RELATED FEATURES
- Guide to attractions in Northumberland
- A guide to groups and social clubs in north Northumberland

STAGE/FILM

Alnwick Playhouse,
Bondgate Without,
Alnwick
01665 510785

Thursday, September 4: The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular - A fun filled extravaganza featuring the greatest music of the 20th century. 7.30pm Tickets £16.50, £15.50 conc.

Friday, September 5: La Serenissima – firmly established as one of the leading exponents of the music of Antonio Vivaldi and his Italian contemporaries this recital features Adrian Chandler (violin), Gareth Deats (cello), and Robert Howarth (harpsichord) in a tribute to violinist Johann Georg Pisendel. 7.30pm tickets £14, £13 conc.

Saturday, September 6: The Cavern Beatles – the classic songs that have now inspired and influenced generations are performed with passion and reverence by The Cavern Beatles. 7.30pm tickets £16, £15.50 conc.

Tuesday, September 9: That's Life: An Audience with Esther Rantzen – an evening of secrets and surprises from one of the UK's best-loved TV personalities, Consumer Champion, founder of the charity Childline, author and novelist, Esther Rantzen. 7.30pm tickets £16, £15 conc.

Thursday, September 11: The Move featuring Trevor Burton and Bev Bevan – back together as The Move after 35 years. The band became one of the best and most significant groups of the late '60s. 7.30pm tickets £16.50, £15.50 conc.


The Maltings,
Berwick
01289 330999

Thursday, September 4 and Friday, September 5: Mamma Mia – the film of the Abba inspired musical. 7.30pm tickets £4.50.

Saturday, September 6: Julie Felix's Highways of Diamonds Tour – this year, the legendary Julie Felix is celebrating 45 years in the music business, and is marking the occasion with her Highway Of Diamonds tour. 7.30pm tickets £12.50.

Sunday, September 7: Tea Dance - Join in an afternoon of foot-tapping tunes and golden oldies. 2.30pm, tickets £3 TAMS members free.


LIVE MUSIC

Thursday, September 4: Jazz Thursdays in The Treehouse. Giles Strong (guitar) and Graham Handy (trumpet and fugelhorn). Music at intervals 7–10pm, call 01665 511852 to book a table.

Friday, September 5: Live Fridays in The Treehouse. Arrangements of Northumbrian/Tyneside dialect songs specially written for two guitars with Blaydon Aces - Roly Veitch (guitar and vocals) and James Birkett (guitar). Music at intervals 7–10pm, call 01665 511852 to book a table.

Monday, September 8: Live folk music session. At The Fishers Arms, Horncliffe. Starts 8pm. Free.

Thursday, September 11: Jazz Thursdays in The Treehouse. Ray Thompson (keys), Ron Creasey (trumpet and fugelhorn) and Kirsteen Grey (double bass). Music at intervals 7–10pm, call 01665 511852 to book a table.

Thursday, September 11: Rothbury Roots. Music duo Megson, who are described as the crowning jewels of the contemporary folk scene. Supported by Gareth Davies-Jones. At Queens Head Hotel, Rothbury. From 8pm. To book tickets in advance, £7, contact 01669 620470. For more information visit www.rothburyroots.net


EVENTS

Friday, September 5 to Saturday, September 6: Harbottle Show. The 136th Harbottle Show is kick-started with a clay pigeon shoot tomorrow from 4pm. Saturday's events take place from 11am at Oak Tree Field and feature a sheep show, horticultural, industrial and children's craft exhibits. Also craft demonstrations, wrestling, terrier racing, quoits, pony sports and adults and children's racing. For more information contact Dawn Watson on 01669 650215.

Sunday, September 7: Vintage Motorbikes. A display of vintage motorbikes to inspire nostalgia for the open road of bygone days. At Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens. From 11am. Adults £6.50, conc £5.20, children £3.30, family £16.30. English Heritage members free.

Sunday, September 7: Cancer Research 10k Run. Charity 10k run which starts and finishes from the Pastures into Hulne Park, Alnwick. Race starts 11am.

Sunday, September 7: Etal Flower Show. A great day out for all the family with a variety of activities and attractions including car boot sale, companion dog show, children's entertainer, quoit competition and Norham Band. Plus more than 150 show classes for vegetables, flowers, bakery, handicrafts, needlework, photography, sticks and children's work. Adults £1.50, children and car parking free. 1pm. Contact 01890 820338 or visit www.ford-and-etal.co.uk

Monday, September 8: Guided Tour. Out-of-hours tour of Lindisfarne Castle. 3pm. £8 to non-members, £4.50 to National Trust members. Contact 01289 389244.

