If you’re planning on getting out and about, we’ve rounded up ten of the top things to do.
5. Kynren, Bishop Auckland, until September 14
Outdoor theatre show Kynren is running at Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland until September 14. Presented by Eleven Arches on a seven-and-a-half acre stage, 1,000 cast and crew immerse you in the telling of a 2,000-year tale; the history of England. Kynren brings to ground-shaking life the story of invasions, royal splendour, wars, heroic sacrifice, daily life and seismic change. Take your seat alongside 8,000 others in this family-friendly journey through 2,000 years of English history. Photo: Peter Haygarth
6. The Importance of being Ernest, August 29-31
Mistaken identity and romance collide with cucumber sandwiches and a handbag in Oscar Wilde’s much loved comedy of manners, which is running at Durham Gala Theatre from August 29-31. Jack loves Gwendolen. Algernon loves Cecily, though both ladies love Ernest – much to the disapproval of the formidable Lady Bracknell. Unfortunately, Ernest doesn’t actually exist, and when his true identity is revealed, being earnest takes on a whole new meaning. Following the success of their productions of The Twelve Pound Look and A Doll’s House, HangFire Theatre return to Gala with their fast-paced and cut down adaptation of Wilde’s masterpiece. Photo: Durham Gala Theatre
7. Interface Art Exhibition, Arts Centre Washington, until September 14
Local gardens and architecture provided the inspiration to produce this visually stunning exhibition of interest and colour. Artists from Interface Arts turned sketches and photographs of local venues into paintings, etchings, mixed media, ceramics, glass and jewellery. All work is for sale. Photo: Sunderland Echo
8. Great North Festival of Agriculture, Beamish Museum
The Great North Festival of Agriculture at Beamish Museum is a month-long celebration of the region’s rural heritage. Featuring everything from vehicles and vegetables to harvest celebrations and heritage skills, there’s plenty of fun to be had for all the family. The festival kicks off with Dig for Victory, 29th August to 1st September, which tells the story of life on the Home Front during the Second World War. Pack up your potatoes and bring your beetroot to enter the Leek Show, 7th & 8th September. A hotly contested event that sees visitors, staff and volunteers enter their home-grown produce. Plus a grand charity auction of entries to close the event. The Agricultural Show, 12th to 15th September, features incredible birds of prey demonstrations, brass band performances and a chance to meet pit ponies, horses and guinea pigs. Certificates and rosettes are up for grabs. Photo: Beamish Museum