STAGE/FILMAlnwick Playhouse,
Bondgate Without,
Alnwick
01665 510785 Tonight: Mutton – a brilliantly funny comedy sketch show from three excellent women writer/performers – Jean Hea
rd, Donna Flinn and Julia Munrow – poking fun at the trials and tribulations of the ageing process. 7.30pm, tickets £11, £10.
Tomorrow and Saturday, June 27: Two very special commemorative performances of music commissioned for the Hotspur Festival. Written by composer Cheryl Camm who bases her commission on the writings of William Andrew Chatto (alias Stephen Oliver, the Younger), Rambles in Northumberland and the Scottish Borders, published in 1835. 7.30pm, tickets £9, £8 conc.
Sunday, June 28: In the Loop (15;105min) – The US President and UK Prime Minister fancy a war. But not everyone agrees that war is a good thing. Comedy starring Peter Capaldi and Tom Hollander. 7.30pm, £6, £5.50.
Monday, June 29: Hannah Montana – The Movie (U;102min) – to her class-mates, Miley Stewart is just a normal, clumsy teenager, struggling to fit in, but, to millions of fans, she is also global popstar Hannah Montana. 4.30pm, tickets £6, £5.50 conc.
Tuesday, June 30: Thomas Hardy's Tess of the D'Urbervilles – Interwoven with pastoral comedy, dance, music, and paying fine attention to period detail, acclaimed company Theatreworks skillfully recreate the story of Tess – a maiden who falls victim to male lust and social hypocrisy. 7.30pm, tickets £11, £10 conc.
Wednesday, July 1: Potaholic – A fascinating evening with the BBC's Antiques Roadshow's much loved 'Potaholic', Henry Sandon. Finding old pottery in his garden sparked the passion that has since ruled his life. 7.30pm, tickets £14, £13 conc.
Tuesday, July 2: Julie Felix – a concert from the iconic folk rock artiste of the 1960s, who was the first solo folk artist to be signed to a major British record company, and became the first British-based folk singer to perform at the Royal Albert Hall. 7.30pm, tickets £16.50, £15.50 conc.
The Maltings,
Berwick
01289 330999Tonight until Sunday, June 28: Interstella Cinderella – The Maltings Junior Youth Theatre group presents a show that takes a fresh look at Cinderella with galactic gigs to boot. Thursday to Saturday at 7pm, Sunday 2pm. Tickets £6, £4 conc, £20 family.
Wednesday, July 1: Goodbye Mr Chips (U; 114min) – An aged teacher and former headmaster of a boarding school recalls his career and personal life over the decades. 7.30pm, tickets £5.
Thursday, July 2: Star Trek (12a;126min) – Captain Kirk and the crew of the Starship Enterprise explore space and defend the United Federation of Planets. 7.30pm, tickets £5.
LIVE MUSICTonight: Summer Concert of Traditional Music – Margaret or Andrew Watchorn, Holy Trinity Church, Embleton. 7.30pm, tickets £5 (children under 12 free) available at the door.
Tonight: Live Music. Open Mic Night run by Acoustic Magic. At The Hairy Lemon, Alnwick. 8.30pm. More information, visit www.myspace.com/clearblueskies
Tomorrow: Acoustic Magic. Live music from the Acoustic Magic crew. At The Waterford Lodge Hotel, Morpeth. 8.30pm. www.myspace.com/clearblueskies
Saturday, June 27: Voicemale Concert – a choir of about 20 men, is one of the region's leading group of singers, performing a varied programme of pieces from Russia, Spain, Italy and Lithuania, as well as songs from nearer home. At Alwinton Church. 7.30pm. £7, £6 conc, children free.
Sunday, June 28: The Northumbrian Ranters. Young, traditional music ensemble with fiddles, cellos, accordions, flutes and Northumbrian pipes. At St Michael's Church, Howick. 6.30pm. £8 adults, £7 conc, inc light refreshments.
Sunday, June 28: Buskers Night. Buskers Night run by Acoustic Magic. At The Farriers Arms, Shilbottle. 8.30pm. www.myspace.com/clearblueskies
EVENTSTomorrow: Storage Reservoirs and Modern Irrigation Techniques Training Day – water management training for farmers and potato growers on how best to take action against future water scarcity. Includes a farm visit to Turvelaws, Wooler (transport provided). At The Cheviot Centre, Wooler. Starts 9am. Contact Simon Hogg on 01668 283363.
