Sinfonia of London: Elgar's Enigma Variations
2026-03-13 19:30 - 21:30 UTC
Tears. Riddles. A musical portrait like no other.
Who’s on stage
He’s back! Local star John Wilson returns with his own orchestra Sinfonia of London – a combination you’ll be hearing a lot more from in future as they’re now an Artistic Partner at The Glasshouse. Pianist Alexandre Kantorow, described by The Guardian as a ‘fire-breathing virtuoso’ (presumably not literally), joins them.
What they’re playing
A substantial, hearty meal of a programme. Richard Strauss’s Don Juan, Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 and Elgar’s Enigma Variations.

What you’ll hear

Richard Strauss Don Juan
Sergei Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3
Edward Elgar Enigma Variations

Who’s playing it

John Wilson conductor
Alexandre Kantorow piano
Sinfonia of London

What’s happening in the music?

Elgar’s Enigma Variations is undoubtedly one of the most popular pieces of music out there, and it’s easy to see why. It’s an amiable portrait of his friends, each portrayed with the composer’s trademark charm, wit, invention and sentiment. There are mischievous dogs, ocean-going steamers and summer walks, and we defy you not to have a tear in your eye for ‘Nimrod’.
https://theglasshouseicm.org/whats-on/sinfonia-of-london-enigma-variations/

Michael Portillo – A Life of Two Halves
2026-03-16 19:30 - 21:30
Michael Portillo—A Life of Two Halves
Secretary of State. Traveller. TV superstar. The inimitable Michael Portillo joins us live on stage to share funny, insightful, and poignant stories from his extraordinarily rich and varied life.
The son of a refugee who rose to become one of Britain’s leading politicians and best loved broadcasters, Michael Portillo’s life has been a game of two halves. As a statesman he served under Margaret Thatcher, ran for the leadership of the Conservative Party, and lost his seat in one of the most famous moments in British political history, only to become one of the nation’s favourite broadcasters, sparring with Diane Abbott and Andrew O’Neill and enthralling millions of us with his travels on the world’s greatest railways.
In this unique stage show, Michael will share his life story, from his late father’s experiences of the Spanish Civil War and escape to England, where he and Michael’s mother met while looking after refugee children, all the way to his present-day adventures travelling across Spain, the USA, India, and beyond.
We’ll hear Michael’s funny and insightful observations about his old boss Margaret Thatcher and his reflections on the decay of political power. He’ll tell us about his break into TV – including the time he became a single mum… And, of course, we’ll hear about the great railway journeys he has undertaken and what they can tell us about the history and state of the world today.
Whether you are passionate about politics or a fan of Michael’s many international adventures, this is an unmissable treat. All aboard!
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2001: A Space Odyssey (35mm)
2026-03-17 19:45 - 22:15
Stanley Kubrick’s monumental achievement in sci-fi cinema returns to The Tyneside, as astronaut David Bowman embarks on a mysterious lunar journey – assisted by all-seeing AI HAL 9000.

To begin his voyage into the future, Kubrick visits our prehistoric ape-ancestry past, then leaps millennia into colonised space, and ultimately whisks astronaut Bowman into unchartered realms of space, perhaps even into immortality…
Once seen on the big screen, never forgotten, Kubrick created a new dawn for cinema with this 1968 masterpiece.
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Saltburn to Redcar
2026-04-03
A day trip to Saltburn offers a refreshing escape to the North Yorkshire coast, combining traditional seaside charm with scenic coastal walking. Arriving in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, the Victorian character of the town is immediately noticeable, from the historic pier stretching out into the North Sea to the cliff tramway that links the town to the promenade below. The beach itself is expansive, with wide sands that seem to stretch endlessly, making it an ideal starting point for a leisurely coastal walk.
Setting off from Saltburn and walking towards Redcar, the route follows the coastline, offering uninterrupted sea views and the soothing sound of waves rolling onto the shore. The walk is relatively gentle, with firm sand underfoot and the occasional rock pools appearing as the tide recedes. Along the way, the scenery gradually changes as the peaceful atmosphere of Saltburn transitions towards the more industrial heritage of Redcar, with distant structures appearing on the horizon. The walk provides plenty of opportunity to pause, take photographs, and enjoy the fresh sea air before eventually reaching Redcar Beach, where the long promenade and open coastline provide a fitting end to a relaxing and enjoyable day by the sea.
Google Maps
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yEQ4eyj2zCk2m7PA9

