What's On and Things To Do Around County Durham

Coming to Hilarity Bites at Bannatyne Hotel in Darlington on May 21st 2018: Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat.

Presenting work by selected artists from TeesdaleArtNet. Presenting work by selected artists from TeesdaleArtNet, the recently established network for all artists living or working in the dale.

Oscar and Golden Globe winning blockbuster starring Frances McDormand. Martin McDonagh’s fiercely written, stabbingly pleasurable tragicomedy stars a magnificent Frances McDormand; watching it is like having your funny bone struck repeatedly, expertly and very much too hard by a karate super-black-belt capable of...

Presented by Luke Wright. We all want something to believe in. It’s 1987 and Frankie Vah gorges on love, radical politics, and skuzzy indie stardom. But can he keep it all down?

Coming to Hilarity Bites at the Old English Gentleman in Darlington on May 24th 2018: Hilarity Bites presents Lee Kyle: Folly Show details: In a moment of madness, Lee has decided to bite off more than he can chew and has booked a 30+ date national tour, as an attempt to answer the question "What happens if

Daily 26th May – 3rd June 2018 Don’t miss Adventure Valley’s Alice in AdventureLand this May Half-Term! Will you be mad enough to find Alice in our Magical Treasure Hunt? Play croquet with the Mad Queen, meet the White Rabbit and Crazy Hatter.

Every Saturday morning we have two family roller disco sessions. Session 1: 10:00am - 11:00am Session 2: 11:00am - 12:00pm We have a number of skates available but you are welcome to bring your own. The price is £2.50 per skater per session. No booking necessary - just pay on the door.

Grandslam 2018: Summer of Steps Tour Blue and Aqua. Artists performing: Steps.: Tickets avaiable.

There is no comeback greater than Steps! The iconic pop group have returned to claim their pop crown! Their Summer of Steps 2018 Tour includes a concert at Mowden Park, Darlington on Sunday 27 May 2018 with special guests Aqua and Blue.

 Peut-Être Theatre/ Events / HomeYou are here:  Workshops for families before the performance, 1pm & 2pmA 45 minutes workshop for children & families will be an exploration of the themes of Tidy Up using dance and movement (led by company members).

Coming to Hilarity Bites at Darlington Food Festival on May 27th 2018: Hilarity Bites Comedy Club at Darlington Food Festival feat.

A lovely lavender walk leads to a Queen Anne-fronted house (not open) surrounded by a 5 acre garden, comprising a stunning herbaceous border, large fruit and vegetable plot, two ponds and wonderful topiary arched wall.

Calling all nature lovers! Drop in to lend a hand with a marathon habitat survey around Hawthorn Hythe to improve the way we care for wildlife. No experience is necessary. Rangers will be on hand to offer expert guidance.

The garden is approx a quarter of an acre, divided into two, one half used as a vegetable garden with large greenhouse. The other half of the garden is lawn with well stocked (and some unusual planting) herbaceous borders and small pond. Bees are kept in the vegetable garden.

Presented by Old Kent Road. SEE THE SOUND. FEEL THE MOVEMENT.  The show takes a journey through quintessential jazz, entangling movement within the graceful perspective of tap dance.

Bonjour! Celebrating Queen Victoria in Paris, climb aboard for our journey to France during this drop in session. Take part in our French inspired day, the home of our beloved founder Josephine Bowes. Let’s see who can build the tallest Eiffel Tower!

Enjoy the hustle and bustle of a Georgian Country Fair at Beamish Museum. Experience a fair like no other as The Squire of Pockerley sets about hiring his staff for the coming months! Here’s just some of the many things on offer at the fair; Be amazed by the Georgian Peep Show.

Enjoy how this much-loved picture book comes to life! Presented by New Perspective Theatre Company. What a to-do! One hot summer’s day, four million wasps invade the quiet village of Itching Down. The picnickers panic and the farmer stops haymaking.

