Tag: halloween

As autumn colours infiltrate the North East, it’s time to go out and explore it all…

By on 11th October 2018in What's On?
Autumn leaves

A lot of things may be frequently said about Chester-le-Street, Durham and Derwentside – and indeed, our wider region – that are both good and bad, but one thing that can’t be denied is how pretty it all becomes when autumn rolls around. A feast of browns, reds, yellows and oranges is now upon us, and we reckon you should get a little bit more ‘up close and personal’ with it.

So with no further ado, here are some of the autumn events and things to do that we reckon you should be marking in your diary for October and early November.

Gunpowder, treason and plot…

There are few finer ways to celebrate Bonfire Night than attending any of the various organised fireworks displays taking place around County Durham this year, including at the likes of Seaham Harbour Docks on Friday 2nd November, Framwellgate School in Durham and Oakies Park, Stanley, the latter two on Saturday 3rd.

Another eagerly anticipated autumn event each year is Chester-le-Street Cricket Club’s own ever-popular fireworks display, which takes place this year on Saturday 3rd November.

There will be not only the fireworks themselves at the latter event, but also a fully licensed bar, food, hot drinks and children’s rides, with advance tickets priced at £4 per adult and £2 per child; tickets can also be purchased on the gate, for £5 per adult and £3 per child, with kids of two years of age or younger admitted for free. Advance tickets can be bought in person at the club or online at www.chesterlestreet-cc.com, where you can also find out more information about the event.

Or what about an autumn walk or spot of conker-picking?

Fireworks displays aren’t for everyone, of course, which is why it’s just as well that our delightful region also offers a host of other wonderful things to do this autumn.

There is certainly no shortage of beautiful National Trust properties to visit throughout the North East this autumn, complete with gorgeous woodland, parkland and grounds, such as Gibside in the Derwent Valley, and Cragside and Wallington in Northumberland.

Or why not take in the breathtaking Durham Coast, which lends itself to stunning photography at this time of year due to the gentler sunlight? This jaw-dropping part of our region is also home to all manner of captivating flora and fauna, ranging from birds and wild flowers to rare butterflies.

Conker-picking is another time-honoured North East autumn pastime, with great spots for finding them in County Durham – as suggested by Chronicle readers – including Hawthorne Dene, Lord Byron’s Walk in Seaham and Dalton Piercy in the borough of Hartlepool.

Finally, something evil’s lurking in the dark at Beamish

Beamish is always great value for family fun, and there will also be no shortage of it during the Halloween period, with no fewer than five Halloween evenings planned on Monday 22nd, Tuesday 23rd, Friday 26th, Saturday 27th and Wednesday 31st October.

Petrifying creatures will be swamping the 1900s Town, 1900s Pit Village, 1900s Colliery Yard and 1820s Pockerley Old Hall, so don’t forget to grab your tickets by calling 0191 370 4306 or visiting www.beamish.org.uk. Ticket prices are £14 per adult and £10 per child aged between three and 16 years.

Don’t stay indoors this autumn, twiddling your thumbs. Instead, get out and about to discover the true majesty of our corner of the globe during this utterly beautiful and enchanting season.

 

Atlantean: It’s All Downhill Until Christmas

By on 1st November 2015in Have Your Say, What's New?

Long time In & Around contributor Atlantean takes a moment to reflect on the run-up to Christmas, and how the North East will be spending the next few months…

Well, Hallowe’en has past and we’re on our way to Christmas!

Advent calendars and Christmas cards are in the shops – the charity shops seem to lead the way with cards on sale from September. It’s that gradual move into winter where we lose three minutes off the end of every day, and – if you’re up – three minutes from the front too. That’s six minutes of daylight every day.

By the time we get to December 21st, it’s dark by 4.15pm, and I never cease to be amazed how wide the range is from shortest to longest day, when on June 21st it isn’t dark in the North East even at 10.45pm.

We observe the Armistice on November 11th and/or on the Remembrance Sunday which is nearest to it. All the more poignant in these current years, which are 100 years on from the horrors of the First World War (1914-18). At the time, it was known as the Great War, until the Second World War (1939-45) gave it a new label.

Sometimes the Lord Mayor’s Show in London falls on the same weekend, but this year the parade is on the 14th November. In Durham, we can look forward to the Lumiere produced by Artichoke, which takes place between Thursday 12th and Sunday 15th November. This has been a phenomenal success in recent years, and needs careful crowd direction and control to avoid a tragedy, especially around the river banks.

As it gets colder and darker, intrepid souls raise awareness of our homelessness situation, and the Bishop of Jarrow is promoting an event at Sunderland Minster on 4th December. It’s a sleep-out, and I note the charity Changing Lives, which used to be known as the Cyrenians, is also having a sleep-out for senior executives on 3rd March.

But for most of us, it’s a time for parties and a time of good will to all men (and women).

