Seven days: Aug. 3-9
Family fun to the fore in the summer hols
As the summer holidays continue, we’ve got creative child-friendly fun on Tyneside. From gaming and zine-making to city-wide play, but I suspect Mam and Dad might enjoy these as well. Definitely for older audiences, Sunderland hosts an evening of dark music on Friday, and music lovers are spoilt for choice on Thursday with great gigs at The White Room and Port Independent.
SIRF’S Up @ ARC, Stockton
This year’s SIRF is finished, but there’s still time to celebrate the history of the festival. ARC is showing photos by Adam Parkin chronicling 20 years of Stockton’s showcase event. Dating from 2005 to last year, his work picks out highlights and lesser moments from two decades of community art, culture and creativity in the centre of town. Visitors can also check out Debbie Todd’s portraits to accompany the premiere of Rachel Stockdale’s play Mother earlier this year and The Making of Ghost Train, Charlie Meecham’s detailed retrospective of a show celebrating last year’s railway bicentenary (until Aug. 6). ARC, Stockton, Aug. 3-8. Opening hours vary day-to-day, admission to exhibitions free.
Urban Zines @ Farrell Centre, Newcastle
Summer holiday blues? Here’s a free, thought-provoking activity for the kids at one of the region’s overlooked museums. The Farrell Centre focuses on architecture and design; the current emphasis is on housing, particularly the Northeast’s new towns and their successes and failures in providing post-war homes. Those exhibitions feed into the weekly zine programme which runs every Thursday afternoon until the end of the holidays. Each week tackles a different issue affecting young people, ranging from play spaces to designing for nature. Drop-in sessions, no need to book, turn up between 1-4pm. Age 7+, kids must be accompanied by an adult. Farrell Centre, Newcastle, Aug. 6. Free admission.
Daria Kulesh @ The White Room, Stanley
Daria Kulesh promises something of a treat at Stanley’s White Room on Thursday evening. Russian-born, with Ingush heritage, she’s lived in the UK for 15 years and her repertoire ranges widely across Europe. Whether it’s Ukrainian lullaby or Hebridean folk, Daria brings a mesmerising voice to the occasion. If that wasn’t enough, there’s also another outing for self-styled sincerity rapper Faithful Johannes with tracks from his new album Durham, Come Save Me. Check out our interview with him here on Talking Northeast. The White Room, Stanley, Aug. 6. Tickets £13.
Glad Town Ghost @ Port Independent, Sunderland
Quite Quiet is a new series of stripped-back acoustic shows in Sunderland’s vibrant Sunniside district. The idea is simple: get local acts to perform low-key, low volume sets. Acts have included rising stars and local heroes – July’s edition blended Isabel Maria and The Lake Poets, for example. The next show, on Thursday, is headlined by Glad Town Ghost, the current project of Teessideindie-folk singer-songwriter Dale Husband, who is building a strong reputation under this name. Support comes from Lucas Renney (Golden Virgins, Brilliantine) and Ami McGuinness. Port Independent, Sunderland, Aug. 6. Waiting list only for tickets.
Social Youth Cult @ Independent, Sunderland
Bela Lugosi might be dead, but Social Youth Cult is happy to reanimate the corpse of Bauhaus and the like with a 21st-century take on goth sounds. We probably don’t call it ‘goth’ any more, but whether you come to this via post-punk alienation committed to vinyl as the Winter of Discontent bled into Thatcherism, or through European darkwave circles, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. I’ve not had the pleasure of catching these live yet, but I’m expecting enough dry ice to serve up a pea-souper. Which is enough to lure this old-school goth out of his dungeon for the night. Support from Hartlepool’s impressive Machiner and rising locals Holy Braille. Independent, Sunderland, Aug. 7. Advance tickets £8, £10 otd.
NOVUM Festival @ Multiple venues, Newcastle
The centre of Newcastle becomes a creative playground this weekend as NOVUM returns. From Friday’s opening night gig by Melanie Baker (the only paid event on the bill) to the climactic city-wide domino run on Sunday afternoon, this promises something for everyone. Stand-outs include parkour style dance-circus on Grey Street (Sat, Sun, noon and 2.45 pm) and a bird-inspired rave at Northern Stage (11.15 am, 1.30 pm). In reality, though, this isn’t really about ticking off events from the timetable; go with the flow, see what you find and enjoy a day out in the city. Multiple venues, Newcastle, Aug. 7-9. Tickets free (Melanie Baker gig £15)
Game on @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead
More summer family fun and, again, it’s free of charge. The Glasshouse puts the music onto the back burner for the day and dedicates itself to games. Whether arcade games push your buttons or you have designs on Lego, if board games tickle your tactics or you’re more of a crafty type, this is a day out for you. The games, puzzles and bricks take over the concourse from 10am to 3pm and – best of all – someone else will tidy up after you take the kids home! The Glasshouse, Gateshead, Aug. 9. Admission free.
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