I, Daniel Blake
2026-04-03 19:30 - 21:30
Overview
Produced by Northern Stage in association with Leeds Playhouse
Originally produced by Northern Stage, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, ETT, Oldham Coliseum and Tiny Dragon Productions, in association with Cardboard Citizens, followed by a national tour co-produced by Tiny Dragon Productions and ETT, in association with Northern Stage
I, Daniel Blake
Adapted by Dave Johns from the film directed by Ken Loach, written by
Paul Laverty, and produced by Rebecca O’Brien for Sixteen Films.

Dan is a carpenter. A Geordie through and through. Just on the mend after a heart attack.
Katie has just arrived from London. Finally got a council house for her and the kids. A fresh start.
I, Daniel Blake is one of the most important stories of a generation. A glimpse behind the headlines and the stark reality of what happens when the political system is stacked against you. With 14.3 million* people living in poverty in the UK, this is not fiction. It is reality.
A touching and vital story of how people come together in the face of adversity and how sometimes creating a family to support you just isn’t enough. The show is adapted for stage by Dave Johns who played Daniel Blake in the award winning 2016 film.
I, Daniel Blake returns to Northern Stage after two sold out runs.
*Joseph Rowntree Foundation 2025 Poverty Report.
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Climbing Everest with Bentley Beetham
2026-04-07 18:00 - 19:30
Part of the Tuesdays @ ‘The Hancock’ collection

Great North Museum: HancockNewcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
Tuesday, Apr 7 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm

Overview

Join us as Stephen Livingstone brings the legendary 1924 Everest expedition to life through Bentley Beetham’s own words and photographs.

Key Information
Speaker: Stephen Livingstone
Event length: Tuesday 7 April, 6pm – 7:30pm
Meet at: NHSN Council Room, Level 2, Great North Museum: Hancock
Event cost: £4 NHSN Members, £5 Non-members
About this Event
In 1924 a County Durham school teacher, wildlife photographer and mountaineer called Bentley Beetham was selected to be part of a crack team tasked with being the first to climb the highest mountain in the world. When lead climbers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine mysteriously disappeared on the mountain the 1924 Mount Everest Expedition passed into legend.
Stephen Livingstone uses Beetham’s own words and photographs to tell the story of this remarkable expedition, from India across the high Tibetan plateau to within striking distance of the summit of Everest.
Stephen Livingstone is an artist whose work principally deals with human impact upon landscapes and habitats. He recently curated Eternal Ascent, a highly successful exhibition for Durham University’s Oriental Museum documenting the 1924 Mount Everest expedition in more than two hundred photographs selected from the university’s Bentley Beetham Collection.
Accessibility
The NHSN Council Room is fully accessible via the lift at the back of the museum.
Part of the Tuesdays @ ‘The Hancock’ series.
Join us on Tuesday evenings for talks and events exploring the stories behind natural history. View more events in this series here: Tuesdays @ ‘The Hancock’ by NHSN Events | Eventbrite
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Interstellar (35mm)
2026-04-09 19:40 - 22:30
Matthew McConaughey journeys beyond the stars to find a new home for humanity in Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending cerebral blockbuster, setting off on a philosophical odyssey through love, life, and the universe on a breathtaking cinematic canvas.
2067. An environmental crisis and a devastating crop-killing drought force humanity to look to the stars for a new home. Recruited by NASA for a top-secret mission beyond the stars, Joseph Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) – loving father to Murph (Mackenzie Foy) and the more distant Tom (Timothée Chalamet) – heads up a critical interstellar expedition through a wormhole.
Arriving at the destination of three planets orbiting the black hole ‘Gargantua’, Coop discovers that the clock is quickly ticking for the future of the human race, as time dilation means that one hour spent on the new hope planet is 23 years back on Earth.
A staggering achievement in science-fiction cinema, Interstellar is an emotionally resonant, cosmic father-daughter story (with the older Murph played by the remarkable Jessica Chastain), and a stunning showcase of the great Christopher Nolan at his most expansive and contemplative.
Interstellar – A Deep Exploration of Time, Love, and Survival

