STAGE/FILM

Alnwick Playhouse,
Bondgate Without,
Alnwick
01665 510785

Tonight: Stranded. The Middle group of the Youth Theatre present this gripping musical based on Lord of the Flies. 7.30pm, tickets £8, £7 conc, £6 under 16s and students.

Tomorrow: The Last Snow Rider – Northumberland Theatre Company perform their fantastic Christmas fairytale about friendship and belief filled with magic, music, laughter and a few frosty tears. 7.30pm, tickets £11, £10 conc, £6 under 16s.

Saturday, November 28: Silver Bells Christmas Show – Combining the music of Christmas present with the delightful spirit of Christmas past. Sparkling entertainment, wonderful costumes and a spell-binding finale will make this an unforgettable experience. 7.30pm, tickets £16.50, £15.50 conc, £10 under 16s.

Monday, November 30: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (U; 89mins)– The most delicious event since macaroni met cheese. Inspired by the beloved children's book, the film focuses on a town where food falls from the sky like rain. 4.30pm tickets £6, £5.50 conc

Tuesday, December 1: Seasonal Seduction – The ever-popular annual floral demonstration event promoted by the Alnwick & District Flower Club, presented by Jonathan Moseley, chairman of the national demonstrators committee. 7.30pm, tickets £10.

Wednesday, December 2: Hansel and Gretel – Full House Theatre Company presents a spectacular new piece of musical theatre that will appeal to the whole family and enchant old and young alike in an innovative adaptation of the much-loved classic fairy tale, with a twist. 7pm, tickets £11, £10 conc, £6 under 16s.

Thursday, December 3: Creation (PG; 108min) – English naturalist Charles Darwin struggles to balance his revolutionary theories on evolution with his relationship with his religious wife, whose faith contradicts his work. 7.30pm, tickets £6, £5.50 conc.

The Maltings,
Berwick
01289 330999

Today: Creation (PG; 108min) – English naturalist Charles Darwin struggles to find a balance between his revolutionary theories on evolution and the relationship with his religious wife, whose faith contradicts his work. 7.30pm tickets £5.

Tomorrow: The Unthanks – One of the most critically-acclaimed folk bands in modern history, with Jonny Kearney and Lucy Farrell. 7.30pm tickets £20 box, £15 circle, £12.50 stalls.

Saturday, November 28: Gavin Webster – Hero of the North East comedy circuit performs his hilarious routine. 7.30pm tickets £15 box, £13 circle, £12 stalls, £10 conc.

Tuesday, December 1: Brazil (15; 122min)– One of the most inventive and important films of the 20th Century. A nightmare vision of the future, hysterically funny and incisive. 8pm, tickets £4.

Wednesday, December 2: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (PG; 110 min) – A revisionist Western comedy set in 1900s Wyoming, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid are the leaders of the Hole in the Wall Gang. Noon, tickets £4, £2.50 silver screen.

Thursday, December 3: Cautionary Christmas Tales – A live 1940s radio broadcast of romance, suspense and bloodcurdling complexity, recorded live by the rather dashing actors of the Berwick Broadcasting Corporation, with live sound effects. 8pm tickets £7.50 £5 conc.

LIVE MUSIC

Tonight: Rothbury Roots. The blues comes to Rothbury Roots when Edinburgh-born artist Tam White makes a rare visit to the North East. At The Queen's Head Hotel, Rothbury. Tickets, £8, can be booked in advance by ringing The Queens on 01669 620470. More information visit www.rothburyroots.net

Saturday, November 28: Acoustic Night. Acoustic covers and originals from Middle Name John. At The Tanners Arms, Alnwick. 9pm. Free.

Sunday, November 29: Buskers Night. Buskers Night run by the Acoustic Magic team. At The Blue Bell, Amble. 8.30pm.

Thursday, December 3: The Tanners Unplugged. Open Mic Acoustic Night at the Tanners Arms, Alnwick. All welcome. Free. 9pm.

