Alan Dotchin Blog

From the SME Leaders Masterclass to Durham Cathedral: Leadership, History and Reflection
2026-04-24 16:30 - 18:00 UTC
During my two-day attendance at the SME Leaders Masterclass hosted by Durham University Business School on the 23rd and 24th of April 2026, I had the opportunity to spend time exploring one of the most remarkable landmarks in the North East—Durham Cathedral. The course itself was held in the university’s impressive new Waterside Building, a modern state-of-the-art facility that reflects innovation, leadership, and forward-thinking business development. The SME Leaders Masterclass forms part of Durham University Business School’s wider “Smart and Scale Up” programme, designed to help regional SMEs grow, innovate, and develop stronger strategic leadership. It was an inspiring environment to be in, surrounded by business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals focused on development and progress.
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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.

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Live Skies in the Planetarium - Hercules: Life Science Centre
2026-04-23 18:30 - 19:15
Explore the night skies with the Life team in our amazing planetarium.

Enjoy a tour of the night skies – just as they would look on the evening of your visit but without weather or light pollution spoiling the view. Our presenter will also share the history and mythology surrounding the patterns of stars and take a deeper look at this season’s chosen constellation: Hercules.
Life’s planetarium uses the most advanced technology available for ultra-rich, high-resolution visuals and wonderful sound quality – for a totally immersive experience. And the comfiest seats around!
https://www.life.org.uk/whats-on/event/live-skies-in-the-planetarium/

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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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

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

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

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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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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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

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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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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Sinfonia of London: Elgar's Enigma Variations
2026-03-13 19:30 - 21:30
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/

Glitch - The True Story of the Post Office Scandal
2026-03-10 19:30 - 21:30
Overview
RABBLE Theatre presents
Glitch – The True Story of the Post Office Scandal

Pam Stubbs has been sub-postmistress of Barkham Post Office for over twenty years, respected and loved by the community.
But when unexplained discrepancies start appearing in her accounts, Pam soon finds herself at the heart of the biggest miscarriage of justice in English legal history.
Glitch is an inspirational true story, based on the experiences of Pam and her colleagues. The play was created with sub-postmistresses and masters affected by the events, key members of the legal process and commissioned by the University of Reading.
“Your production was amazing. Thank you so much for keeping the story alive.” Seema Misra, sub-postmistress, wrongly imprisoned whilst pregnant
Writer: Zannah Kearns
Dramaturg: Beth Flintoff
Director: Gareth Taylor and Gemma Colclough
Design: Caitlin Abbott
Lighting Design: Oliver Welsh
Music and Sound Design: Benjamin Hudson
Based on an original concept by Elizabeth Conaghan
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An Evening with Alex O’Connor
2026-03-05 19:30 - 21:30
Join YouTuber and host of the Within Reason podcast Alex O’Connor for an evening of discussion and audience questions on God, religion, consciousness, and more.
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From Suburb to River: South Gosforth to the Quayside via Ouseburn
2026-03-03
Walking from South Gosforth to Newcastle Quayside via the Ouseburn is a rewarding route that blends urban life with pockets of unexpected greenery. Starting in South Gosforth, the journey gradually leaves the residential calm behind as you head south toward the vibrant valley of the Ouseburn Valley, where old industrial buildings have been transformed into creative spaces, cafés, and music venues. Following the burn downhill, the sound of traffic fades and is replaced by birdsong and the gentle flow of water, with striking views of bridges overhead and street art tucked beneath them. The route eventually opens out onto the historic Newcastle Quayside, where the River Tyne glints beside the sweeping curves of its iconic bridges, making the walk feel like a gradual unfolding of the city’s character—from suburb to culture hub to waterfront landmark.

Horden Beach & Seaham Beach
2026-03-01
A visit to Horden Beach and Seaham offers a refreshing mix of wild coastal beauty and traditional seaside charm along the Durham Heritage Coast. Horden Beach feels rugged and peaceful, with dramatic cliffs, wide open skies and the sound of waves rolling onto the shore, making it perfect for a quiet walk or a moment to unwind. Following the coastal path north brings you to Seaham, where the atmosphere becomes livelier around the harbour and promenade. Seaham is well known for its sea glass treasures, colourful cliffs, and welcoming cafés overlooking the North Sea. Together, they make for a rewarding coastal outing that combines scenic walking, photography opportunities and a touch of local history.

Mozart's Symphony No. 39
2026-02-27 19:30 - 21:30
Sunshine. Smiles. Good vibes only.
Who’s on stage
North East musical royalty, Royal Northern Sinfonia, with conductor Dinis Sousa and guest soprano Erika Baikoff.
What they’re playing
A line up of music that’s nothing if not refreshing. Mozart’s Symphony No. 39 and a selection of his arias written for the concert stage, interspersed with music by the brilliant Hungarian composer György Kurtág who celebrates his 100th birthday this month.

What you’ll hear

György Kurtág …quasi una fantasia…
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Mitridate, re di Ponto: Al destin, che la minaccia
György Kurtág Brefs Messages
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Bella mia fiamma
György Kurtág Four Capriccios for soprano and chamber orchestra
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Symphony No. 39

Who’s playing it

Dinis Sousa conductor
Erika Baikoff soprano
Royal Northern Sinfonia
A change to the line-up – Louise Alder is now taking some time off to have a baby. We wish her all the best and thank Erika for stepping in.

