Whatever the weather brings this Bank Holiday weekend – and we probably all know what to expect – the North East has plenty going on to keep us entertained.
Much of it is outdoors and so far the Met Office forecast for Newcastle has rain mostly confined to Sunday so fingers crossed but, of course, it’s worth double-checking each day as those predictions can regularly change. For those yet to plan their long weekend, we have come up with a round-up of some of the events happening in the area.
They include a music festival in the city; a carnival at the coast; county show in Northumberland and food market in Sunderland. There are lots of venues gearing up for half-term week events too so check out local museums and galleries for more ideas.
These also provide a handy escape from the weather at any time. In addition, see here for some ideasfor free things to do with kids around the North East in sun or rain.
Ideas for the May Bank Holiday weekend
The Great British Tribute Festival
Times Square in Newcastle will play host to the popular party weekender which features cover bands galore. The Saturday to Sunday line-up includes tributes to Queen, Blur, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Abba, Oasis, Madness and Sam Fender – Sam Offender in this case. For tickets to the festival see here.
Whitley Bay Carnival
The annual showpiece makes a return to the coast this weekend, with the ‘Leap’-theme carnival parade set to take place between 11am and 12.30pm on Saturday, leaving from Whitley Bay Metro station and making its way to The Links. Expect spectacular costumes and live music.
Following up on Sunday will be more music on the Spanish City Plaza stage; in the Carnival Marquee and on the streets. Find out more here.
Northumberland County Show
The traditional show, which attracts around 30,000 visitors to its scenic site at Bywell, near Stocksfield in Northumberland, will be back on Saturday with the usual array of animal attractions; around 300 trade stands plus lots of food and drink. Read more about this year’s plans here and buy tickets here.
Durham Pride
Promising the biggest celebration of LGBT+ diversity Durham has ever seen, the event will kick off on Saturday will mark Pride in Armed Forces Day – complete with music, bars, food, stalls, a fun fair and military-themed displays (10p entry; not tickets required) – then Pride Sunday will start at 11am outside Durham Cathedral with the march through the city then speeches at The Sands fields and this needs tickets: see here.
Beamish Museum
The County Durham open-air museum has a busy programme of events in addition to its year-round attractions and this Sunday they will include an Eastern European Car Rally and a Skiffle Session and Uke Club, to be followed on Bank Holiday Monday by a performance by Easington Colliery Band. From then, and over the May half-term break, it also will be hosting a Timeless Toys event, promising a nostalgic trip through childhoods past, with a focus upon toys and games from over the decades: read more about that here and for entry details see here.
Sunniside Food Market
This popular monthly market, organised by Food and Drink North East and running since 2022, will be making a return to Sunderland on Saturday with a line-up of food producers and traders setting up stall around Sunniside Gardens between 10am and 4pm. Visitors will be able to sample cuisines from across the globe as well as street food and craft beer. For more information see here.
Bank Holiday BBQ Extravaganza
A special chef collaboration at Ophelia restaurant in Gosforth on Sunday will see its owner Nick Grieves team up with Ian Waller, head chef at Michelin star Restaurant Pine in Northumberland, and together they are promising a feast for the senses. On the menu will be Ian’s take on a classic kebab – there’s also a veggie option – and Nick’s range of snacks including oysters and squid, alongside a range of drinks and a live DJ set.
There were limited tickets for the 2pm-9pm event so keep an eye out for availability here.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/north-east-bank-holiday-events-29228624