Coming to Hilarity Bites at The Cornerhouse in Crook on May 31st 2018: Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat.

DJAZZ – The Durham City Jazz Festival brings together a number of different musical styles, groups, networks and audiences in the small but perfectly formed city of Durham. Festival-goers gain access to over 30 events ranging from intimate sets in hidden locations to big names in big venues!

Presented by M6 Theatre Company Winner of Best Production for Children and Young People (0-7) at the OFFIES 2016. The award winning M6 Theatre Company presents a humorous and highly visual show for the very young.

Badapple Theatre Company is celebrating 20 years on the road and to mark the milestone, it is re-presenting the first show the Company ever toured with. ’Amy Johnson’ will tour nationally starting in Yorkshire, travelling down through the Midlands, Surrey, Gloucestershire and finally Somerset.

Bespoke artisan craft fair

Travel down the rabbit hole and join Alice on her madcap adventures. Featuring updated songs from Disney’s thrilling animated motion picture, this is a fast-paced take on the classic tale. The ever-curious Alice’s journey begins innocently enough as she chases the White Rabbit.

Come along to our monthly family night! From 7:00pm til 10:00pm. Activities can include bouncy castle, soft play, table tennis, badminton, football, etc. Unfortunately we are no longer able to offer roller skating as part of this. Fully licensed bar open for adults and food available.

Part of the 50 acre landscape within open countryside around Ushaw College, the gardens were originally laid out in 1840 in front of the Georgian house and feature a formal rhododendron garden with herbaceous borders and rose beds.

Coming to Hilarity Bites at The Forum in Darlington on June 2nd 2018: Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat.

The internationally acclaimed choreographer’s interpretation of the classic fairy tale has, at its heart, a true war-time romance. A chance meeting results in a magical night for Cinderella and her dashing young RAF pilot, together just long enough to fall in love before being parted by the horrors of the Blitz.

Ballet recorded live in HD from Teatro Alla Scala. Le Corsaire follows the swashbuckling adventures of a dashing pirate who journeys across the high seas to save his beloved from the Pasha’s harem with danger looming at every turn.

Coming to Hilarity Bites at The Turbinia in Newton Aycliffe on June 6th 2018: Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat.

Do you need to sell your outgrown baby and children’s goods or are you looking to grab a bargain if so you love Darlington’s mum2mum market. You can grab some real bargains with thousands of items on sale, you can save up to 80% from buying new.

On the 9th and 10th June the roads and streets at Beamish will come alive with the sights and sounds of stunning classic vehicles from the Morris Car Club. Up to 20 cars will be on display at the museum and travelling around site, a brilliant opportunity to see some amazing vehicles first-hand!

Two of folk music’s most highly regarded and celebrated musicians, John McCusker and Heidi Talbot, are joining forces for the first time as a duo.

Artisan bespoke craft fairs with selected crafters from around the North East

Join the folk at Beamish Museum as they celebrate their Sunday School Anniversary, a big event for the community, when children wearing their finery would have taken part in a service before gathering for a picnic and treat.

Race for Life brings thousands of women together to support Cancer Research UK’s life-saving research into all 200 types of cancer. Sign up or help us spread the word. This is a 5k suitable for all abilities. This is thousands of women uniting with one purpose. Walk, jog or run. Raise valuable funds for research.

13.1miles/21.1km of pumping hearts, burning muscles, sweat and stunning scenery. A great way for energetic types to experience the picturesque Durham Coast. A challenging route from Seaham to Crimdon Dene.

A peaceful, contemplative 3 acre garden developed and planted by the owner and BBC Gardener of the Year as a space for quiet reflection. Arboretum specialising in bark, stream, wildlife pond and bog garden. Semi-shaded Japanese maple and dwarf rhododendron garden. Rock garden and scree bed.

This is a small garden designed for a wildlife loving wheelchair user and features a pond, a patch of meadow, huge bug palace, numerous bird feeders and living brush pile. In addition vegetables shares the borders with the flowers.There are some weeds as the rule is if the bees butterflies and bugs love it, it stays.