What’s happening in the music?

Mozart could do dark and moody but he’s maybe better known for his upbeat, perky, optimistic music, and that’s definitely what we’ve got here. His Symphony No. 39 does have an element of mystery, but overall it’s a piece full of musical fireworks, with the final movement being nothing short of a triumphant romp, Mozart totally letting his hair down. Kurtág’s spare, enigmatic music is the perfect counterpoint.
https://theglasshouseicm.org/whats-on/mozarts-symphony-no-39/

Chinese Lunar New Year 2026
2026-02-22 10:00 - 16:00
Chinese Lunar New Year 2026

The Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations are coming back to Newcastle for 2026! 🐉
Keep your eyes peeled for more info to be announced soon
facebook
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JVF26 - The Battle for York
2026-02-21 15:00 - 16:00
Saturday 21st February 2026 15:00 (doors open from 14:00)
Witness The Battle for York – our newest Battle Spectacular! A breathtaking struggle for control of the city, brought to life with epic combat and storytelling. Experience the courage and chaos of Viking combat, as you see history unfold before your eyes…
Please note: warm clothing and footwear is advised, as this is a standing event and takes place outdoors.
If anyone in your group has access requirements and would like to be in the Accessible Area for this event, please call our Reservations Team to place your booking (01904 615505).
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JVF26 - Viking Games
2026-02-21 11:30 - 12:30
Viking Games at the Eye of York
Saturday 21st February 2026 11:30 (doors open from 10.45)
Returning for 2026, two teams face off in the Viking Games! Contestants battle it out in epic tests of strength, skill and wisdom. Who will rise victorious?
With cheers, laughs and impressive feats of endurance along the way, Viking Games is a must-see for JORVIK Viking Festival 2026!
Please note: warm clothing and footwear is advised, as this is a standing event and takes place outdoors.
If anyone in your group has access requirements and would like to be in the Accessible Area for this event, please call Reservations as soon as possible to make your booking (01904 615505).
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Jorvik Viking Festival
2026-02-16 - 2026-02-22
The Vikings are back for the JORVIK Viking Festival 2026! This world renowned festival features living history encampments, workshops, tours, traditional crafts, feasts, family events, evening entertainment and dramatic combat performances.
The full programme is not yet revealed but, you can stay in the loop by following us on social media or joining our mailing list for the latest updates and ticket releases.
If you can’t wait until February, the JORVIK Viking Centre is open daily— click here to book your journey through 10th Century York!
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Banff Mountain Film Festival - Blue Film Programme
2026-02-13 19:30 - 22:15
OF A LIFETIME
44 minutes

It’s the ultimate adventure destination. Of A Lifetime follows three extreme skiers and snowboarders as they sail across the notorious Drake Passage to ride the unimaginably steep, icy lines of Antarctica. Set against the breath-taking backdrop of the White Continent, the film also highlights a poignant passing of the adventure baton to the next generation.

A TEAM SPORT
16 minutes

Ultra-runner Courtney Dauwalter is one of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport, and she’s testing the limits of body and mind even further. Courtney has challenged herself to tackle three iconic 100-mile races back-to-back in one summer, including the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc. A Team Sport explores how Courtney sees herself as the latest rung in a long ladder of women redefining the boundaries of trail running.

2 LEGS IS 2 EASY
6 minutes

Mountain town culture is all about highlighting adventurous achievements and inspiring others to push their limits in their outdoorsy lives. In Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, one resident stands out as an inspiration to many. Steve Karczewski has never known what it’s like to have two legs, but that hasn’t prevented him from doing anything and everything he’s ever wanted as an outdoor athlete.

REEL ROCK: JIRISHANCA
31 minutes

Alpinists Josh Wharton and Vince Anderson attempt a free ascent of the Jirishanca, an epic 6,000-metre peak in the Peruvian Andes. The duo will have to tackle 5.13 face climbing, horizontal ice roofs, technical mixed terrain and treacherous snow mushrooms as they reconcile the inherent risk of climbing with their love of alpine adventure.

IAN
8 minutes

Ian Elliott is a rock climber from Queensland who’s at the top of his game – aged 72. Defying age stereotypes, Ian’s technical skills, strength and endurance shatter societal norms and highlight the extraordinary potential of older athletes.

109 BELOW
AWARD: BEST FILM – ADVENTURE
14 minutes

The story of an extraordinary rescue attempt. On Mount Washington, renowned for the worst weather in North America, two climbers get lost in a blizzard. Despite savage conditions and sub-zero temperatures, elite rescue volunteers go out of their way to help these strangers. The attempted rescue not only changes the course of the climbers’ lives, but also the lives of the rescuers trying to save them, forever.