EVENTS

Tonight: Talk. Archivist Chris Hunwick talks to Alnwick Civic Society about Hotspur. At Barter Books, Alnwick. 7.30pm. Free.

Tomorrow: Flip For Friday. To celebrate the launch of the new winter menu at Warkworth House Hotel, the staff are running Flip For Friday – a unique event where a flip of a coin could potentially mean you dine for free (maximum four people per flip). To book a table call 01665 711276.

Tomorrow: Magic Lantern Show. Up the Coquet Valley – 1860 to 1960. Raffle and refreshments. Proceeds for local churches. At URC Rothbury. 7.30pm. Entry £5, £3.50 conc. Limited to 70 seats – a few still available, ring 01669 621013 for reservations.

Tomorrow: Night Life. The MS Society launches Night Life – the biggest inclusive club night of its kind, aimed at providing those living with or affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) with a social event which is completely accessible, modern and inclusive of their needs. Two rooms will be playing funky house and vocal garage by Local Hero DJs and retro classics and requests. At Bewicks at Gateshead Civic Centre, Tyne and Wear. Free entry with complimentary drink on arrival. 8pm–midnight. For a free ticket, register online at www.mssociety.org.uk/mslife or contact the events team on 020 8438 0818 or conferenceadmin@mssociety.org.uk.

Saturday, November 28: Playing For Presents. Derek Allan and his acoustic pals will be playing in Alnwick Market Place as part of a toy appeal for seriously-ill children. People can donate presents while the team play, which will then go to the Rainbow Trust. From noon–4.15pm.

Saturday, November 28: Wooler Christmas Market. Fun-filled afternoon, including children's storytelling, Santa's grotto and carols with the Glendale Choral Society. Also cookery demonstrations at Breeze and the Humbleton Hill Run at noon. For more information contact Glen on 01668 282059.

Saturday, November 28: Alnmouth Christmas Lights Switch-on. The village gets into the festive spirit when the lights are switched-on at 4.30pm. Refreshments will be available and Santa will be making an appearance on his sleigh, with a little help from Alnwick Lions.

Saturday, November 28: Bamburgh Christmas Lights Switch-on. Bamburgh gets Christmassy at 6.30pm, after a church service at 5.30pm.

Saturday, November 28: Rothbury Ringers Annual Advent Ceilidh Dance. Ceilidh Band Pipers Share with caller Mike Jeavons, with a pooled supper and licensed bar with real ale. In the Jubilee Hall, Rothbury. From 7pm. Buy tickets, £7.50, U12s £5, in advance from Tulley's shop, bellringers or Church Fundraisers.

Saturday, November 28 and Sunday, November 29: St Andrew's Day at The Bailiffgate Museum. Northumberland's history is intimately tied up with that of Scotland. This year, help celebrate Saint Andrew's Day by commemorating Scotland's first pilots and aircraft designer, Frank Barnwell. Design your own paper plane and test fly it at the museum. 11am–4pm. For more details contact James Etherington on 01665 605847 or email: ask@bailiffgatemuseum.co.uk

Saturday, November 28, & Sunday, November 29: Father Christmas & The Butler. Meet Belsay's Victorian Father Christmas dressed in traditional colourful costume, who will be reciting famous Yuletide stories and poems. Listen to heart-warming stories and tales of Christmases past with the Victorian butler, Mr Meakin. Shop for unique Christmas gifts and sample English Heritage's own range of liqueurs and seasonal treats too with a special seasonal 10% discount. Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens, from 11am, admission prices adults £6.50, conc £5.50, children £3.30, family ticket £16.30, English Heritage members free.

Sunday, November 29: Pike Fishing Day. The Fishing For Everyone Ladies Fishing Club are organising their first pike fishing day to be led by world class pike angler, Nige Williams. Equipment, bait and tuition will be provided and homemade soup will be organised for lunch. Starts 9am. £10. Any ladies interested should contact Lucy Bowden at lucy@fishignforeveryone.com or visit www.fishingforeveryone.com for information.