Coming to Hilarity Bites at Hole in the Wall in Darlington on June 11th 2018: Hilarity Bites New Act Competition 2018 - Heat One Show details: From June-August 2018 the Hilarity Bites New Act of the Year competition returns, for the eleventh year, as the North-East’s biggest and longest running comedy

Swan Lake has had a special role in the repertory of The Royal Ballet since 1934. While remaining faithful to the Petipa-Ivanov text, Scarlett will bring fresh eyes to the staging of this classic ballet, in collaboration with his long-term designer John Macfarlane.

John Hurt’s final performance as a terminally ill writer grappling with his own mortality, based on N.J. Crisp’s acclaimed stage-play. He has two final missions: to be reconciled to his son, Michael, and secretly to ensure he is not a burden to his wife, Anna, as he goes into that good night.

Coming to Hilarity Bites at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on June 15th 2018: Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Anthony King, Stephen Bailey, and host Dave Twentyman Show details: Anthony King - “It’s the one-liners that set him apart.

The North East Police History Society will be putting on a display of items and exhibits at Beamish Museum. Visit the North East Police History Society exhibition in the Collections Study Room (near Open Stores) to learn about policing in the past. As with all daytime events, your Unlimited Pass is valid!

a-ha: Electric Summer Plus OMD. Artists performing: A-Ha, OMD.: Tickets avaiable.

The 48th Beamish Safety and Reliability Run is taking place on Sunday, 17th June 2018! This event is for cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles registered before 1956. Beginning and finishing at Beamish, the run will follow a 150-mile route around County Durham and North Yorkshire.

Beamish Hall are bringing the whole family together this Father’s Day, we aim to keep the family entertained while Dad enjoys the football on a large screen. There will be a BBQ on the Lawn, Football Games, Fairground Rides, Face painting and much more..

Rural setting with wonderful panoramic views of local countryside. Garden consists of mixed borders, roses and sweet peas. Large pond (small lake) stocked with ghost carp and trout, with natural planting including candelabra primulas and wild flower banks. Island has ducks, coots and moorhens nesting.

In 1996 this wonderful garden was a field. It now includes 2 ponds, one with koi, stream, bog garden and wooded area. Mixed colourful borders are full of herbaceous perennials. Informal and naturalistic, this is a rural idyll. Abundant wildlife incl kingfishers, dippers, wagtails, frogs and toads.

The garden is attached to an award winning specialist plant nursery (5 Chelsea Gold Medals and winner of the RHS Presidents Award 2015).

Coming to Hilarity Bites at Hole in the Wall in Darlington on June 18th 2018: Hilarity Bites New Act Competition 2018 - Heat Two Show details: From June-August 2018 the Hilarity Bites New Act of the Year competition returns, for the eleventh year, as the North-East’s biggest and longest running comedy

Looking back Rattle says, ’I felt that I was finding my voice on that day’. Mahler’s multifaceted work is again on the programme when Sir Simon appears for the last time as chief conductor of the Berliner Philharmoniker.

Bursting with exotic colour and memorable melodies, Puccini’s seductive score conceals a dramatic blade that cuts to the heart. Blending authentic Japanese music with luscious European harmonies and orchestration, the opera is an irresistible fusion of East and West.

A weekend of living history, celebrating the cameraderie, costume, vehicles and music of the period. Wartime re-enactment, 1940s entertainment, vintage fair and historical displays. Outdoor events are free entry. Pre-1950 vehicles and re-enactment groups welcome but must pre-register.

This breathtakingly beautiful Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical, inspired by the Oscar® winning MGM film, tells the impassioned story of discovering love in the ‘City of Light’.

Join us as we enter a magical dreamland of sleepy byes in this playful, peaceful and wonderful performance for you and your baby.

