What's on February 2008
The ‘Passionate people. Passionate places’ of North East England makes it the perfect place to enjoy Valentines Day.
From secluded coastline walks to cosy dinners for two in some of the finest restaurants in the country the region is the perfect backdrop for a romantic break….
Also in February with half-term on the horizon there are plenty of ideas to keep the kids entertained and suggestions on what to do for Chinese New Year and where to go for pancakes on shrove Tuesday (5th Feb)
ROMANCE
ALTERNATIVE IDEAS FOR SINGLES
HALF TERM ACTIVITIES
PLACES FOR PANCAKES
CHINESE NEW YEAR
FEBRUARY EVENTS
ROMANCE
Romantic Views
Recently voted the Most Romantic Place in Britain by BBC Coast’s Neil Oliver, Lindisfarne is the perfect place to get away from it all this Valentine’s Day. Spiritual, tranquil and atmospheric, Lindisfarne Priory, with its soaring rainbow arch ruin, is one of the most romantic locations on the Northumberland coast. Free from the distractions of everyday life, sit back and relax to the gentle lapping of the waves and the calls of seabirds.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/lindisfarne
Dinner for two
Enjoy a 360 degree view across the rooftops of NewcastleGateshead and a la carte dining with your loved one at the BALTIC roof top restaurant.
Take in a stroll round the gallery before taking the glass elevator up to the top floor as dusk settles over the city for what is perhaps the best view of Baltic Square, the River Tyne and Gateshead Millenium Bridge.
http://www.mccoysbaltic.com/
The origins of Blackfriars restaurant dates back to 1239 and over the years it has even played host to King Henry III but today it is recognised as one of the best restaurants in NewcastleGateshead. It has also gained an AA rosette and inclusion in the Which? Good Food Guide and Michelin Guide. The Valentines day menue includes Langoustine veloute and red mullet and caviar starter.
Valentines day menu £49.50 for glass Champagne, 4 courses, coffee & chocolates.
http://www.blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk/
Romantic Walks
The atmospheric ruins of Dunstaburgh castle overlook the stunning Northumberland coastline to the traditional fishing village of Craster. Less well known than some of Northumberland’s beaches it is just as special.
If you don’t feel like stopping you can walk all the way to Newton by the Sea, call in at the Ship Inn and enjoy live music, real ales and traditional fish and chips.
http://www.visitnortheastengland.com/walkingmicrosite/find-a-walk/craster-to-dunstanburgh-p59921
Chic Hotels
The Orchard House, Northumberland is a Georgian House of charm, character and style that provides simple elegance and unrivalled comfort. Casual but refined, understated but with luxurious touches make up an environment where you can truly feel at home.
The Orchard House was named guest accommodation of the year England 2007-8 by the AA and was recently named among the best bargain breaks by visitors to the tripadvisor website.
http://www.visitnortheastengland.com/
Formerly a private residence, on possibly the best street in Durham City, Grafton House has been created with love, care and meticulous attention to detail. Not only is the interior stunning, but it is situated in a conservation area and enjoys breathtaking views of Durham Castle and Cathedral.
It has designed 10 individual bedroom experiences that allow you to escape from the hustle and bustle and stresses of the outside world. Somewhere you can recharge your batteries, relax and reinvigorate.
This boutique hotel is the perfect choice for people who want an intimate atmosphere, high quality surroundings and first-class service. Stay for the night, weekend or week and you gaurenteed an experience to remember.
The moment you step through the front door, you’ll step into somewhere special – a home away from home.
http://www.visitnortheastengland.com/
Luxury Hotels
Beamish Hall hotel in County Durham has all the grandeur, character and glamour needed for a Valentines day getaway. Explore the 14th Century house, elegant state rooms and look out from the bay windows over the magnificent Winter Gardens.
http://www.visitnortheastengland.com/
Luxury Treats
While Chocolinis in Saltburn imports chocolate from some of Belgium’s finest chocolate producers it is best known for its homemade chocolates.