Sunday, November 29: Christmas Market. Shop at over 25 colourful stalls offering gifts, local foods and produce, as well as delight in the entertainment and refreshments available. A host of music, including from The Berwick Community Band. Lady Waterford Hall also open, and a Santa's Grotto are just some of the highlights. At Ford Village. 11am–3pm. Parking and entry is free.

Sunday, November 29: Advent Concert. Peter Brown, director of Alnwick's Chamber Choir, has put together a programme which includes traditional favourites, newly written music and some unusual pieces, and performed by the Rock Festival Choir. At St Paul's Church, Alnwick. 3pm. Tickets £6, £5 conc. For more information contact Jane Nolan on 07768 304259 or email janenolanmbe@aol.com

Sunday, November 29: Christmas Craft & Food Fair in aid of HospiceCare North Northumberland. More than 30 crafts and food stalls from around Northumberland. Live music from A Few Broth and Alnwick Pipers to entertain whilst you look around. At Doxford Hall. 10am–5pm. £3, payable on the door. Sunday lunch is being served from noon–2.30pm and afternoon tea available from 3pm–5pm. Book in advance on 01665 589700. In the evening, the launch of the winter A5rt, from 7pm–10pm in the Kennedy Suite, at Doxford Hall.

Monday, November 30: Baby Yoga Session. Alnwick Breastfeeding Support Group host the yoga session. At Sure Start Centre, St Michael's School, Alnwick. 10am–11.30pm. Free.

EXHIBITIONS

Alnwick Playhouse, Bondgate Without, Alnwick, 01665 510785. Members of Alnwick District Camera Club showcase their talents with a great variety of subject matter, photographic technique and printing styles. Free. Open during box office hours.

Bailiffgate Museum, 14 Bailiffgate, Alnwick, 01665 605847. Alnwick 40 years on. An exhibition of Alnwick's past put on by the Local History Society to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Free for under-16s.

The Bakehouse Gallery, Prudhoe Street, Alnwick, 01665 602277. Large selection of work by local artists. Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am–5pm.

Belford Craft Gallery, 2 Market Place, Belford, 01668 213888. Main Gallery, Tuesday to Friday, 10am–12.30pm and 2pm–5pm. Saturday all day. Sundays from 1pm.

Breeze Gallery, 29 High Street, Wooler, 01668 283333. Works from Newcastle artists, painter Natalie Campbell and graphic designer and artist Laura Cartwright. For more information visit www.breezewooler.com. Open 9.30am–5pm, Monday to Saturday.

Coquetdale Arts Centre, Court Buildings, Front Street, Rothbury, 01669 621557. Paintings, crafts and prints by members in the main gallery, a stairwell show by Syl Scott, Heather Tingey, Peter Collins and Malcolm Coils, and a show of work by Barbara Segal. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am–4pm and Sunday 1pm–4pm. Season ends December 21, www.coquetdale.org.uk

Crown Studio Gallery, Rothbury. 01669 622890. New ceramic sculptures of Woolly Jumper sheep and other humorous farm animals by Jane Adams. Fabricated silver and bronze jewellery by up-and-coming designer/jeweller Natasha Cox. Anodised aluminium jewellery by Michael Peckitt. New original paintings and limited edition prints by Lynda Taylor. Plus an exclusive selection of stocking filler jewellery, calendars, accessories, etchings, prints and cards. Open 9am–5pm daily (closed all day Wednesday) and 10am on Sundays.

Fenwick Gallery, 21 Castle Street, Warkworth. A range of contemporary fine art including original paintings, limited edition prints, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery and textiles. Open every day from 10am–5pm. www.fenwickgallery.co.uk

The Schoolroom Gallery, Alnmouth, 01665 830600. Currently showing a mixed exhibition of original work in various media by many of the area's leading artists and some from further afield. A selection of quality hand-made intaglio and surface prints in varying techniques, litho prints, giclee prints and photographs are also available from the print room.

