10 fun things to do this weekend

Two strange puppets - one shaped like a robotic bug, the other some kind of lion bear - are positioned on a dark stage. They are perched on a piece of brown fabric above a blue surface, making it look like they are floating on a raft at sea.

Newcastle Puppetry Festival – Newcastle City Centre

When: Thursday 24th April, 12:00am – Monday 27th April 11:59pm

Where: Newcastle City Centre

Price: free

Newcastle Puppetry Festival is back for another year of enchanting activities.

There’s an exciting programme to explore, including puppet shows, ‘Meet the Puppeteer’ sessions, animated film showings, puppet-making courses and workshops, and much more.

Don’t miss the iconic Beasts on the Street parade, where intricate puppets will be paraded along Northumberland Street to mark the start of the festival!

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Easter Holidays Create Your Own Artist’s Book – Hatton Gallery

When: Thursday 24th April, 10:30am – 12:30pm

Where: Hatton Gallery

Price: free

Aimed at 12 to 18 year olds, this workshop lets participants create their own artist’s book using collage, printing and drawing.

Creative experimentation is encouraged – use rubber stamps, pen and print to decorate the book, illustrate a line from a song or poem, or bring a new idea to life.

This is a great opportunity for young people to unleash their creativity during the Easter holidays.

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A palette of paints is placed on a wooden board on a table. Next to it is an open sketchbook featuring different coloured painted squares. Various pots and paintbrushes can be seen in the background.
Two little girls in rain coats crouch down in the grass. They use tools to carefully examine the bugs on a piece of log at Washington Wetland Centre.

Minibeast Hunting – Washington Wetland Centre

When: Thursday 24th April, 1:00pm – 3:000pm

Where: Washington Wetland Centre

Price: free (included in general admission)

Go on the hunt for mini beasts as you explore hidden worlds beneath soil, leaves and dry wood.

You’ll be equipped with a dusting brush, magnifying glass and observation trays so you can take a better look at your finds, which might include stink bugs, millipedes and more.

This is an exciting activity suitable for the whole family.

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Clay Faces and Natural Printing – Washington Wetland Centre

When: Friday 25th April, 1:00pm – 2:30pm

Where: Washington Wetland Centre

Price: free (included in general admission)

Get the whole family outdoors with a fun woodland activity this Easter.

You’ll get to learn different printing and mark-making techniques, including hapa-zome – the Japanese art of leaf-dyeing.

You can also create some wacky faces or bug shapes on tree trunks by sticking clay to the bark and adding materials like sticks and leaves. Take home anything you make!

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An unseen person places a stick onto a flattened piece of clay on a tree trunk. It is a clay face with a pinecone for a nose, stones for eyes and wool for hair.
Metal beer kegs sit in a row. White text overlays a black banner at the top of the image. It says: Anarchy Brew Co Brewery Tour and Tasting.

Brewery Tour & Tasting Experiences – Anarchy Brew Co.

When: Friday 25th April, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Where: Anarchy Brew Co.

Price: £22

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of Anarchy Brew Co. with a member of the brewery team.

You’ll delve into the history of the brewery and get a glimpse into the brewing process, as well as learning more about each beer.

Your tour will start with a sample and you’ll also have the opportunity to try a selection of tasty beers in the taproom.

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Pilates and Brunch at Kip & Nook with Kate Elizabeth

When: Saturday 26th April, 12:00pm – 4.00pm

Where: Kip and Nook

Price: £76.55

Kick off your day at Kip & Nook with a refreshing apple, pear, and cinnamon health shot from Harry, followed by your choice of herbal tea, coffee, or spiced hot chocolate. Enjoy a 45-minute Pilates session led by Kate Elizabeth, designed to strengthen and energize your body, then unwind with a 20-minute meditation and affirmation-setting workshop to ground your focus. Afterward, indulge in a wholesome brunch with three nourishing options, sweet treats, and a revitalizing mocktail—all served in the calming surroundings of the countryside.

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Gosforth Central Park Market

When: Saturday 26th April, 10:00am – 3.00pm

Where: Gosforth Central Park

Price: Free

The Gosforth Park Market, organized by Urban Park Market, is a vibrant community event held on the last Saturday of each month at Gosforth Central Park in Newcastle upon Tyne. Running from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the market features a diverse array of stalls both in the park and inside the adjacent shopping centre. Visitors can explore offerings from hot and cold food vendors, arts and crafts artisans, fashion retailers, and more. The event is free to attend and welcomes everyone, making it a perfect outing for families and individuals looking to enjoy local culture and community spirit.

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Sunniside Food Market

When: Saturday 26th April, 10:00am – 3.00pm

Where: Sunniside Gardens, Sunderland

Price: Free

The Sunniside Food Market is a vibrant monthly community event that brings together a diverse array of North East food and drink traders, including brewers, bakers, cheesemongers, and street food vendors.

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Pond Dipping – Washington Wetland Centre

When: Saturday 26th April, 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Where: Washington Wetland Centre

Price: free (included with general admission)

Explore the underwater world with a fun pond-dipping session at Washington Wetland Centre.

Grab a net and search for wildlife such as water snails, great diving beetles and their formidable larvae. A guide will show you how to safely catch and ID these creatures before returning them to the water.

An engaging activity for the whole family!

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A young girl with blond hair and wearing a pink coat peers through a magnifying glass into a small clear dish. She is taking part in pond dipping at Washington Wetland Centre.
A black and white bird with a long black beak and long legs crouches as it walks through water at Wader Lake, Washington Wetland Centre.

Wild Walk: Wader Watch – Washington Wetland Centre

When: Sunday 27th April, 11:00am – 12:00pm

Where: Washington Wetland Centre

Price: free (included with general admission)

This hour-long wild walk lets you take in the sights and sounds of the reserve while looking out for a variety of wading bird species.

The Centre’s wardens will lead the way, telling you about the elegant birds and pointing out the types of insects and other food they eat.

For any photographers out there, this is a great opportunity to capture the beautiful creatures that appear along the walk!

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Nula Power

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