Come in, choose your chocolates and have them packaged while you wait or order your chocolates and collect them later. Specialities include a customised chocolate CDs with customised labels and playlist.
http://www.chocolinis.co.uk/
Unusual Valentines Gifts
If you’re looking for inspiration on what to get your loved one, why not book them a night at the theatre.
The RSC adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, Noughts and Crosses at the Northern Stage.
Inspired by William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Noughts & Crosses dramatises the thrilling love story of two young people kept apart by prejudice and injustice. Sephy, a Prime Minister’s daughter from the powerful Crosses, falls for rebel Callum, son of a dangerous Nought agitator. Their desire to be together threatens family loyalties and sparks a growing political crisis.
Places to pop the question
February 29th is the one day in the year when its traditionally acceptable for women to propose to their men. Saltburn beach, Tees Valley – The North East has some of the best beaches in the country but if you are looking somewhere unique to propose Saltburn pier should be top of your list. Overlooking the stunning cliffs and the Romantic Victorian pier
ALTERNATIVES IDEAS FOR SINGLES
For those of you still searching and in need of a little ‘je ne sais quoi’ Burlesque classes at Dance City may come in handy.
While men aren’t supplied (it is a women only workshop), the class will help you learn a dance that will give you more va va voom than the now ubiquitous Salsa classes.
Burlesque Workshop (women only)
Sunday 2 March
http://www.dancecity.co.uk/
Nouvelle Vague Valentine Special with ¡VAMOS! DJs/VJs
Here’s an infectious, disco-tastic, luscious Latin alternative Valentine’s treat! French live act Nouvelle Vague is a collective headed up by seasoned, multi-instrumentalists/producers, Marc Collins and Oliver Libaus, creating post-punk songs with honeyed vocals and a bossanova beat. Collins asks us to imagine a Brazilian girl on a beach in the 60s singing Love Will Tear Us Apart, a young man in a Kingston township doing an acoustic version of Heart of Glass, a girl busking on the Paris Metro with her accordion version of Fade to Grey... Add in exotic sounds and visuals from Newcastle’s own ¡VAMOS! DJs and VJs, and this is a top night for groups, singletons, couples, whoever!
Thursday 14th February
Tickets; £16.50 (club style/standing)
http://www.thesagegateshead.org/
HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES
Seven Stories, NewcastleGateshead
Seven Stories, the Centre for Children’s Books in Newcastle, are proud to present their naughty new exhibition Up to Mischief with Horrid Henry.
Let Horrid Henry and Perfect Peter be your guides as you come face to face with some of literature’s best-loved naughty characters. Why not look for adventure with Peter Rabbit, find the forbidden trifle with My Naughty Little Sister or get into trouble with Clarice Bean? For some real mischief, step into comic strip with Dennis the Menace from the Beano or break all the rules with Just William and Pippi Longstocking!
To ensure the launch of Up to Mischief with Horrid Henry goes off with a bang, Seven Stories are hosting a full week of half term mayhem with wicked activities and events based around our favourite troublemakers. From creating your own glop recipe, to mischievously messy arts and crafts sessions, it’s sure to be hair-raising!
http://www.sevenstories.org.uk/
Woodhorn Museum, Northumberland
Animated Adventures featuring Wallace and Gromit
Woodhorn museum’s showcasing seven orginal sets from Aardman’s wonderful Oscar winning Wallace and Gromit film – The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. Find out how the world’s top animators create their on-screen characters and discover the secrets of their art through a fun and engaging mix of hands-on exhibits that are guaranteed to get everyone animated.
http://www.experiencewoodhorn.com/
The Sage Gateshead, NewcastleGateshead
Tuesday 19th February
Music-making for parents/carers and little ones, babies to nursery age. Bring your 0 to 5-year-old and join in with songs, music-making, games and dances from around the world chosen especially for the very young.
Tickets: £3
http://www.thesagegateshead.org/
Museum of Hartlepool
Saturday 16th to Sunday 24th Feb
Join in activities during half term on the Wingfield Castle at the Museum of Hartlepool. Events include a chance to listen to a pirate story before making your own pirate to take home with you.