Heugh Battery Museum
2026-02-09
Heugh Battery Museum is a historic coastal defence site in Hartlepool, England, best known as the location of the only First World War attack on mainland Britain. On 16 December 1914, German battlecruisers shelled the town, and the guns at the Heugh Battery returned fire in defence. Today, the museum preserves this history with restored artillery pieces, wartime artefacts, and exhibits explaining Hartlepool’s military and maritime heritage. Operated largely by volunteers, it offers visitors a unique insight into early 20th-century coastal defence and the impact of war on a local community.

Kendal Mountain Tour 2026 (Live Speaker + Adventure Films)
2026-02-06 19:00 - 21:45
Kendal Mountain Events returns for another season of adventure and human connection. Experience the best of the world’s stunning landscapes through a curated selection of Kendal Mountain festival award-winning short adventure films.

But it’s not just about exploration, storytelling is at the heart of this event. Alongside these powerful films, adventure speakers and local community groups will take the stage to share their own personal stories, offering a deeper connection to the people behind the adventures.
Whether you’re an avid explorer or simply someone who cherishes the power of storytelling and the beauty of nature, the Kendal Mountain Tour 2026 promises to leave you inspired and moved by the shared human spirit of adventure.

https://www.kendalmountainevents.com/uk-tour/
Book online

The North East Land, Sea and Air Museums
2026-01-30
The North East Land, Sea and Air Museums in Sunderland is a fascinating volunteer-run heritage attraction that celebrates over a century of transport and military history on the historic site of the former RAF Usworth and Sunderland Airport. Open daily for visitors of all ages, the museum brings together an extensive collection of aircraft, military vehicles, trams and other historic transport exhibits, including iconic machines like a Cold War Avro Vulcan bomber and a Hawk T1 jet. The museum also features engaging displays such as a recreated World War II street scene and dedicated exhibits to local RAF squadrons, offering an immersive insight into aviation, land and sea heritage. With its mix of indoor hangars and outdoor displays, educational experiences and special events throughout the year, it’s a rewarding visit for history enthusiasts, families and transport lovers alike.

An Evening with Damon Hill in Conversation with Tom Clarkson
2026-01-29 19:30 - 21:30
An Evening with Damon Hill hosted by Tom Clarkson.
The 1996 FIA Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion Damon Hill is one of the sport’s most respected figures, remembered for his thrilling battles with Michael Schumacher and for partnering the late Ayrton Senna at Williams in 1994.
In conversation with Tom Clarkson – acclaimed host of the official F1 podcast Beyond The Grid – Damon will share stories from his remarkable Formula 1 journey, from his unconventional late entry into the sport at 32 to becoming the first son of a champion to claim the title himself.
Hear first-hand what it was like to pilot those legendary Williams cars, the inside stories from his battles with Schumacher, and what it truly means to carry a champion’s name while forging your own path.
But this isn’t just a trip down memory lane. Damon will also turn his expert eye to the present, reflecting on the dramatic 2025 season. What were the defining moments? Which drivers impressed him most? And as we lookahead to what promises to be another thrilling year in 2026, what can we expect from the upcoming campaign? Plus, he’ll be taking your questions – so come prepared to quiz one of F1’s most insightful voices.
Damon remains a symbol of authenticity in motorsport, proof that champions can be both fierce competitors and true gentlemen. Join us for an evening that celebrates both F1’s golden past and its exciting future.

Stepping Back in Time at Beamish
2026-01-16 10:00 - 16:00
Beamish is more than a museum; it’s a living snapshot of the North East’s past, where history feels immediate and tangible. Walking through its recreated towns, farms, and pit villages, you’re immersed in everyday life as it once was, from the clatter of trams and the smell of coal fires to conversations with costumed staff who bring each era to life. There’s a quiet richness in the ordinary details—shops, homes, and workplaces—that tells the real story of how people lived, worked, and found community. A visit to Beamish isn’t just about seeing history, but about experiencing it at a human pace, making the past feel surprisingly

A Walk After the Final Cut
2026-01-12 15:30 - 17:10
Stepping out of Crew Gal in North Shields, the walk towards West Monkseaton felt like a quiet decompression after the intensity of the previous six weeks. I had just come out of the exit meeting with Crew Gal, marking the end of an immersive course in making a music video, and my head was still buzzing with ideas, feedback, and a sense of achievement. As I followed the familiar streets and coastal air drifted in, the rhythm of walking seemed to mirror the creative journey I’d just completed—periods of focus, moments of doubt, and ultimately progress. By the time I reached West Monkseaton Metro, the walk had given me space to reflect, reset, and appreciate how much I’d learned, not just about music videos, but about my own creative process.
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Rosmarino Italian Restaurant
2026-01-12 13:30 - 14:30
Rosmarino Italian Restaurant is a highly regarded Italian eatery in North Shields known for its warm, cosy atmosphere and consistently excellent food. Locals and visitors alike praise its generous portions, friendly service, and great value, with many highlighting standout pizza, pasta and steak dishes alongside classic Italian starters and hearty mains. Reviewers frequently mention the welcoming staff and relaxed vibe, making it a favourite for family meals, date nights or casual dining, and the restaurant also runs specials like early-bird menus and weekend deals. With an impressive 4.9-star rating and a reputation for tasty, traditional Italian cuisine served with a smile, Rosmarino has carved out a strong reputation in the local dining scene.
