20 things to do this weekend in the North East

Alnwick Castle perches on a green hill, which slopes down to meet a river and stone bridge with a cluster of trees. The afternoon sun shines down.

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.

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A cute grey felted bunny with pink ears and small black eyes. It has been made during a needle felting workshop.

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.

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Gordon Buchanan, a white man with grey hair and blue shirt, stands against a jungle background. A lion, tiger and bear lurk around him. Overlaid text says Lions, Tigers and Bears.

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.

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Slices of pepperoni and margarita pizza on white plates with side salad. A bright blue strip underneath this image features the words: Bottomless Brunch. Saturday 29th March.

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.

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A row of glasses containing a small amount of whisky for tasting.

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.

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Hands hold a circular piece of embroidery featuring many small blue flowers with yellow centres and green stems.

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.

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John B Partridge, a white man in a pale blue blazer and white jeans, shrugs as school exam papers fall around him. A bright blue strip below the image features the words: Primary School Assembly Bangers Live. Saturday 29 March.

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.

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Three tiers of scones, cakes, pastries and sandwiches on delicate plates.

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!

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Two wedges of cheese sit on a brown wooden plate. A glass of white wine can be seen in the background.

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…

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Poster for the candlelight gig at Cobalt Studios featuring The Brother Gillespie.

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.

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Lilac poster featuring the words: Saved by the 90s. An actor's showcase - our celebration of the best (and worst).

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.

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Raby Castle is silhouetted against a purplish blue sky studded with thousands of stars.

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.

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A plate of roast chicken, potato and tenderstem broccoli on a pool of gravy. Below this image, a bright blue strip features the words: A proper Sunday Roast. Sunday 30 March.

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!

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A box of variously coloured Belgian chocolates. Some are topped with nuts and honeycomb shapes. A white heart shaped one sits on top of them all at the centre.

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.

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A three tier afternoon tea stand displaying dainty cakes, scones, sandwiches and other treats. Two glasses of prosecco stand beside it on the wooden table.

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.

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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.

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Three tiers of scones, cakes, pastries and sandwiches on delicate plates.

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!

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An unseen waiter places a three-tier afternoon tea platter onto a white tablecloth. Delicate flowers in a clear vase stand nearby.

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!

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A movie style drawing of two men and a woman in yellow raincoats, each holding a different coloured umbrella and singing. Below the image, a bright blue strip features the words: Singin in the Rain in concert. Sunday 30 March.

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.

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A young woman in a green jumper opens her mouth and looks at the ceiling as she performs in the show Brainstorm. Other young people can be seen making gestures in the background.

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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Nula Power

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