For further information contact the Learning Team on 01429 523483 / 523451
Go to http://www.hartlepoolsmaritimeexperience.com/ for more information
The Bowes Museum, County Durham
Date 19 Feb. Time 11.00 – 4.00.
Photography Family Fun Day
Artists Vicky Holbrough and Löne Grinter will be encouraging children to get snap happy during this Photography Family Fun Day. Get snap happy in these fun filled photography-based activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 4 years+.
http://www.thebowesmusuem.org.uk/
The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland
There a whole range of things to do at The Alnwick Garden including storytelling, puppet making and a chance for kids to grow their own dinner.
Deputy head gardener Derek Guthrie will show kids how to grow their own vegetables from seed and design their own vegetable patch.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, please wear wellies or outdoor shoes and bring waterproof clothing.
http://www.alnwickgarden.com/
Heatherslaw Mill & Lady Waterford Hall, Northumberland
Lady Waterford Hall and Heatherslaw Cornmill will be open from 12th - 15th & 19th - 22nd February inclusive between 11am and 3pm each day.
With the Gift Shop, Tearoom and Visitor Centre open at Heatherslaw, cyle hire available, and a specially-priced Family Ticket offering admission for 2 adults and up to 4 children to Lady Waterford Hall AND Heatherslaw Mill for only £10.00, why not come along and explore Ford & Etal and some of its attractions during half-term?
http://www.ford-and-etal.co.uk/
PLACES FOR PANCAKES
Grab a pancake while watching the Sedgefield ball game or the shrovetide football game at Alnwick Castle, both games are traditionally played on Shrove Tuesday. The Duke of Northumberland starts the Alnwick game by dropping a ball from the castle.
The earliest description of the Alnwick game goes back to 1762, nowadays, the ball is thrown ceremonially from the battlements of the Castle at 2pm, by the Duke himself or his representative.
It is then carried in procession to the Pastures, preceded by the Duke’s Piper. Then the victor of the previous year kicks off the ball in the middle of the pitch between the two hales [goals] 440 yards apart. The game is divided into three periods, two of 30 minutes each, and a final period of 45 minutes. The game has two umpires who signal when the ball is dead or a goal has been haled (scored) by the sounding of a trumpet. A goal in the third period brings the game to an end, and the tussle for carrying off the ball ensues, which includes an icy wade through the river Aln.
The Sedgefield ball game takes place on the village green and is an all day event and although both games have mellowed over the years, neither is for the faint hearted.
While the Crepes of Le Normand might not be traditional, with chocolate sauce and Chantilly cream, Belle Helene and crepe liqueur to choose from who cares.
Le Normande is a little corner of France in the heart of NewcastleGateshead where you can wash your crepes down with some traditional Normandy cider.
54-56 Low Friar Street
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 5EU
0191 2615120
http://www.lenormand.co.uk/
CHINESE NEW YEAR
Newcastle’s Chinatown is the best place to enjoy Chinese New Year celebrations in the North East (Sunday 10th February)
Performing to the soundtrack of sizzling firecrackers, lively lion and dynamic dragon dancers will animate the streets of Newcastle, banishing evil spirits and making way for good fortune and prosperity in the forthcoming Year of the Rat.
Bath Lane Stage
A full programme of traditional Chinese entertainment, presented by internationally renowned Ling Chinese Entertainments, including: foot juggling, Chinese Magic, Acrobatics and Chinese Poles.
Charlotte Square
Children’s Marquee sponsored by Eldon Square shopping centre. Lantern making, paper cutting, face painting and creating rat masks.
Shanghai Children’s Palace is a troupe of 600 Chinese actors and actresses, aged from 6 - 16, who have entertained audiences in over 20 countries with dance, drama, puppetry, choral song, music and traditional Chinese instruments, arts and crafts, and have been awarded the title ‘Chinese Little Ambassadors’. A number of the troupe have been invited to NewcastleGateshead for an exclusive world-class performance at The Journal Tyne Theatre, giving people in the North East a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness an extraordinary show.