Wednesday, September 10: Autumn Lunchtime Concert. Lunchtime concert by the best of local talent. Tea/coffee available. At St George's UR Church, Morpeth. 12.30pm–1.30pm (doors open noon). £3, payable at door. Contact Gillian Irvine on 01670 515870.


SIGHTSEEING

Alnwick Sightseeing Tour. Open-top vintage bus tour of Alnwick town and its beautiful surrounding countryside. 35-40 minute tour with detailed live commentary. Tour starts at Greenwell Road (behind the Playhouse) every hour on the hour from 11am-4pm. Saturday, Sunday, Monday. Adults £5, children (5-14) £2, conc and U5s free. Tickets valid all day. Contact 01665 603022.


EXHIBITIONS

Alnwick Playhouse. Bolwell Andrews Retrospective. Until Saturday, September 27. This exhibition hopes to capture some of the highlights of Bolwell's time in Northumberland as a tribute to a friend of many and a past chairman of the Alnwick District Arts Association.

Bailiffgate Museum, 14 Bailiffgate, Alnwick, 01665 605847. New exhibition – Lest We Forget. Until October 19. Open daily, 10am-5pm.

Belford Craft Gallery. New exhibition – paintings and life drawings by J Calver and K Wilson. Until September 20. Main gallery also open. Open Tuesday to Friday 10am–12.30pm & 2pm–5pm. Saturday 10am–5pm. Sunday 1pm–5pm.

Coquetdale Arts Centre, Front Street, Rothbury, 01669 621557. New exhibition by Malcolm Coils. Display of work by members including Joe Hush, Michael Ewart, Ken Spencer and others. Also Saturday classes. Opening times Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am-4pm and Sunday 1pm-4pm.

The Framehouse and Schoolroom Gallery, Alnmouth. Gallery, picture framing, 01665 830600. Ken Spencer: New Works. Ken returns for his second solo exhibition of impressive acrylic works on canvas. Runs from Saturday, August 23, to Sunday, September 28. Open Wednesday to Sunday (closed Monday & Tuesday but open on bank holidays). No longer serving refreshments. Contact Mick or Amanda for further details and opening hours.

The Glendale Gallery, Florin of Wooler, 3 High Street, Wooler, 01668 283700. Iain Duncan's photos of Northumberland. Until Sunday, August 31. Open Monday–Friday 10am–5pm, Saturday 9.30am-5pm, Sunday noon–4pm.


WALKS

Friday, September 5: Evening Health Walk. A walk exploring old Rothbury. Starts 6.30pm. Meet at Rothbury Tourist Information Centre. Contact Jon Monks 01665 714385.

Saturday, September 6: Bat Walk. Experience Wallington's nightlife and join a bat expert on a guided walk. Meet at the Clock Tower. Bring warm clothing, appropriate footwear and a torch. Refreshments supplied. 7pm. £10. Booking essential, contact 01670 773939 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

Sunday, September 7: Guided Walk. Join Shepherd's Walks for a 6.5-mile walk from Warkworth to Felton (along St Oswald's Way). Starts at 10.30am at Felton. £11, including transport. Booking essential. Visit www.shepherdswalks.co.uk or contact 01830 540453.

Wednesday, September 10: Guided Walk – moderate walk exploring Holy Island's sand dune and shore. All welcome, wear suitable footwear. 4pm–6pm. Meet at main car park at Holy Island at village exit. Safe crossing time: 3.30pm–10.30pm. £7, children under 12 free. Contact 01289 389225.

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 Marjory Tharne on 01289 31774.

Hadston Health Walks (Starter). Every Wednesday at 1pm from Hadston House. Contact Jon Monks on 01665 605030.

Rothbury Health Walks (Starter). First, third and fifth Friday of every month at 10.30am from Rothbury TIC. Long walks on second and fourth Friday at 10.30am. Contact Jon Monks on 01665 605030.

Seahouses Health Walks. Every Monday at 2pm. Meet at the Resource Centre. Contact Marjory Tharne on 01289 301774.

Wooler Health Walks. Every Thursday, long and shorts walks both 1.30pm. Meet Cheviot Centre.