Direct from total sell outs at the Edinburgh Fringe 2017 and Brighton Fringe 2017, and following sell out Edinburgh Fringe runs in 2015 and 2016 plus a sell-out UK tour, award winning (Spirit of The Fringe 2015) comedian George Egg (the ‘Anarchist Cook’) returns with a brand new show demonstrating more live cooking

This nearly three-acre garden offers colour and interest throughout the year. Beyond the large lawn and herbaceous beds are two ponds, a sunken garden, a wood with shade-loving plants, an orchard with children’s play house and swings, and a good number of unusual plants, shrubs and trees.

A series of garden rooms reveal a cottage garden, Yard garden, Pergola garden and secret garden, Managed organically and with 5 national plant collections. Children’s treasure hunt, small plant nursery and traidcraft shop, organic cream teas and refreshments

A group of 8 gardens of great variety. Most gardens are clustered around the village greens. Some are a short walk/drive to the edge of the village. Romaldkirk is an interesting, old, traditional village with a water pump, stocks and attractive church of St Romald.

Join us as we enter a magical dreamland of sleepy byes in this playful, peaceful and wonderful performance for you and your baby.

Coming to Hilarity Bites at Hole in the Wall in Darlington on June 25th 2018: Hilarity Bites New Act Competition 2018 - Heat Three Show details: From June-August 2018 the Hilarity Bites New Act of the Year competition returns, for the eleventh year, as the North-East’s biggest and longest running comedy

The East Pointers write about real life, sketching out its joys and sorrows in vivid strokes. The East Pointers - fiddler/singer Tim Chaisson, banjoist Koady Chaisson and guitarist Jake Charron – have spent the last two years touring Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia in support of their JUNO Award winning album,...

Coming to Hilarity Bites at The Smiths Arms in Carlton on June 26th 2018: Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Danny Posthill, George Rigden, and host Rick Molland Show details: Danny Posthill - Britain’s Got Talent finalist.

Now in its sixth year, Old King Coal celebrates the rich mining history of the North East. From banner parades to brass bands and everything in between, this event will celebrate the rich mining history of the North East.

Coming to Hilarity Bites at The Cornerhouse in Crook on June 28th 2018: Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat.

Artisan bespoke craft fairs from selected crafters from around the north east

The garden, started 2012, is just over 650ft in approx ¼ acre. A stunning location, lots of birdlife. Combine with a walk at the reservoir' The garden has a lot to interest in a small space. Some unusual plants in borders with shrubs, perennials, roses, peonies and an alpine garden added 2015. Pergola and arbour.

Byers Green Fun Day (similar to Carnival) is held on the Village Green from 12 o clock until 4 p.m. We have market stalls and a variety of goods oin display.

A variety of village gardens of different sizes and aspects on the village green. . These include a courtyard garden and formal and cottage gardens. There are lovely views of the River Tees from some gardens. Two of the gardens are previous winners in the Darlington in Bloom competition.

Joyful psalm settings by British and German composers, based around the psalms texts ’O Sing unto the Lord’.

Race for Life brings thousands of women together to support Cancer Research UK’s life-saving research into all 200 types of cancer. Sign up or help us spread the word. This is a 5k suitable for all abilities. This is thousands of women uniting with one purpose. Walk, jog or run. Raise valuable funds for research.

Race for Life brings millions of women together to support our life-saving research. Just by signing up you’ll make a difference and whether you raise £10 or £200, every penny matters. So which event is for you? A 5k is great for all ages. Run, jog or walk the only thing that matters is that you’re part of it.

A warm welcome awaits you in this traditional and historic Teesdale village. The village is bounded on two sides by the Balder and Tees rivers. A wide variety of country gardens (and allotments) are opening. Look out for some great Teesdale views as you walk between them.

Two comics on the cusp of stardom try out their brand new shows. With bags of northern charm, Chris Washington is fresh from a hugely successful 2017 Edinburgh Fringe, during which he received a sparkling nomination for the coveted award for Best Newcomer.