Sat 9th Feb
The Journal Tyne Theatre
http://www.thejournaltynetheatre.co.uk/
http://www.sacea.org.uk/
The Bowes Museum, County Durham, http://www.thebowesmusuem.org.uk/
Chinoiserie
The Bowes Musem is offering visitors a taste of the Orient with a special showcased display of objects celebrating the influence of Chinese design to acknowledge the year of the Beijing Olympics.
The word Chinoiserie was used to describe a particular style of gardening, wallpaper, embroideries and textiles, ceramics, furniture, architecture, and all manner of fantasies and dreams inspired by the East.
19th Jan – 6th April
Bowes Museum County Durham
http://www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk/
FEBRUARY EVENTS
An Audience with General Sir Mike Jackson, The Customs House, South Tyneside
Join one of the country's leading soldiers as he talks frankly about his career and what his thoughts are on the British Army today.
28/02/2008
ANIMEX, University Of Teesside, Tees Valley
The Animex International Festival of Animation & Computer Games takes place every year in Middlesbrough in the North East of England. The festival has its roots firmly planted in the creative side of animation and computer games and acts to provide animators, directors, students, artists, designers, writers and educators with a forum in which they can share their knowledge and skills and promote the art of animation and games.
Animex is a place where people from across the world come to meet and share their thoughts and knowledge, regardless of their level of experience, in a friendly, social environment. Whether you're an industry heavyweight, a freelancing artist, a new company, a student or even if you're just interested in animation or computer games, Animex is the place to be in 2008.
Since 2000 Animex has been pioneering events that make the festival a unique experience for all of its visitors. Animex 08 sees the return of many of its fantastic events including Animex Game and Animex Talk!
http://animex.tees.ac.uk/
4/2/08 – 08/02/08
CAMRA Beer Festival, ARC, Tees Valley
The Ale & Arty CAMRA Beer Festival returns to Arc for a fourth consecutive year, and after completely selling out of all of the 60 different beers, ciders and perry on offer last year, this year is set to be even bigger.
Over 70 real ales, ciders and perry will be on offer including a number of new beers and one or two unique festival specials. The Ale and Arty Beer Festival not only provides the best alcohol but also provides fantastic live music.
Performing on Thursday 7th February will be beer festival stalwarts and Tees Valley favourites The Wildcats of Kilkenny.
07/02/2008 - 09/02/2008
Juan Martin, The Customs House, South Tyneside
Juan Martin, a native of Andalucia, is a celebrated virtuoso of the flamenco guitar and has been voted one of the top three guitarists in the world by US magazine Guitar Player.
07/02/2008
Kathryn and Peter Tickell, The Customs House, South Tyneside
An evening of evocative airs and to-tapping dance tunes, interspersed with Kathryn's inimitable introductions.
13/02/2008
Moods of Northumberland, Wallington Hall, Northumberland
A new exhibition taking place at the Clock Tower, Wallington Hall, celebrating the beauty of the countryside and coast of Northumberland. The first solo exhibition of award-winning landscape photographer David Taylor.
05/01/2008 - 29/02/2008
Rothbury Roots, Queen's Head, Rothbury, Northumberland
Rothbury Roots, a more or less monthly music evening in the Queens Head, Rothbury where we bring the best in live acoustic music to Northumberland.
The Staffordshire Moorland Pan, Arbeia Roman Fort, South Tyneside
On loan from the British Museum, this spectacular find was discovered by a man using a metal detector in the Staffordshire Moorlands. The cup is a beautifully decorated copper-alloy trulla with an inscription which translates as "Bowness-on-Solway, Drumburgh, Stanwix, Castlesteads on the line of the Aelian (Hadrian's) Wall, (the product or property) of Draco".
The cup will be on display along with some of the exciting archeaological finds from Arbeia Roman Fort.
05/01/2008 - 27/04/2008
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