Ouseburn Folk Choir will also open the evening with a set of enchanting traditional tunes.

Saved by the 90s: An Actors Showcase – The Black Swan
When: Saturday 29th March, 7:00pm – 11:00pm
Where: The Black Swan
Price: £10
See your favourite characters come to life on stage during this nostalgic 90s showcase. Talented actors will act out the decade’s most iconic scenes from films and TV, transporting you back to simpler times. This entertaining evening is sure to unlock many core memories.

Stargazing – Raby Castle
When: Saturday 29th March, 7:30pm – 8:00pm
Where: Raby Castle
Price: £24.50
Lose yourself in the constellation-studded sky during an evening of stargazing at Raby Castle. From your position in the expansive parkland, you’ll get to observe the night sky under the guidance of a professional astronomer. Whether you’re a newbie to astronomy or an experienced stargazer, this serene event is perfect for putting things into perspective and gazing at the celestial wonders above you.

Mother’s Day in the Brasserie – The Glasshouse
When: Sunday 30th March, 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Where: The Glasshouse
Price: from £29
Treat the mum in your life to a classic English roast, taken to the next level by the chefs at The Glasshouse. Indulge in tantalising starters, locally sourced meats and heavenly desserts – perhaps the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon. There are vegan and gluten-free options available for each course, so everyone is catered for!

Mothers Day Belgian Chocolate Making & Glass of Wine – Vineyard 72
When: Sunday 30th March, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: Vineyard 72
Price: from £29
What better way to say ‘I love you’ than with chocolate? This cosy session will let the mum in your life enjoy some fun chocolate-making while sipping on a glass of wine. Led by the experts, you’ll create some delicious Belgian chocolates from scratch – the perfect Mother’s Day treat.

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea in The Garden Room – The Biscuit Factory
When: Sunday 30th March, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: Biscuit Factory
Price: £38
For the first time ever, The Biscuit Factory will open its beautiful Garden Room for a delicious Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea. Indulge in three tiers of sweet and savoury delights, including dainty sandwiches, quiches, scones and cakes, washed down with a lovely glass of prosecco. All the while, you’ll get to enjoy your stunning surroundings – think trailing vines, tropical leaves, sparkling chandeliers, and even a soothing waterfall.

Mother’s Day Temperance Tea Party – Prohibition Cabaret Bar
When: Sunday 30th March, 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Where: Prohibition Cabaret Bar
Price: from £9.38
This vintage afternoon tea cabaret is perfect for anyone looking for a slightly different Mother’s Day activity. Sit back, relax with a delightful afternoon tea, and be transported back in time with a performance by vintage singer and dancer Hildy Harland. Bond with Mum over live music, dance, prizes and laughter in the striking setting of a cabaret bar, with plenty of tipples available, too.

Mother’s Day Tea and Tour at the Castle – Raby Castle
When: Sunday 30th March, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Where: Raby Castle
Price: from £22.50
Treat mum to an unforgettable afternoon at Raby Castle this Mother’s Day. You’ll be led on a guided tour through the Castle’s elegant rooms and suites, then sit down for a delicious afternoon tea of freshly made sandwiches, cakes, scones, and your choice of tea or coffee (and optional fizz). The ticket also includes complimentary access to the Deer Park and Walled Gardens, so enjoy a stroll and some fresh air after tea!

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea – High Force Hotel
When: Sunday 30th March, 4:30pm – 6:00pm
Where: The High Force Hotel
Price: £25
Indulge in an elegant afternoon tea at High Force Hotel this Mother’s Day. Treat Mum to a selection of freshly baked scones, sandwiches, pastries, and tea or coffee, set against the beautiful backdrop of the High Force waterfall. A delightful way to spend some quality time with your loved ones!

Singin’ in the Rain in Concert – The Glasshouse
When: Sunday 30th March, 6:00pm – 8:05pm
Where: The Glasshouse
Price: from £17
Watch the charming Hollywood classic ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ as Royal Northern Sinfonia plays along to the soundtrack. If you thought the classic umbrella-wielding scene couldn’t get more iconic, try watching it with a live orchestra blasting out the timeless song.

Brainstorm – Newbiggin Sports and Community Centre
When: Sunday 30th March, 6:00pm – 7:10pm
Where: Newbiggin Sports and Community Centre
Price: £6
Mortal Fools’ Ensemble Young Company presents this fast-paced, enlightening show that delves into the messy mechanics of the teenage brain. Following a script developed in collaboration with neuroscientists, 11 young performers will share their stories and give an insight into their brains, explaining how it affects their relationships with adults. This is a fantastic show for teenagers, young people and any adults who live with or support them!
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