Coming to Hilarity Bites at Hole in the Wall in Darlington on July 2nd 2018: Hilarity Bites New Act Competition 2018 - Heat Four Show details: From June-August 2018 the Hilarity Bites New Act of the Year competition returns, for the eleventh year, as the North-East’s biggest and longest running comedy

Coming to Hilarity Bites at The Turbinia in Newton Aycliffe on July 4th 2018: Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat.

The ruined aftermath of a bloody civil war. Ruthlessly fighting to survive, the Macbeths are propelled towards the crown by forces of elemental darkness. Directed by Rufus Norris.

Garden, approx ½ acre created over 20 years in an area that had been extensively mined. It stands at 700ft and enjoys splendid views over countryside. Herbaceous borders, alpine bed, island beds, ponds, numerous mature trees and small roof garden.

Take a trip down the rabbit hole with Chapterhouse Theatre Company this summer as they present the classic tale of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Join Alice as she stumbles into the magical world of Wonderland and meet a whole host of colourful characters.

Race for Life Pretty Muddy Kids is our brilliant muddy obstacle course just for the little ones. They can take on the obstacles, crawl through the mud pit and have fun with friends, all the while helping raise valuable funds for BEATING CANCER. *Children up to the age of 12 will be able to take part.

Visit Beamish Museum to celebrate the science and engineering of the North East, from the past and from the present day.

Race for Life Pretty Muddy is Cancer Research UK’s brilliant 5k muddy obstacle course. Scramble over the A-frame. Crawl through the mud pit. Have fun with your friends. And raise valuable funds for BEATING CANCER.

Coming to Hilarity Bites at The Forum in Darlington on July 7th 2018: Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Russell Hicks, Paul Pirie, and host Freddy Quinne Show details: Russell Hicks - “Hicks has a sharp wit.. the pessimism of Jack Dee mixed with the deadpan aggression of Denis Leary.

Artisan bespoke craft fairs with selected crafters from around the north east

5 acres of 82 allotments against the spectacular backdrop of Durham Cathedral. This site has been cultivated since the Middle Ages, and was saved from development 25yrs ago, allowing a number of enthusiastic gardeners to develop plots which display a great variety of fruit, vegetables and flowers.

Coming to Hilarity Bites at Hole in the Wall in Darlington on July 9th 2018: Hilarity Bitesize New Act & New Material Night, with Lauren Pattison, host Andy Fury & support Show details: Lauren Pattison: Peachy (Work in Progress) - Edinburgh Fringe Best Newcomer Nominee 2017. “Razor wit and brutal honesty...

Chester-le-Street Theatre Group proudly present ’My Fair Lady’. This version of ‘My Fair Lady’ follows the script and lib of the original score but with a difference…………………….the place is Newcastle upon Tyne, the time is now and the theme is homelessness!

Dance the day away to live music, treat yourself to a 50s hairdo or simply enjoy a milkshake in the sun at the Festival of 50s this summer at Beamish Museum.

The Drystones are a young (just 21) lively folk duo from Priddy in Somerset playing violin, guitar and whistle, who have made a big splash since they formed in July 11.

An evening packed with four separate full one hour Edinburgh Preview shows from award winning TV comedians (Nish Kumar, Alex Edelman, Lucy Pearman & Steve Bugeja). 5.00pm – Nish Kumar (£7) 6.30pm – Alex Edelman (£6) 8.00pm – Lucy Pearman (£6) 9.30pm – Steve Bugeja (£6)

Raby Castle is one of the founding gardens of the NGS and has been opening for charity since 1927. C18 walled gardens set within the grounds of Raby Castle.

An Oscar winning performance from Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill in this retelling of his early days as Prime Minister. This epic drama will transport you to the early days of World War II.

Music Director John Butt conducts the Dunedin Consort—one of the UK’s leading Baroque ensembles—in Samling Academy Opera’s production of John Blow’s Venus and Adonis and Henry Purcell’s Come, ye Sons of Art.