Interstellar: A Cinematic Journey Beyond the Stars

Sunderland to South Shields
2026-04-12 11:00 - 17:00
Walking from Sunderland to South Shields offers a refreshing coastal journey that combines scenic sea views with an enjoyable sense of progression along the North East shoreline. The route can take you along cliff-top paths and promenades, where the fresh sea air and the rhythmic sound of waves provide a calming backdrop. Depending on the exact path chosen, walkers may pass beaches, grassy headlands, and quiet residential areas, making the walk feel varied and engaging rather than repetitive. It is a satisfying distance for a day walk, allowing plenty of time to stop, take photographs, or simply pause to appreciate the expansive views across the North Sea.
As you approach South Shields, the landscape gradually shifts from open coastal stretches to more structured promenades and parkland areas. The sense of arrival is rewarding, particularly if you end near the mouth of the River Tyne, where maritime history and coastal scenery combine. The walk is suitable for those looking to combine light exercise with exploration, and it can be adapted to suit different paces, whether as a purposeful fitness walk or a leisurely outing. For anyone who enjoys coastal routes, the journey between Sunderland and South Shields provides a pleasant opportunity to experience the character of the North East coastline while enjoying time outdoors.
Google Maps
https://maps.app.goo.gl/AXmHZEdgRpmFCbG6A
Exploring the North East Coast: A Walk from Sunderland to South Shields

The History, Engineering and Maintenance of the Tyne and Wear Metro
2026-04-16 18:00 - 19:30
Overview

This talk will cover the history and construction of the Tyne and Wear Metro and some of the innovative techniques and equipment used.

The presentation will cover the concept of the Tyne and Wear Metro, its history and construction, which will also reference its extensions to Newcastle Airport, Sunderland and more recently the doubling of the track between Pelaw and Jarrow. Consideration will also be given to some of the innovative techniques and equipment used over the years, many of which are now standard items practices on the national and international networks.
Phil Kirkland is a career railwayman with over 52 years continuous frontline service. He started his railway career with British Rail Newcastle in 1973, and over the years has worked for numerous post-privatisation organisations both within Permanent Way Maintenance and Renewals where he would be seconded to the BR Metro construction team in 1979. After a wide-ranging career including work overseas, Phil would return to take up the role of Head of Maintenance Delivery at Nexus (Tyne and Wear Metro) in 2007. His role at Nexus encompassed heading up all infrastructure inspection, maintenance and rapid response, covering Track, Overhead Line, Signalling, Plant and Equipment, E&M, Civils and all other non-rail (bus) infrastructure.
To give some particular context, Phil worked on Metro in two spells – during its original design and construction phases up to and after the handover from British Rail until 1984 before returning in 2007 to head up the infrastructure maintenance department. Here he has brought influence and strong leadership qualities to ensure the necessary changes and working practices were actioned in order that Nexus kept pace with the wider rail industry, but importantly conducted its business in a safe, professional, assured and technically competent manner. His extremely high levels of personal availability all hours and commitment have been the hallmark of his time with Nexus, often recorded in dispatches.
Phil has also worked overseas in North America, Australia, New Zealand and Europe, drawing on these experiences and always sharing his learning opportunities widely via the Permanent Way Institution, where he became Vice President for over 20 years. In recent years Phil has been instrumental in supporting the concept and development of the Newcastle College Rail Academy, which today is the envy of many. Through consistent support and guidance, the Academy is now teaching appropriate curriculae in disciplines such as the inspection, maintenance and renewal of Track, Signals, OLE and Railway Civils. In semi-retirement, Phil is Director of his own business, RATW Railway Consultancy Services Ltd., established in 2019.
17:30-18:00 – Tea and Coffee
18:00-18:50 – In-person only Lecture Starts
18:50 to 19:00 – Q & A
Welcome to our November NEIMME Lecture. NEIMME is the Royal Chartered membership organisation for Engineering, Science and Technology in the North.
For more information about our events and the benefits of NEIMME membership see: https://mininginstitute.org.uk/membership/
For information on IOM3 membership see: https://www.iom3.org/
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-history-engineering-and-maintenance-of-the-tyne-and-wear-metro-tickets-1962613433612
The History of the Tyne and Wear Metro

Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2026
2026-04-18 - 2026-04-19
The popular Durham County Council-run festival will return to Bishop Auckland on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April, for a weekend of sizzling street food, delicious desserts and fun-filled family entertainment. Across the two days, visitors can try produce from over 140 independent traders selling everything from burgers and savoury snacks, cakes and sweet treats, to jams, pickles, breads and a range of distillers, juices, coffee, tea, and ales.
Saturday Celebrity Chef Line-Up
Phil Vickery – A well‑known chef, TV presenter and award‑winning cookery author, Phil is a familiar face from ITV’s This Morning and has written 19 bestselling cookbooks. He’ll be delivering live cookery demonstrations.
Shivi Ramoutar – Chef, TV presenter and cookbook author celebrated for her vibrant Caribbean‑influenced cooking. Shivi appears regularly on Saturday Kitchen, James Martin’s Saturday Mornings, and This Morning.
Aaron Mountford‑Myles – A Great British Bake Off finalist known for his impressive baking skills and appearance in the GBBO 2025 series. He’ll be showcasing his talents in live demonstrations.
Chris Bavin (Weekend Host) – TV chef, presenter of BBC’s Eat Well for Less?, and an experienced food broadcaster. Chris hosts the Cookery Theatre across the whole weekend
Sunday Celebrity Chef Line-Up
Jasmine Mitchell – The latest Great British Bake Off champion, celebrated for her calm, methodical baking style and multiple Star Baker wins.
Briony May Williams – Baker, TV presenter and former Bake Off contestant, also recognised for her presenting role on Escape to the Country.
Lumberjaxe – Brothers Brendon and Jaydon Manders, known for their preservative‑free, low‑salt seasoning and sauce brand. They rose to fame after securing investment on Dragons’ Den.
A weekend of incredible celebrity chef demonstrations, regional food & drink traders & local entertainers awaits.

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Durham Castle - Guided Tours
2026-04-24 15:15 - 16:00
Overview

Experience over 1000 years of history on a Durham Castle Tour and discover how it functions today as the home of University College.

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

On Friday 10th April we will be running our special Family Fun Tours for children and their families. To book your ticket, please follow this link: Book your ticket
Due to Durham Castle being a residential college of Durham University visits are allowed by guided tour only.
We are unable to run tours every day as the college and university host a variety of events in the building throughout the year. If your selected date in the current month shows as not available for booking, it means tours are not running on that day.

Take a tour around one Durham’s most significant historic buildings, designated a World Heritage Site since 1986.
Our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides will take you through the gatehouse and into the heart of the historic building, where you will experience stories and tales from 950 years of living history. Find out about the early days of the Castle, built in the 1070s as a Norman fortress by William the Conqueror, and learn about the powerful Prince-Bishops of Durham, whose seat of power was based for hundreds of years at Durham Castle. Discover how the building became the first college of Durham University and how today it is the home of University College students, who live and learn in Durham Castle.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR THE DAY

You must check in and collect a lanyard from Palace Green Library (near the Castle entrance, between the Castle and the Cathedral) prior to the tour start time.
Please arrive on time for your tour – unfortunately we won’t be able to accommodate arrivals outside of the chosen tour start time. The time you have booked is the start time of your tour.
Tours last approx. 45-50 minutes.
The tour takes place both outide and inside the building, please be prepared in the event of bad weather.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.

INFORMATION ON BOOKING YOUR TICKETS:

Tour times are released on this page one month at a time – if times for the next month are not available for viewing yet please check at a later date.
Walk-in spaces may be available to purchase from reception – if your selected tour time is sold out ring us on 0191 334 2932 or email castle.tours@durham.ac.uk to enquire about availability.
Please consult our FAQs for more information – if you have any other question not covered on this page, please call us at 0191 334 2932 or email us at castle.tours@duham.ac.uk.

