Wow, week 5 of the school holidays and we are nearly through the six-week break. If you are running out of ideas and wondering what's on in the North East this week for families, then take a look at these 7 free family fun events happening across the region this coming week including Newcastle, Gateshead, Bishop Auckland, South Shields and Sunderland. 

7 FREE Things To Do in Week 5 of the School Holidays

1. Pop-up Planetarium at Bishop Auckland Town Hall

Wednesday 22 Aug 2018 10am – 3pm

Come along and explore the wonders of the universe in our amazing pop-up planetarium. Drop in anytime between 10.00am to 3.00pm.

2. Solids, Liquids and Gases at Discovery Museum, Newcastle

Tuesday 21 August & Thursday 23 August

Drop-in between 11am - 3pm to investigate Oobleck, study steam and ponder pressure in a range of demonstration, activities and crafts all about solids, liquids and gases. Create your own straw rockets and have a go at pneumatics. And take away slimy instructions to continue the experiments at home!

3. Crafty Romans at Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields

Every Wednesday during the school holidays kids can get creative at Arbeia's Crafty Roman sessions where they can enjoy activities and crafts inspired by the Roman Fort heritage and the people who made it their home for almost 2,000 years. 

4. Science Week: Imagine and Invent at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens

Friday, August 24, 2018 11am - 12.30pm & 1.30pm - 3pm

Make your own paper model inventions to take home including moving machines and spinners.The activity is free but donations are welcome.

5. Winged Tales of the North – Village Green / Mythophone

Ouseburn, Newcastle

Part of the Great Exhibition of the North the David Almond Mythophone By Dan Fox. Listen closely! A striking solar-powered storytelling machine featuring fourteen Winged Tales of the North readings by David Almond. Follow this playful and imaginative street art trail inspired by new flash fiction by David Almond – one of the North’s best-loved writers. As you’re led through the creative community of the Ouseburn Valley, you’ll discover a series of intriguing works showcasing the talent of artists, designers and makers from across the area. Admire stunning murals, marvel at new temporary sculptures and engage with artworks that spark curiosity and invite exploration.

6. Bank Holiday Street Theatre Performances

Performance Square, Gateshead QuaysSaturday 25, Sunday 26, Monday 27 August

Showtimes: 11am, 12noon, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm

Join in across the bank holiday weekend with Bread and Butter Theatre for some hilarious street theatres – you’ll meet some interesting characters! Free – just turn up at chosen performance times.

DJ Booth and the Wheels of Steel, Gateshead Quays - Saturday 25 August

Do you have Saturday Night Fever in your bones? So does Vince Vinyl! Come on down for his “Wheels of Steel” mobile disco and cabaret; one big glitzy ball of music, mullets and bingo-calling. If it is vol-au-vents, cheesy music and a George Michael slow dance number that you’re yearning for, well Vince is your man. 

Greenfinger Folk - Sunday 26 August

Drop by Performance Square today and you will see two huge topiary bushes nestled in gigantic terracotta pots – this is horticulture on a grand scale. The mischievous Gilbert and Norbert, two naughty garden fairies are waiting to solve your gardening problems and chat to your minis!

Pirates of Menspants - Monday 27 August

Jump on board, raise the flat, we are all at sea on Gateshead Quay! Two dashing, bearded, sea shanty-singing pirates are lurking around Performance Square to recruit new shipmates by wooing the crowds from aboard their barnacled covered ship.

7. The Battle For Sunderland - At Hylton Castle

Sunday, August 26, 2018 to Monday, August 27, 2018 11am till 4:30pm

Come along and enjoy this Spectacular event at Hylton Castle on August Bank Holiday Weekend. One of the Countries Largest and most Exciting English Civil War Battle Re-enactments. Over 200 individuals will re-enact the English Civil War 'Battle for Sunderland', along with a Cavalry Display featuring 10 horses and an Infantry Drill, with the use of Live Gunpowder and Cannons. The organisers say this show is not to be missed -  Free Entry, along with much more including funfair, face painting, heritage and craft activities, lots of fun for all.

Happy holidays!

Deb x

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