12 things to do this weekend in the North East

A freshly baked batch of glazed hot cross buns sit on a wooden board. One of them has been torn open, ready to be buttered.

Hot Cross Bun Masterclass – Raby Castle

When: Friday 11th April 11:30am – 4:00pm

Where: Raby Castle

Price: £35.50

Is there anything more quintessentially Easter than hot cross buns?

Join estate chef Tom Parry for a Hot Cross Bun Masterclass in Raby Castle’s Medieval Kitchen. You’ll learn how to bake traditional hot cross buns, then enjoy a guided tour of the Castle while you wait for them to rise and bake.

Top off the experience with a tea or coffee and take your homemade buns home with you, still warm from the oven!

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The Evolution of Psychopaths: From Neanderthals to the Internet Age – Newcastle Castle

When: Friday 11th April 6:00pm – 7:15pm

Where: Newcastle Castle

Price: from £8

Hosted by research psychologist and psychopathy expert Cheish Merryweather, this fascinating talk explores psychopaths over time.

You’ll learn how psychopathic traits have shaped human history, from early survivalists to the digital masterminds of today.

With elements of science, storytelling and plenty of insights, this talk challenges common perceptions of psychopathy by asking the question: “Are psychopaths a necessary part of human evolution?”

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Red sinister text against a white background. It says 'Evolution of a Psychopath'.
The silhouette of a hill against a dark, starry sky. Overlaying text says: Star bathing walk, Friday 11th April. It goes on to give more details about the event at Ad Gefrin.

Starbathing Walk – Ad Gefrin

When: Friday 11th April 7:15pm – 9:00pm

Where: Ad Gerin

Price: £45

Walk beneath the constellations during this unforgettable nighttime starbathing experience.

Starting at twilight, you’ll walk from Ad Gefrin to Humbleton Hill under the guidance of a Wild Experiences Northumberland team member.

Take in your beautiful natural surroundings as the night unfolds above you and enjoy some of the clearest dark skies in Britain.

Once you reach the top of the hill, you’ll be rewarded with hot drinks, snacks and an optional toast with Ad Gefrin’s Tácnbora Whisky Blend.

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Steve Steinmans Eternal Love: The Musical – Tyne Theatre & Opera House

When: Friday 11th April 7:30pm – Saturday 12th April 7:30pm

Where: Tyne Theatre and Opera House

Price: from £24

This original rock musical celebrates 22 years of Steve Steinman’s Vampires Rock chronicles.

With a full cast of singers, dancers and musicians, the fangtastic night will feature more than 20 original songs from two #1 albums – ideal for musical theatre and rock fans alike!

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A bald man in a long leather coat bares his fangs at the camera. He carries an electric guitar in one hand. A woman with long fizzy hair screams wildly at something in the distance. The silver words, Eternal Love, drip with blood.
A sculpture of a hare woven out of willow stands proudly in front of a green hedge in Raby Castle's gardens.

Willow Crafting: Weave Your Own Hare – Raby Castle

When: Saturday 12th April 11;30am – 4:00pm

Where: Raby Castle

Price: £95.50

Create your very own willow hare sculpture in this beginner-friendly craft workshop.

Led by an expert, you’ll learn how to weave willow into a charming hare-shaped piece to take home – a lovely decoration for spring!

Everything you need is included in the ticket price and there will be a light lunch to keep you refreshed during the session.

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Easter at Lilidorei – The Alnwick Garden

When: Saturday 12th April 10:00am – 6:00pm

Where: The Alnwick Garden

Price: from £17

Celebrate the season of new life at Lilidorei this Easter! There will be a range of activities for the kids to get involved in:

– Explore the Lilidorei village and answer riddles on your Soar Into Spring trail card
– Hunt for the golden eggs hidden throughout the village
– Marvel at the soaring bord that takes flight around Lilidorei
– Hear The Legend of the Golden Eggs during story time
– Take part in fun Easter games with the Secret Keepers
– Make a pretty spring stained glass ornament

Don’t forget there’s also Elfwin Drin to explore – the world’s biggest play structure!

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The giant play structure at Lilidorei stands against a sunny blue sky. It features lots of fairy tale turrets, tunnels, slides and toadstools, and it is painted green and red.
A father smiles as he watches his son tie twine into a bow shape. A young girl, maybe his sister, looks on in interest. A basket of colourful Easter eggs sits in front of them.

Easter Holidays – Life Science Centre

When: Saturday 12th April 11:30am – Sunday 27th 5:00pm

Where: Life Science Centre

Price: from £10.50

The Life Science Centre is hosting a variety of fun and informative activities this Easter!

Make your own egg catapult in the Making Studios, learn how to win an egg-rolling contest, explore interactive activities, head to space in the Space Zone and much more.

See the Life Science Centre’s website for the full programme of activities.

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Build a Bug House & Explore our Bug Hotel – Washington Wetland Centre

When: Saturday 12th April 1:00pm – 2:30pm

Where: Washington Wetland Centre

Price: included in price of general admission

Explore Washington Wetland Centre’s bug house and insect garden with volunteer Kate.

Soak up the fresh spring weather as you learn which flowers you should plant to help bees and butterflies thrive.

You’ll also have the chance to build a bug house using recycled milk cartons and card board tubes, which you can take home for your own outdoor space!

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Three wooden pallets are stacked on top of each other and filled with wood, sticks, tubes and other materials. It is topped with a corrugated roof. It is a large insect hotel for the garden.
People exploring local marker's market

Made Up North’s Spring Market

When: Sunday 13th April 10:00am – 4:00pm

Where: Boiler Shop

Price: £2

Made Up North is hosting its spring market in the heart of Newcastle, bringing together 65 of the best northern makers, artists, creative businesses, and food vendors under one roof!

Enjoy a drink from the BOILER SHOP’s in-house bar while viewing the incredible work of local potters, textiles artists, jewelers, soap makers, and so many other independent northern creatives.

The first 10 people through the door will get a free gift!

The market will also be acting as a drop-off point for food donations and hygiene donations for East End Women.

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Spring Wreath Making with Harvest Moon – The Biscuit Factory

When: Sunday 13th April 10:30am – 1:00pm

Where: The Biscuit Factory

Price: £68

Bring spring to your front door with a beautiful handmade wreath.

The experts from Harvest Moon Floral Art will show you how to build your wreath using a willow base, foliage, dried flowers, and spring flowering plants and bulbs that will come into flower.

Finish your masterpiece with a pretty ribbon, then hang it on your door and watch it change with the season!

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A wreath hangs on a grey wooden door. It is made from various pieces of foliage, flowers and feathers.
A yellow ceramic plant pot printed with hexagon prints and a bumblebee stamp. A plant with yellow flowers has been planted in it.

Make Your Own Pair of Plant Pots: Ceramic Workshop – Newcastle Cathedral

When: Sunday 13th April 12:00pm – 2:30pm

Where: Newcastle Cathedral

Price: £68

Craft a pair of ceramic plant pots during this hands-on workshop led by potter Amy Rutherford.

You’ll learn how to mould clay into perfectly sized pots, then add your own touches with stamps and patterns.

By the end of the session, you’ll have created two pretty and practical pots ready for planting!

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Brainstorm – Gosforth Civic Theatre

When: Sunday 13th April 12:00pm – 2:30pm

Where: Gosforth Civic Theatre

Price: £8

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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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.
Nula Power

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