Accessibility
The historic nature and layout of the Castle means that the majority of the building is inaccessible to wheelchair users. The tour route involves many steps and staircases, some of which are uneven. Accessibility within the Castle is limited due to access to areas via steps only. Any visitors with accessibility needs please contact 0191 334 2932 to discuss. For a full access statement to the venue, please visit our FAQs at the bottom of this page.

The Drama
2026-04-24 18:00 - 19:45
You are cordially invited to the cinematic union of Zendaya and Robert Pattinson in this eruptively twisting drama from director Kristoffer Borgli (Dream Scenario).
Happily engaged couple Emma (Zendaya, Euphoria) and Charlie (Robert Pattinson, Die My Love) are put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails.
A cinematic engagement of spiraling tension and transformative revelations, bringing together two of the most exciting young actors in Hollywood today, RSVP for the matrimonial event of the year, co-starring Alana Haim (Licorice Pizza) and Mamoudou Athie (Kinds of Kindness).

Yorkshire Air Museum VE Day
2026-05-09 - 2026-05-10
At the Yorkshire Air Museum and Allied Air Forces Memorial at Elvington near York there will be events held over three days, to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. On May 8th itself there will be be a Memorial Service in our chapel at 11.30, led by the Museum’s chaplain. This is open to all visitors.
The big celebration takes place on May 10th and 11th, with our annual wartime weekend, ‘We’ll Meet Again’.
1940s re-enactors, vehicles, displays and demonstrations will take place against the backdrop of the Museum’s Halifax bomber and Dakota paratrooper aircraft, on the site of a former RAF WW2 bomber base.
This is an annual event but has a VE Day twist, with a street party taking place over the weekend. Bring your own picnic and join in the celebrations, or buy food from our café and share the tables with other visitors.
Normal museum admission applies. More details www.yorkshireairmuseum.org/events
We’ll Meet Again and VE Day Memorial service at Yorkshire Air Museum

The K Class Submarines - aka the Kalamity Class and the Suicide Club
2026-05-28 18:00 - 19:30
This lecture will tell the story of the K Class submarine; its design issues, the lessons learned and remembering the many men who perished.

During World War I, it was decided to build submarines which were fast enough to keep pace with surface ships. Equipped with steam turbines to produce sufficient power, they were as large as modern nuclear submarines. The engines were a success, but the submarines were an ill-conceived concept in other regards. Geoff Horseman will describe incidents which led to these vessels becoming known as the “Kalamity Class” and an appointment as a crew member became known as joining “the Suicide Club”. Among these was a tragic event which was undisclosed for over 30 years and is not well known today. In the so-called ‘Battle of May Island’, Royal Navy ships and submarines collided at night in the Firth of Forth early in 1918, with great loss of life. In all, more than 200 men died while serving onboard the K class. This lecture will tell the story of the K Class looking at some of the design issues with the submarines, recalling lessons learned which should not be forgotten and remembering the many men who perished due to those mistakes.
Geoff Horseman joined NEI Parsons Ltd. in 1980 as a graduate trainee engineer. In 1982, he became a Design Engineer in the Steam Turbine Design Department, subsequently rising to Head of Turbine Design in 1991. Following this, in 1994, he was appointed Head of Turbine-Generator Engineering at Parsons. In 1997, Parsons became part of Siemens Power Generation with Westinghouse following in 1998. This led to Siemens Large Steam Turbine Engineering in Europe being focused primarily at two sites: Mülheim-an-der-Ruhr in Germany; and, CA Parsons Works in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. Geoff was appointed Chief Turbine Engineer for the Newcastle site and a Principal Expert on Steam Turbines within Siemens globally. He continued in these roles until his retirement in 2019. Since retirement, Geoff has been working full time on documenting the Parsons history while original records still exist for preservation in museums. It was during this work that he discovered the story of the K Class submarines which he will describe in this lecture.
17:30-18:00 – Tea and Coffee
18:00-18:50 – In-person only Lecture Starts
18:50 to 19:00 – Q & A
Welcome to our NEIMME Lecture. NEIMME is the Royal Chartered membership organisation for Engineering, Science and Technology in the North.
For more information about our events and the benefits of NEIMME membership see: https://mininginstitute.org.uk/membership/
For information on IOM3 membership see: https://www.iom3.org/
K-Class Submarines