Tomorrow to Sunday June 28: Hotspur Festival. In celebration of the 700 year anniversary of the Percy Family at Alnwick Castle, the Hotspur Festival (Harry Hotspur was Sir Henry Percy's nickname, so-called because of his speed in battle) will bring the streets of Alnwick to life with a parade, medieval tournament, street theatre and much more. Contact Alnwick Development Trust on 01665 606093.
Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28: Alnmouth Arts Festival. Local professional and amateur artists and craft workers will exhibit their works in more than a dozen venues throughout the village in this fifth annual event. Follow the Art Trail around the village, with maps available in each venue. Children's events take place in the marquee in the park. As part of the Arts Festival, there will be a LUSH Acoustic night on Saturday. They will be a marquee on the Links at Alnmouth, with a licensed bar, and a night of acoustic music with Bill Read, David Ainsworth, folk slot from Kathleen and Jamie, Hague, Mark Bezerk and Carl Cape. 10am to 6pm on Saturday, 10am to 5pm on Sunday. Contact Judi Hill on 01665 830999 or email jhill@alnarts.fsnet.co.uk
Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28: Open Gardens and Flower Festival. Longhirst Village, 11am-4pm, admission £5, accompanied children free. Twelve gardens open; floral decorations in St John's Church: refreshments; bouncy castle and other children's activities; plant sales; arts and crafts and more. Contact Claire Coates on 01670 791088, e-mail: claire@petercoates.plus.com
Saturday 27 June: A Midsummer Night's Dream. Open air theatre at Wallington House. Internationally acclaimed Illyria return with Shakespeare's most magical and gloriously silly comedy. 7.30pm. Adult £15, child £7.50. Booking essential contact 01670 773600.
Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28: Hotspur Festival at the Bailiffgate Museum. As part of the celebrations, the museum will be hosting the photographic competition winners. Also dressing up and other activities. Details on www.bailiffgatemuseum.co.uk or contact 01665 605847.
Sunday 28 June: Northumbrian Clog Dancers. Enjoy the Clog and Highland dancing at Wallington Hall 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Normal admission charges apply. Contact 01670 773600.
Sunday, June 28: Have-a-go Archery. Have a go at the noble art of archery with the local team of experts at Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens. From noon. Adults £6.50, Concession £5.50, Child £3.30, Family £16.30 English Heritage members free.
Sunday, June 28: Picnic in the Park. Carlisle Park, Morpeth. A day of family fun by the bandstand with entertainment from Ashington Colliery Band, crafts, magician, face painting and lots more. Noon–4pm
Sunday, June 28: Fund-raising Day. A family fair and car boot sale is being held in aid of the Northern County School for Deaf Children. At the Lions Den, Willowburn Trading Estate, Alnwick. 9am–2pm.
Sunday, June 28: Fallodon Hall Red Cross Garden Opening. Garden opening in aid of the Red Cross. A large, formal garden with herbaceous borders, bog garden and lake. Lovely woodland walks, and a kitchen garden and greenhouses. Home-made teas in the stable yard and a plant sale. Adults £3 and children free.
Tuesday, June 30: Squirrel Safari. Join the Save our Squirrels team and explore parts of Redesdale Forest in Kielder. For more information, contact 0191 2846884
Tuesday, June 30: Seahouses Harbour Artists. Support and help given to beginners. At the Methodist Chapel Hall, Seahouses. Meets every Tuesday. 10am–noon. £2 including refreshments.
Tuesday, June 30: Celebrations Card Club. All skill levels catered for, just bring along some scissors, a work mat, pencil and ruler. Free refreshments. £3 per week, to cover material costs only. Every Tuesday. At The Centre, Fenkle Street. 7pm–9pm. Booking essential, contact Dianne on 01665 510603.
Thursday, July 2: Beadnell Craft Group. Upholstery, soft furnishings, cross stitch, shell work and more. For anyone who would like to share their skill, or learn a new one is most welcome. At the WI Hall. At 1.30pm, entry £1.50 includes refreshments.
EXHIBITIONSAlnwick Playhouse, Bondgate Without, Alnwick, 01665 510785. Northumbrian Open Art Exhibition. As Alnwick town commemorates 700 years of the Percy family in Alnwick, the Bondgate Gallery presents an exhibition by local artists celebrating Northumberland and Harry Hotspur. Free. Open during box office hours. Until Saturday, July 25.
Bailiffgate Museum, 14 Bailiffgate, Alnwick, 01665 605847. New exhibition – 'From the Percys to the Present – the art of Northumberland'. Featuring work by local artists depicting the glorious county of which the Percys have the privilege of being Duke. Until July 20. 10am–5pm.
