If you’re looking for some ideas, we’ve rounded up some of the gigs and events taking place across the North East. Pubs and other venues are embracing the “new normal” after the easing of lockdown, with businesses looking at new ways of attracting and serving customers that is Covid-secure as the pandemic continues.
1. Rainton Festival, Rainton Arena
Rainton Festival is running at the outdoor space at Rainton Arena, Houghton, throughout August. One of the highlights of the Bank Holiday weekend will be the Dance Icons event on August 29. Featuring anthems from the '90s era, it will take place in the outdoor grounds of the arena, with people able to book allocated areas to keep party-goers at a distance. Headliner Tall Pall promises some 90s favourites, while Radio 1 legend Dave Pearce will be there to blast out Trance Anthems. o keep you on your dancing feet, Angie Brown, who sung with Bizarre Inc on I'm Gonna Get You, and Kelly Llorenna known for Set You Free with N-Trance, will also take to the stage. There will be a mini festival stage with SFX production, all hosted under a big top arena. Party-goers will remain in their allocated bubbles, with table service available via an app. Tickets are available from £25 per person, but due to government guidelines and social distancing, the event is required to sell tickets in groups/tables of four and six. Photo: submitted
2. The Holborn Howl, Trimmers Arms, South Shields
The Trimmers Arms in Commercial Road, South Shields, will be hosting what’s believed to be the town’s first socially distanced comedy night. Called The Holborn Howl, the comedy night will take place on Saturday, August 29, and will feature Gavin Webster whose many appearances include Never Mind the Buzzcocks and The Stand Up Show; former Byker Grove regular who now can be heard on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 6 music, Sammy Dobson, as well as emerging comedian Mike Wardley. Tickets are available from Skiddle. Photo: submitted
3. The Libertines, Virgin Money Unity Arena, Newcastle
There's a number of events taking place at the Virgin Money Unity Arena in Gosforth Park where audiences watch from their own private platforms. Highlights over the Bank Holiday weekend are The Libertines on August 29, Jason Manford on August 30 and Jimmy Carr on August 31. Everyone on your platform must arrive in the same vehicle. Tickets from Ticket Line. Photo: submitted
4. Salt Market Social, North Shields
Earlier this month, Salt Market Social opened in the former Cosalt Factory in North Shields Fish Quay. The monthly pop up event features a host of street food traders and local breweries. The next social is on the August Bank Holiday weekend, from August 28-31. Food traders will be Acropolis Greek food, Crispy Conewich, Chucho’s Mexican, Pan Asia and La Petite Crêperie. Walk ups may be available on the day, but it’s best to book ahead on the venue's website. Photo: Katy Wheeler