I used to have a toy racing circuit in which a car would race around a track, and pass on each circuit through a black tunnel where a mechanism would spring the car into increased speed. That’s the way I often feel about the year as a whole: it races by and we barely have time to draw breath before it’s downhill to Christmas. We enter the tunnel and we’re catapulted out the other side to continue the journey at an even faster pace.

Sometimes, I prefer to slow down, have a think, and consider those people who aren’t as fortunate as us. I’m concerned to learn that there are so many older people living on their own. Whereas I know I have about ten emails to send out on a Sunday, supposedly a day of rest, there are others of who don’t know how to send one and have no contacts to do so.

Don’t get carried away with your shopping this Christmas, and keep an eye on the prices. When I was in Scotland over the summer, I came across Irn Bru in a restaurant and asked whether there was such a thing as Diet Irn Bru. There is! And very tasty it is too. Our local small general store sells large bottles of sugar free Irn Bru for only 99p. On a visit to Tesco I noticed that their Brand Guarantee price applies to the same product – which they sell at £1.70. They compare prices with Asda, Morrisons and Sainsburys, but not with my little shop over the road.

My wife noticed something similar with large packs of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk chocolate, which were £3.50 in Tesco with the Brand Guarantee, but that she bought for £2.50 from our local Post Office and minimart when making some cakes, all of which makes me highly suspicious about supermarket pricing in this supposed season of goodwill.

So what do you think is the real meaning of Christmas? Send your answers to atlantean247@yahoo.co.uk, or leave a comment below.

Atlantean

Vintageous Rags: Halloween Special

By on 30th October 2015in Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?

Grace Stringer, owner of Middlesbrough’s hottest vintage and retro boutique, Vintageous Rags, shares a one-off Halloween outfit…

Hey, witchy women!

Halloween is looming, and we were feeling so inspired after our Cruella de Vil outfit that we thought we’d do a Halloween special. Feeling spooky?

This outfit is great for the witching hour, because you can make it as dramatic as you like, depending on the makeup and accessorises you choose to go with it. 

You could make it all cute and sexy, or you could go full on scary, gory, zombified, dead…!

A red velvet skirt (M £12) is always a winner when Halloween comes around, and the faux leather lace up top (UK10 £10) just screams hocus-pocus!

Add a witch hat, a choker, and a few cobwebs, and that’s your Halloween outfit sorted!

So… trick or treat? 😉

You can find this outfit in our Baker Street store, Middlesbrough, or you can shop online at www.vintageousrags.com. See you soon!

Follow Vintageous Rags on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Lumley Castle Holds Halloween Party For Little Monsters And Grown Up Ghouls

By on 27th October 2015in Entertainment, Events, Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

One of the North East’s most haunted venues is inviting small spooks – and grown-up ghosts – to two special events this week…

Six-hundred-year-old Lumley Castle, in Chester-le-Street, is holding a children’s Hallowe’en party on Thursday 29th October, with an emphasis on fun rather than fright.

On arrival at the castle, the youngsters will be led to Lumley’s dungeon before being served a three course banquet feast in the majestic Baron’s Hall, while accompanying adults are served a glass of wine.

They will then be entertained by some of the castle’s friendlier ghosts, and a prize will be given to the child with the best fancy dress costume, with all children receiving a small memento of the event before they leave.

The following night, Friday 30th October, it will be the turn of adults, who are invited to a five course banquet, with live entertainment and a late night disco in the four-star hotel’s dungeon.

“Lumley Castle is a perfect Hallowe’en venue,” says Director of Sales and Marketing, Nola Collinson, “and we hope as many diners as possible will enter into the ‘spirit’ and come suitably – and spookily – dressed for the occasion.”

The children’s party is suitable for those aged between 5 and 12, and doors will open at 6.30pm, with the banquet served at 7pm. 

Tickets, which must be pre-booked, cost £16 per child and £29 for each accompanying adult.

The adult Hallowe’en Party on 30th October begins in the Dungeon bar at 7pm, with the banquet at 8pm, followed by a disco until 1am.

The party is for those aged over 16, and tickets cost £41.50 per person.

To book, or for further information, call 0191 389 1111, visit www.lumleycastle.com or email banquets@lumleycastle.com.

Sunderland Bistro Unveil Halloween-Themed Menu

By on 26th October 2015in Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

Witches brew, blood red chips and gruesome graveyard pizza are being added to the menu at a North East eatery next week…

The Beach House bistro, Roker, run by 1879 Events Management, is marking Halloween with six days of spine-tingling activities starting Monday October 26th.

This includes a chance for visitors of all ages to decorate themed biscuits from noon until 2pm Monday to Saturday, with a face painter and fancy dress competition also running on Saturday October 31st only.

Throughout the week the bistro will be serving a creepy and creative Halloween-inspired menu, with different dishes for adults and kids to sink their fangs into.