Belford Craft Gallery, 2 Market Place, Belford, 01668 213 888. Paintings by Ana Maria Dodds & Lida Hatrick, starts June 20. Main Gallery, Tuesday to Friday, 10am–12.30pm and 2pm–5pm. Saturday all day. Sunday afternoons from 1pm.
Breeze Gallery, 29 High Street, Wooler, 01668 283333. Open 9.30am-5pm, Monday to Saturday. Visit www.breezewooler.com
Coquetdale Arts Centre, Court Buildings, Front Street, Rothbury, 01669 621557. Paintings, crafts and prints by members in the main gallery and a stairwell show by Tony Montague, Ken Spencer, Joe Hush and Barbara Segal. In a separate exhibition room, Syl Scott's one-month show. From July 1, a show of work by Joe Hush. Beginners and advanced classes on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am–4pm and Sunday, 1pm–4pm. www.coquetdale.org.uk
Crown Studio Gallery, Rothbury. 01669 622890. Potted History: Replicating the Past. Replica prehistoric, Roman and Saxon pottery, jewellery, leather-work and drinking horns, by Graham Taylor and Danielle Ray. 9am–5pm every day except Wednesday. More information, info@crownstudio.co.uk or www.pottedhistory.co.uk
The Design Room Gallery, 79 High Street, Wooler. Show of work by guest artist James Blinkhorn. Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–5pm.
The Frame-House & Schoolroom Gallery, Alnmouth, 01665 830600. Currently showing a mixed exhibition of original work in various media and by many of the area's leading artists and some from further afield. Next solo exhibition features Morpeth-based Karen Willis from June 13 to July 12. Open Wed to Sun (closed Mon & Tues, open bank holidays).
The Gate Gallery, 12 Bondgate Within, Alnwick, 01665 602165. A5RT. All proceeds to HospiceCare North Northumberland. Until June 17. Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm. Sunday 11am–3pm.
THE ART TOUROn weekends throughout June and July, artists open up their studios to the public across Northumberland. 11am to 5pm each day. Website www.networkartists.org.uk
ON SUNDAY:Frank Aird – Contemporary to surrealist work at Ashlea, Felton Lane, Longframlington. Contact 01665 570319 or 07890003248.
Nick Holmes – Paintings, prints and collages reflecting the cultural landscape at 2 Togston Hall, North Togston, near Amble. Contact 01665 714420 or 07745 585735.
Lesley Forster – Atmospheric paintings filled with the ever changing light and colour of Northumberland's hills, sea and sky at 29 The Wynd, Amble. Contact 07950 166313.
Sue Fenlon – Paintings reflecting nature and the seasons, at The Old Chapel, Chapel Lane, Alnmouth. Contact 07976 327988.
Pam Vardy – Atmospheric and evocative watercolour and acrylic Northumbrian landscapes, seascapes and flowers and abstracts at The Old Vicarage, Middle Road, Shilbottle. Contact 01665 575017.
Nigel Lowder – Photography from Northumberland at the Mick Oxley Gallery, The Joiners Shop, Haven Hill, Craster. Contact 01665 571082.
Mick Oxley – A selection of powerful dramatic seascapes at the Mick Oxley gallery. Contact 01665 571082.
Linda Scott-Robinson – Bringing her perceptions of the north Northumberland landscape to life at the Breeze Gallery, High Street, Wooler. Contact 01668 283333.
Peter Podmore – A selection of work from the north Northumberland artist at Westnewton, Wooler. Contact 01668 21655
WALKSSaturday, June 27: GPS Training – Introduction. A one-day introductory course to help understand how to use GPS and digital maps for walking. Starts at 9.30am in Kirkharle Courtyard. Cost £64 to book contact www.shepherdswalks.co.uk or call 01830 540453.
Sunday, June 28: Wildlife Walk. Walk with the warden to look at the wildlife of Newton Links. 10.30am to 12.30pm. Meet at Newton Links car park.
Sunday, June 28: Guided Walk. A 13-mile course along the second section of walking from the Source to Sea of the River Coquet following the river as it passes through Harbottle and Sharperton before reaching Thropton and Rothbury. Meet at Rothbury at 10am. Cost £12.50 to book contact www.shepherdswalks.co.uk or call 01830 540453.
Sunday, June 28: GPS Training – Going Further. A one-day course will be a full day of practical route planning and creation, downloading and uploading routes and tracks between GPS and three-dimensional digital map systems with the opportunity to design and walk some routes and practise the skills that have been learnt. Starts at 9.30am in Kirkharle Courtyard. Cost £64 to book contact www.shepherdswalks.co.uk or call 01830 540453.
