Springthing Folk Festival, Darlington

A fun weekend of concerts, dance, singarounds, workshops and a craft fair based in and around The Dolphin Centre.

Musicians include Loose Connection, Flossie, John Tams and Darlington Mummers.

A full programme of events can be found on the folk club website www.darlingtonfolkclub.com

Spring exhibition, The Station, Richmond, opens Saturday

The unique tissue paper collage techniques of Victoria Bellas Carter; alongside lampwork artist and jewellery designer, Suzanne Tweddle.

The Northern Echo:

About Victoria: Through vibrant and colourful original works of art created by layering coloured tissue papers, Victoria captures the spontaneity, radiance and innocent beauty of her subjects using this unique technique where the unpredictable nature adds a spontaneous and exciting element.

About Suzanne: Lampwork artist Suzanne Tweddle's studio is situated in the market town of Barnard Castle from which she designs and hand makes glass beads, buttons, baubles and jewellery using a technique known as lampworking - 'the art of making small objects from glass melted in the flame of a torch'. Runs until April 4.

Magic Worlds exhibition opening day, Great North Museum: Hancock. 10am-4pm

With special guest Derek the Dragon and Martin the Magician. Come in your finest magic or dressy up costume to celebrate the opening of the V & A Museum of Childhood’s Magic Worlds exhibition at the Great North Museum.

A free day of enchantment and suspended belief with special guests Derek the talking Dragon and illusion from magician Martin Duffy.

11:45am – 12.30pm Derek the Dragon

12.45 – 1.05pm Martin’s Magic

1:45pm – 2.30pm Derek the Dragon

14:45pm - 3:05pm Martin’s Magic

Great North Museum: Hancock. 0191-222 6765.

Gabrielle, Barbican, York on Saturday, 6.30pm

Double BRIT award winner, is one of the UK’s most loved singer-songwriters and her tour follows on from the release of her new album Now and Always - 20 years of dreaming.

As well as selling ten million records Gabrielle has received a number of awards during her glittering 20 year career.

She has won two Brit Awards for Best Newcomer in 94 and Best Female in 97.

The Northern Echo:

She was also awarded an Ivor Novello in 2008 for Outstanding Song Collection. Gabrielle has also picked up two MOBO awards over the years, including one at the very first awards in 1996. 0844-854 2757.

Mother's Day Paperweights, National Glass Centre, Sunderland, on Sunday, 10am-4pm

The Northern Echo:

Create a flower shaped paperweight, spend the morning with your mum or make her something unique to keep. 

Guided by our skilled glass makers, create a beautiful flower shaped paperweight from molten glass.

Perfect for that special lady in your life.

Hourly slots, booking essential. 0191-5155555.