For grown-ups this includes witches brew (bean and bacon soup), spooky mince pie and poison pepper (stuffed pepper with chilli, rice and potato chips), while younger trick or treaters can enjoy a mummy (hot) dog, monster cheeseburger or gruesome graveyard pizza, all served with blood red chips.

David Moses, General Manager at 1879 Events Management, which also manages catering and events at the Stadium of Light and National Glass Centre, said, “Halloween is a holiday for children of all ages, as well as those that are young of heart.

“Our regular menu will still be available for those too scared to sample the special themed one, while our free activities will help families make more of the build-up.”

For more information about Halloween at the Beach House, visit www.facebook.com/thebeachhousesunderland or www.1879events.com or call 0191 5659473 to book.

What’s On? October Roundup

By on 1st October 2015in What's New?, What's On?

Haven’t picked up your copy of this month’s In & Around magazine yet?

Straight from the pages of the North East’s favourite monthly publication, here’s your handy guide to the region’s top events this month!

 

Every Tuesday
Local Food, Produce and Craft Market
South Causey Inn, County Durham
Support our local traders! Our resident band plays from 11am-1pm, great to listen to whilst you have a coffee and a scone. Purchase the best fruit and veg, speciality cheeses, locally sourced meats, gourmet pies, craft stalls, vintage items & antiques.

Tuesday 6th October
Durham Book Festival
Various Venues In And Around Durham City
The North East’s biggest book festival returns this October for twelve days of author talks and new commissions in Durham City and beyond. The festival brings big name authors to Durham, as well as celebrating our home-grown talent with a feast of inspiration and entertainment for curious minds.

Friday 9th October
Milky Way Night
Hamsterley Forest
There’ll be no moon, meaning dark skies! Come and see our very own galaxy stretched across the night sky. Tickets should be bought from the cafe in advance. £6 per ticket. In the event of poor weather, the event will go ahead indoors with a presentation and simulated stargazing. Food and drinks will be available at each event from the cafe. Remember to dress warmly!

Friday 16th – Sunday 18th October
Pickering Wartime & 1940s Weekend
Pickering
Pickering steps back in time to the Second World War. 1940s clothing, vehicles, music, and events take over for the weekend.

Saturday 17th October
Antarctica: Explorers, Heroes, Scientists
Palace Green Library
This winter, Palace Green Library’s Durham exhibitions consider the Polar Regions, focusing particularly on the discovery, exploration, and ongoing work taking place in Antarctica.

Saturday 24th October
Halloween Half Term
Hall Hill Farm
Are you brave enough to come to Hall Hill Farm between 24th and 31st October for a ghoulishly good time? Activities include making your own scarecrow, carving a pumpkin lantern, having your face painted, and seeing the puppet show, plus all the usual activities of donkey rides, tractor and trailer rides, and the Barrel Train. Also open 1st November 2015. There are small additional charges for pumpkins, donkey rides (£1.00), and the Barrel Train (£1).

Thursday 29th October
Lumley Castle Halloween Party
Lumley Castle
The evening includes a three course banquet feast and entertainment by the friendly Ghosts of Lumley. Fancy dress competition and a goody bag for all children attending. Dungeon Bar opens at 6.30pm, banquet at 7.00pm, and finishes at 10.30pm. Fancy dress encouraged!

Friday 30th October
Murder Mystery: Too Much At Stake
Radisson Blu Hotel, Durham
Join us for the 5th Annual dinner of the S.P.O.O.C (Society for the Preservation of Old Cinema) Horror Convention. Examine the crime scene and solve the clues as ‘Too Much at Stake’ is played out throughout the three course meal. Who has it in for one of the celebrity guests? Tickets are £35.00 per person. To book contact our Events Team on 0191 372 7200 or email events.durham@radissonblu.com.

Friday 30th October
Festival Of Remembrance
Empire Theatre, Consett
From 7pm in aid of The Poppy Appeal. Advanced Booking Advised, tickets are £1 each and are available from the Empire Theatre Box Office. Call 01207 218171.

Saturday 31st October
Grown Up Halloween
Crook Hall
Crook Hall, Durham City’s oldest and spookiest house, provides a perfect scary setting for what promises to be eerie evenings of frightening fun. Mulled wine, ginger cake and ghostly tales and appearances. £9.50 pre-booking essential.

Saturday 31st October
All Hallows In The Park
Auckland Castle
Mischievous tales of Bishop’s past and present mixed with local fables will play out along a riveting 45 minute trail meandering through the Castle’s parkland. Young performers from Jackass, Wolsingham and W.A.S.H. Youth Theatres have created a series of unique drama sketches that will be performed at 20 minute intervals throughout the evening. Plenty of layers, warm coats and walking shoes or wellies essential! BRING ALONG A TORCH TOO! A great way to enjoy a festive autumn night with stilt walkers and drumming too! Walks will start out from Auckland Castle’s coffee shop, with the first walk for families with children under 5 setting out from 5.30pm. Subsequent walks for all ages start from 6.30pm (approx. 6 in total). Tickets £4.

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