Coming to Hilarity Bites at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on July 20th 2018: Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Tom Houghton, Archie Maddocks, and host Barry Dodds Show details: Tom Houghton - “Please take my advice. Get a ticket today. Tomorrow may well be too late. A Star is Born” - ?????

An evening packed with four separate full one hour Edinburgh Preview shows from award winning TV comedians (Lauren Pattison, Adam Hess, Tom Wrigglesworth and Ed Night). 5.00pm – Lauren Pattison (£6) 6.30pm – Adam Hess (£6) 8.00pm – Tom Wrigglesworth (£7) 9.30pm – Ed Night (£6)

A walk to the coast with rangers, with tea and cake along the way. A walk of approximately 3 miles at a relaxed pace taking time for a chat along the way. With woodland, meadows and stunning cliff top views, Hawthorn Hythe is an oasis for nature lovers, rich in plant and bird life.

Stunning 2 acre, mature, undulating garden full of interesting trees, shrubs and plants. Superbly landscaped (by the owners) with island beds, flowing herbaceous borders, an old walled garden, rhododendron beds, fernery, 3 ponds, grass bed and vegetable garden.

Fabulous lake views, gardens, woodland and parkland. These beautiful grounds, once in decline, are being restored to their former beauty in this lovely setting. Topiary surrounds the White and Rose Gardens. Perennial and Hot Borders, Knot and Sensory Gardens.

5-acre landscaped garden at 1000ft, started in 1996 and maturing beautifully. Enjoy old-fashioned herbaceous borders, peonies, shrubs, roses, bog and wild gardens incl a wild rose walk. Magnificent collection of unusual trees and shrubs.

Explore The BFG in Pictures exhibition and create a dream catcher to take home and hang above your bed; they are believed to catch a “trogglehumper” (bad dream) ensuring you have golden “phizzwizard” (good dream)! Children must be accompanied by an adult, for whom normal admission applies.

Coming to Hilarity Bites at Darlington Hippodrome in Darlington on July 24th 2018: Hilarity Bites presents Chris Ramsey Live 2018 (The just happy to get out of the house tour) Show details: Critically acclaimed and award winning Stand Up comedian, host of his own TV entertainment show and Stand Up show on

Hurrah! Holiday time begins so come and celebrate with us throughout the Museum and in the grounds during this drop in session. Look out for our festivity tent filled with crafts galore, sparkles and sprinkles, a delight for all. Bring a picnic!

Explore rock pools with a National Trust ranger. See how many fascinating creatures you can find and learn all about them. Will you catch a crab or spot a starfish' Booking Essential. Phone: 0344 249 1895. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs on leads welcome.

A huge number of interesting, high quality, different crafts from all over the UK to see, buy and commission. Over 80 stalls. Something perfect for everyone, for every budget!

Artisian bespoke craft fair from selected crafters around the north east

They say all political careers end in tears. In Gyles’ case it’s tears of laughter as the actor, author, One Show reporter, former MP and government whip returns to Barney with his new one-man show, Break A Leg!, a celebration of all things theatrical.

‘Amore, My Tribute to Love’, is the renowned violinists tribute to his love for music, and his love for both of his families; his wife and children, and of course for his Johann Strauss Orchestra, who he has performed with for over 30 years. Book yourself an Afternoon Tea at The Witham before the show!

5 acres of mature gardens surround this CQC outstanding-rated Hospice. In development since 1988, the gardens are cared for by volunteers. Incl a Victorian-style greenhouse and large vegetable, fruit and cut flower area. Lawns surround smaller scale specialist planting, and areas for patients and visitors to relax.

Look at the amazing Quentin Blake illustrations in The BFG in Pictures exhibition before creating your own Big Friendly Giant or Sophie puppet to take home! Children must be accompanied by an adult, for whom normal admission applies.

Jealous of the young warrior, King Saul turns against him, descending into violent, destructive madness that forces his children to choose between loyalty and love, tearing both a family and a nation apart.