Alnwick Health Walks (Long). Every Wednesday at 10am from Alnwick Tourist Information Centre, Market Place. Contact Jon Monks on 01665 605030.
Alnwick Health Walks (Intermediate). First and third Wednesday at 10am from Alnwick TIC. One-hour walk. Contact Jon Monks on 01665 605030.
Alnwick Health Walks (Starter). Every Wednesday at 10am from Alnwick TIC. Maximum 30 minutes. Contact Jon Monks on 01665 605030.
Amble Health Walks. Every Tuesday at 1.30pm from Amble Tourist Information Centre. Starter and intermediate. Contact Jon Monks on 01665 605030.
Belford Health Walks. Long walk Monday, 3pm. Meet at Market Cross. Shorter walk Monday, 1.30pm. Meet at Bell View Resource Centre. Contact Stephanie Glas-Thompson on 07515 288070.
Berwick Health Walks (Beginner and Intermediate) Both Wednesday. Meet at the Old Bridge, at the Berwick end. 1pm. Contact Stephanie Glas-Thompson on 07515 288070.
Hadston Health Walks (Starter). Every Wednesday at 1pm from Hadston House. Contact Jon Monks on 01665 605030.
Rothbury Health Walks (Starter). Every Friday at 10.30am from Rothbury TIC. Intermediate/long walks every Friday at 10.30am. Contact Jon Monks on 01665 605030.
Seahouses Health Walks. Every Monday at 2pm. Meet at the Resource Centre. Contact Stephanie Glas-Thompson on 07515 288070.
Wooler Health Walks (Intermediate). Every Thursday at 1.30pm. Meet at the Cheviot Centre. Contact Stephanie Glas-Thompson on 07515 288070.
ATTRACTIONSThe Alnwick Garden,
Alnwick
01665 511350 Open daily 10am-6pm. Last admission 45 minutes before closing. Adults £10, concs £7.50, children 16 and under 1p (for up to four children with each adult), group (14 people or more) £6.25 per person, educational group £2.50 per child. Prices include optional £1 per person charitable donation.
Garden events all free after paying admission to Garden, unless stated.
Today: Gardeners Tour – take a tour of The Garden with our own team of gardeners to find out more about the work behind the scenes. Each tour has a different theme, is seasonally inspired and looks at a different aspect of the landscape, so come along whenever you can. 11.15am–noon, free after admission to The Garden.
Friday, June 26: Coffee and Crayons – especially for young children and the people who look after them – a popular social group for tots, parents, grandparents and friends in The Visitor Centre on the last Friday of every month. Drop in 10am–noon, free.
Saturday, June 27: Hotspur history in cartoon art – create cartoon characters to fill the pages of Alnwick's colourful 700-year history. 11am–3.30pm.
Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28: Summer art and crafts – meet designers and makers, join in hands-on activities and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea. Take a stroll through the fair to see the wonderful array of original handmade arts and crafts for sale. 10am–6pm.
Monday, June 29: Taste of Dance – start the week with a spring in your step with our Monday morning teasers of dance and its many variations; this week, it's salsa. Noon–1pm.
Monday, June 29: Elderberries Salsacise - Join an exercise class inspired by salsa and suitable for all abilities. 10am–noon, £2.50 per class.
Wednesday, July 2: Bee Inspired – The Alnwick Garden Craft Group. Explore your creativity at this monthly craft group. Learn new techniques and share ideas for crafts of all kinds over coffee with friends. Some materials provided – bring your box of bits and we'll help you make the most of them. 2–4pm, free. For more information call 01665 511356.
Wednesday, July 2: Over the Garden Wall – get together with friends old and new over coffee and cake to explore the morning's theme, from genealogy to fishing. 11am–1pm, free and no booking required.
Alnwick Castle. 01665 510777. Open daily, 11am–5pm (last admission 4.30pm). Grounds open 10am–6pm. Adult, £11.95, conc £9.95, child £4.95 (5–15 years), child under four years, free, family, £29.95 (two adults and up to four children).
The Armstrong Household and Farming Museum, North Charlton Farm, 01665 579443. Open Fridays, 10am–5pm. Adults £2.50. All proceeds to charity. Private parties by appointment.
Bamburgh Castle. 01668 214 515. Open 10am–5pm daily. Last entry 4pm. Adult £7.50, child £3.50, senior £6.50.