The Gate Gallery, 12 Bondgate Within, Alnwick, 01665 602165. A wide range of originals and prints by, among others, Kate Philp, Dianne Gainey, Ken Spencer and Mary Anne Rogers. Also photography of local scenes. Open Monday–Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 11am–3pm. www.thegategalleryuk.com

WALKS

Saturday, November 28: Guided Walk – Into the Dark. Ever wondered what it would be like to walk in the dark? This is your chance to find out! A 3-hour, 3 to 4-mile walk over varied terrain around Kirknewton. For information and booking contact Peter McEwen 01668 216 439 or www.walknorthumbria.co.uk

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 Rob Woods at 07918 731708 or email rob.woods@activeberwick.co.uk

Berwick Health Walks (Beginner and Intermediate). Both Wednesday. Meet at the Old Bridge, at the Berwick end. 1pm. Contact Rob Woods at 07918 731708 or email rob.woods@activeberwick.co.uk

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. Ring Kelvin Rushworth on 01665 721868 or email Jennifer Brown on seahouseswalking@hotmail.com

Wooler Health Walks (Intermediate). Every Thursday at 1.30pm. Meet at the Cheviot Centre. Contact Rob Woods at 07918 731708 or email rob.woods@activeberwick.co.uk

ATTRACTIONS

The Alnwick Garden, Alnwick, 01665 511350. Open daily 10am–4pm. 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.

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.

Bailiffgate Museum. 01665 605847. Open every day 11am–4pm, but closed Mondays. Adults £2.50, conc £2, U16s free.

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens. 01661 881636. Open Thursday to Sunday, 10am–4pm. Adult £6.50, conc £5.20, child £3.30, family ticket £16.30, English Heritage members free.

Cragside House, Gardens and Estate. 01669 620333. Gardens and Estate open Wednesday–Sunday, 11am–4pm, last admission 3pm. Adult £4.20, child (5-17), £1.90, family £9.50. House closed.

Dunstanburgh Castle. 01665 576231. Open 10am–4pm, closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Adult £3.60, conc £3.10, child £1.80. National Trust and English Heritage members free.

Edlingham Castle. Open during daylight hours. Free.

The Fenton Centre. 01668 216216. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm. Free.

House of Hardy Museum, Alnwick. 01665 510027. Monday–Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am–5pm. Free.

Hulne Park. Ratten Row, Alnwick. Open 11am–dusk.

Kirkharle Courtyard, Kirkwhelpington, 01830 540362. A range of boutique shops, arts and crafts workshops and local specialist food outlets set in a converted 15th century farm courtyard.

Lindisfarne Castle. 01289 389244. Closed until Saturday, December 5. Adult £5.70 (gift-aided entry £6.30), child £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, today until Monday 10am–2.45pm and then Tuesday to Thursday, 9.30am–12.45pm. Adult £3, child 5-15 £1, group of 10-20,10 per cent discount, over 20, 15 per cent discount.

Lindisfarne Priory. 01289 389200. Open Saturday–Monday, 10am–2pm. Adult £4.20, child £2.10, conc £3.60. English Heritage members free.

Preston Tower. 01665 589227. Border Pele Tower. Open daily 10am-dusk. Adult £2, child 50p, conc and groups £1.50.

RNLI Grace Darling Museum, Radcliffe Road, Bamburgh, 01668 214910. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–4pm, last entry 3.30pm. Adult £2.50, child/conc £1.50.

Wallington. 01670 773600. House open everyday except Tuesday from 1pm, last admission 4pm. Walled garden open daily 10am–4pm. Garden and grounds: Adult £6.40, child £3.20, family (2+3) £16.

Warkworth Castle. 01665 711423. Open Saturday–Monday, 10am–4pm. Adult £4.20, child £2.10, conc £3.60, family £10.50, English Heritage members free.