Become The BFG and bring the story to life by creating your very own Big Friendly Giant ears and dream horn! In addition, explore the original illustrations from the book in The BFG in Pictures exhibition. Children must be accompanied by an adult, for whom normal admission applies.

Woodside is set in 12 acres of which 2 acres have been developed into garden. The owner had a stroke 31 years ago yet has designed and executed the works mostly single handedly.

A wildlife morning for the whole family- Welcome to the wonderful world of beetles, dragonflies, butterflies spiders and other creepy crawlies. We will be exploring pond, meadow and woodland of Maidendale Nature Reserve in search of these mini-monsters and discovering fascinating facts about these creatures.

Gala Theatre are delighted to be running a brand new summer school. Young people aged 8-15 years are invited to come and take over our theatre. We need you to select the text, come up with the ideas, develop the characters, put the show together and then perform it for an audience.

Five acres of formal will gardens. Features include interesting trees and shrubs, a pond bog garden, wild rose walks and extensive herbaceous borders. Dogs on leads.

A stunning ½ acre garden with inspirational planting to provide yr-round colour and interest. Landscaped with hidden grassy paths with many unusual trees, shrubs and plants incl wildlife pond, rockery area and water features. Rockery currently being extended. 4 times winners of The Beautiful Durham Competition.

At 700 feet above sea level on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, Stanghow has won numerous RHS Gold awards for Best Small Village, winning again in 2017, and was a Champion among Champions in the 2013 Britain in Bloom competition.

Coming to Hilarity Bites at Hole in the Wall in Darlington on August 6th 2018: Hilarity Bites New Act Competition 2018 - The Final Show details: From June-August 2018 the Hilarity Bites New Act of the Year competition returns, for the eleventh year, as the North-East’s biggest and longest running comedy

Walk at a relaxed pace and enjoy the coast with a ranger. A leisurely walk north to Warren House Gill along cliff top paths, returning along the beach. An opportunity to learn about the history, landscape and wildlife of the coastline and the work of our rangers. Booking Essential. Phone: 0344 249 1895.

Marvel’s most radical superhero movie and a watershed moment in film making. Thrilling and action packed with stunning performances and score

See the fantastic Quentin Blake illustrations in The BFG in Pictures exhibition before creating your own dream jar to take home! Children must be accompanied by an adult, for whom normal admission applies.

View The BFG in Pictures exhibition and have some GIANT cut and stick fun creating a collage of the Big Friendly Giant – the completed artwork will be displayed in the Museum! Children must be accompanied by an adult, for whom normal admission applies.

Simple Minds and The Pretenders with Very Special Guest KT Tunstall. Artists performing: Simple Minds, KT Tunstall, The Pretenders.: Tickets avaiable.

Enjoy 3 very different gardens in this new group opening. Quarry End is a 1½ acre woodland garden developed over 18 years on the site of an ancient quarry. It incorporates a newly developed woodland, a wide variety of trees, shrubs, perennials, a fernery and ornamental vegetable plot.

Charming C18 walled garden, redesigned with herbaceous border, ponds, mature trees, standard and climbing roses, vegetable garden, fruit trees, lawns and grassy paths. This is a garden in change and work has progressed since the garden opened for the NGS last year.

Find your inner beast and let your imagination run wild  in this fun drop in session. Join in with this animal themed day, who will you be? King of the jungle or a beautiful butterfly? Who knows who or what you will meet! Children must be accompanied by an adult for whom normal admission applies.

Artisan bespoke craft fairs from selected crafters from around the north east

Join us and be inspired by The BFG in Pictures exhibition to create a large 3D model street complete with a Big Friendly Giant! – the completed artwork will be displayed in the Museum. Children must be accompanied by an adult, for whom normal admission applies.

