As we head into the May Bank Holiday weekend many of us will be starting to make plans for the summer ahead.
Whether you're looking to enjoy live music, a day out with the kids, or some brilliant food, there's plenty going in the North East to keep you entertained in the coming weeks and months. Here's our round-up of some of the best gigs and events taking place across the region.
Take look through and see what takes your fancy.
Last weekend of Stack Newcastle
Thousands of people are expected to head to Newcastle's Stack this weekend to make the most of what the venue has to offer before it closes for good on Bank Holiday Monday. The venue is putting on a bumper weekend of live music and entertainment over the course of the three days including a 'closing party' until midnight on its last day, May 2.
The closure is to make way for an HMRC office block housing 9,000 staff which will take over the site. This weekend, visitors can expect to enjoy food and drink from the independent traders on offer, along with live music, the ever-popular 'Kroud Karaoke' and Saturday's Newcastle match which will be shown on the big screens.
A full line-up of entertainment can be found on the Stack website: https://stacknewcastle.com/
Gary Barlow to perform at Newcastle's Tyne Theatre
Music icon and Take That legend Gary Barlow is set to bring his acclaimed A Different Stage show to Newcastle's Tyne Theatre this summer. The tour sees Gary perform a musical retelling of his own life story, with those who have seen him in action saying it's an emotional rollercoaster.
Gary will perform at the Tyne Theatre in Newcastle on October 11 and 12 and tickets are on sale now from Ticketmaster and Gigs and Tours. They will also be available from the Tyne Theatre website.
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran may have disappointed some fans when he had to cancel one of his Sunderland dates, but those lucky enough to bag tickets to the two other shows will be eagerly looking forward to seeing the star perform in the city this June. The 'Shape of You' singer had to cancel his Thursday, June 2 show at the Stadium of Light due to a "scheduling conflict" that is understood to be related to his performance at the Queen's Jubilee celebrations happening the same week.
However, an email sent out to ticket holders said Ed is "still very excited for the Friday and Saturday gigs". Those fans with tickets for Ed's cancelled show in Sunderland are being offered refunds if they can't make the Friday or Saturday shows.
Newcastle Ladies Day
Newcastle Ladies Day is a highlight of both the sporting and social calendar at Newcastle Racecourse and always brings out crowds dressed to the nines to enjoy the occasion. This year's event will take place on Saturday, July 23 featuring gripping races and the best-dressed competition, along with live music and entertainment throughout the day.
Racegoers can also expect dining pods and pop-up bars following a new sponsor deal with the Gainford Group which will also be hosting an official after-party at its Quayside venue Aveika. A free shuttle bus will ferry racegoers there at the end of the day and entry will be free. For more tickets visit: https://www.newcastle-racecourse.co.uk/popular-events/ladies-day/
Northumberland stately home to open six metre slide
Anyone looking to do something fun with the family this weekend should think about paying a visit to see a novel attraction at a Northumberland stately home. Belsay Hall is sporting a rather unusual addition in the shape of a 6.6 metre slide that descends off the side of the building into the gardens.
The temporary slide opens on Saturday, April 30 and is part of a project giving visitors behind-the-scenes access to major conservation works taking place at the hall over the next 12 months. A specially built platform has been installed at roof level, enabling visitors to see the conservation in action and enjoy views of the Northumberland countryside.