Bailiffgate Museum. 01665 605847. Open every day 10am–5pm. Adults £2.50, conc £2, children U16 free.
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens. 01661 881636. Open daily, 10am–5pm. Adult £6.50, conc £5.20, child £3.30, family ticket £16.30, English Heritage members free.
Berwick Barracks. 01289 304493. Open Wednesday–Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays. Closed Monday and Tuesday. 10am–5pm. Adults £3.50, children £1.80, concessions £3, English Heritage members free.
Brinkburn Priory. 01665 570628. Open daily except Tuesday. 11am–4pm. Adults £3, children £1.50, concessions £2.60, English Heritage members free.
Cragside House, Gardens and Estate. 01669 620333. Gardens and estate open every day except Monday. 10.30am–7pm (last admission 5pm and close at dusk if earlier than 7pm). House open 11am–5pm Saturday and Sunday, 1pm–5pm Tuesday-Friday. Closed Mondays. House, gardens and estate: Adult £13.20, child (age 5–17), £6.60, family £33. Gardens and estate: Adult: £8.50, child (age 5–17) £3.50, family £20.50.
Chillingham Castle. 01668 215359. Open daily except Saturday. Noon-5pm. Adults £6.75, children £3, concessions £5.50, under 5s £1.
Dunstanburgh Castle. 01665 576231. Open daily 10am–5pm. Adult £3.40, conc £2.70, child £1.80. National Trust members free.
Edlingham Castle. Open during daylight hours. Free.
Etal Castle. 01890 820332. Open daily. 11am–4.30pm. Adults £3.50, children £1.80, concessions £3, English Heritage members free.
The Fenton Centre. 01668 216216. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm. Free.
Heatherslaw Light Railway. 01890 820244. Hourly trains from 11am. Adult £6, senior £5, over 5s £4, under 5s £1.
Heatherslaw Mill, Gift Shop and Visitor Centre, Ford. 01890 820338. Open daily 10am–5pm. Adult £3.50, conc £2.25, U5s free, family £9.
House of Hardy Museum, Alnwick. 01665 510027. Monday to Friday 9am –5pm, Saturday 10am–5pm. Free entry
Howick Hall Gardens and Arboretum. Open daily. Noon–6pm (last entry 5pm). Earl Grey Tea House is also open. Adult £5, over 60s £4, children free.
Hulne Park. Ratten Row, Alnwick. Open 11am–dusk.
Lady Waterford Hall, Ford. 01890 820503. Open daily, 11am–5pm. Adult £2, conc £1.50, family £6, under 5s free.
Lindisfarne Castle. 01289 389244. 01289 389244. Today and tomorrow 10am–3pm. Saturday–Thursday, noon–5pm. Closed Monday, June 22. Adults £5.70 (gift-aided entry £6.30), children £2.80 (gift-aided entry £3.10), family £14.20 (gift-aided entry £15.70). National Trust members free.
Lindisfarne Heritage Centre. 01289 389004. Open daily 10am–5pm. Adult £3, child five to 15 £1, group of 10-20 gets 10 per cent discount, over 20 gets 15 per cent discount.
Lindisfarne Priory. 01289 389200. Open daily from 9.30am-5pm. Adult £4.20, child £2.10, conc £3.60. English Heritage members free.
Longframlington Gardens, Swarland Road, Longframlington. 01665 570382. 12-acre garden and arboretum with walks, plant collection, nature trail and autumn colour. Gardens, nursery and coffee shop. Open daily 9am–5pm. Garden and arboretum £4.25.
Preston Tower. 01665 589227. Border Pele Tower. Open daily 10am–5pm (or dusk if earlier). Adults £2, children 50p, concessions and groups £1.50.
RNLI Grace Darling Museum, Radcliffe Road, Bamburgh, 01668 214910. Open daily, 10am-5pm, last entry 5.15pm. 10am–5pm, last entry 4.15pm. Adult £2.50, child/conc £1.50.
Wallington. 01670 773600. House open. Walled garden open daily 10am–4pm. For shop opening times contact the Estate. Garden and grounds: Adult £6.40, child £3.20, family (2+3) £16. National Trust.
Warkworth Castle. 01665 711423. Open daily, 10am–5pm. Adult £4.20, child £2.10, conc £3.60, family £10.50, English Heritage members free.
Warkworth Hermitage. Accessible only by boat across the River Coquet. Open Wednesday and Sunday,11am-5pm. Adult £3, child £1.50, conc £2.60, English Heritage members free.