Artisian bespoke craft fair from selected crafters from around the north east

Gary Delaney, A Mock The Week regular and recent star of the new Live At The Apollo series, is one of Britain’s leading one-liner comics. He returns to the road with another onslaught of lean, expertly crafted gaggery.

Winners of the 2016 BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Original Track . The Rheingans Sisters make playful, powerful and richly connecting music that is wholly contemporary while deeply anchored in folk traditions.

Coming to Hilarity Bites at Old English Gentleman in Darlington on September 23rd 2018: Hilarity Bites presents Ray Bradshaw: Deaf Comedy Fam Show details: 1 in 6 people suffer from hearing loss. 2 of those people are Ray’s parents.

The garden is attached to an award winning specialist plant nursery (5 Chelsea Gold Medals and winner of the RHS Presidents Award 2015).

Simon Evans is one of the most exciting and distinctive talents to emerge on the comedy circuit in recent years. He is a familiar voice on BBC Radio 4 as a regular on The News Quiz and The Unbelievable Truth. Earlier this year he presented his own programme, "Simon Evans Goes To Market”.

Artisian bespoke craft fairs from selected crafters around the north east

Arts, Crafts, Gifts and Food Fair held in the magnificent, Grade1 listed, former Catholic seminary, west of Durham city. This two -day event will provide a diverse and interesting mix of exhibitors from across the North of England and Scotland.

Artisan bespoke craft fair from selected crafters from around the north east

An event for the whole family! Devils fingers, jelly ear, scarlet elfcup and slimy waxcap are not part of a witch’s spell but the names of some fascinating fungi. Come and explore Geneva Wood with us and see how many different types of toadstools we can find.

Raffle Tombola Pie and peas; quiche and corned beef pie Fundraising concert in aid of Macmillan

Trick or Treat! Halloween excitement for all the family, come and make a witch’s broom, create a potion and take part in the magician trail during this drop in session. Lots of crafty activities to keep you out of mischief! Children must be accompanied by an adult for whom normal admission applies.

Artison bespoke craft fair from selected crafters from around the north east

Six rooms filled with a diverse range of gifts & handcrafted items including wood turning, candles, pottery , glass, soaps, jewellery, cards, photography, quilting, patchwork, soft furnishings, preserves,fashion, Christmas decorations & much much more will be available in the historic atmospheric Lumley Castle,

Arts, crafts, gifts and food fair at New College, Durham This two-day event will provide a diverse and interesting mix of exhibitors from across the North of England and Scotland.

Artisan bespoke craft fairs from selected crafters from around the north east

Troilus and Cressida swear they will always be true to one another. But in the seventh year of the siege of Troy their innocence is tested, and exposed to the savage corrupting influence of war, with tragic consequences.

A regular on TV including ’Mock The Week’ and ’Live At The Apollo’, as well as being all over Radio 4 - for whom she’s making her very own series in 2018. It sound like Zoe Lyons has some sort of idea what she’s doing in life. Or is she the perfect example of an Entry Level Human?

’Unique handcrafted goods, direct from the maker.’ Designer Makers Market showcases the very best regional designers and craftspeople, with original work and a strong up-cycled theme. Meet the designer makers and buy handcrafted goods of gallery quality.

Don’t miss the stunning new show from Scotland’s internationally acclaimed and award-winning comedy star who is fast becoming one of the world’s biggest comedy names. Still just 27, this is his incredible 10th solo show.

We are delighted to announce that tickets are now on sale for our 2018 panto, Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs! Written and directed once again by Gala favourites, Neil Armstrong and Paul Hartley, this will be the fairest panto in all the land.

A musical double act like no other. Award winning comedian and writer of BBC2’s Hebburn, Jason Cook, together with swing singer Glen Roughead. The pair joins forces to bring you an evening of laughs, songs and stupidity! A perfect balance of music and comedy!

Christmas at The Hullabaloo: Luna An enchanting first theatre experience about friendship, the moon and being brave in the dark for 2 – 5 year olds and their families. Luna is bored up in the sky by herself with nobody to play with.