Robert Mapplethorpe: The Magic In The Muse, Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, opens on Saturday, until April 16. 
Forming part of the Artist Rooms project, a major national initiative led by the Tate and National Galleries of Scotland, this exhibition explores the work of renowned American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. 
Mapplethorpe (1946–89) is known for a vast, provocative and powerful body of work which has established him as one of the most important artists of the late 20th Century. His exquisitely composed black and white photographs are remarkable as much for their technical virtuosity as for their sometimes controversial subject matter. His work has often been described as a unique combination of beauty and salaciousness. 
Portraiture was central to his creative output, and Mapplethorpe established his reputation in the 1970s and 80s with photographs of his circle of friends and contemporaries from the New York cultural scene– artists, musicians, socialites, and members of the New York underground. The exhibition, which opens at The Bowes Museum on 28 November 2015, will concentrate on the concepts of musicians, artists and classical poses and feature a selection of portraits of these influential figures, including Iggy Pop, Andy Warhol, David Hockney and Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as Mapplethorpe’s close companion, singer and poet, Patti Smith.

The Northern Echo:  
Blackbeard's Tea Party, Arc, Stockton, on Saturday, 8pm
Blackbeard’s Tea Party bring their brand of gutsy folk rock to Arc for the first time. Traditional songs and folk tunes are given a heavy rock edge with playful arrangements and driving dance rhythms. This is all mixed up in an engaging, high-octane stage show that frequently leaves audiences cheering for more. With this growing reputation, it is hardly a surprise that they are one of the most in-demand bands on the folk circuit. 01642-525199. 

Michaelmas Market at Barnard Castle School on Sunday, 10.30-3pm
Traditional Christmas market assembling a host of talented local designers, artists, craftspeople and artisan food & drink producers, for your Christmas shopping pleasure. Come and discover what the North-East has to offer, from unique, bespoke arts and crafts, fine food & drink and stunning jewellery and fashion accessories to gorgeous gifts for you and the home and luxury spa and beauty treats. There’ll also be a Christmas raffle, seasonal refreshments and plenty of good cheer. Entry is free. The school is situated next to Bowes Museum on the south side of the town. For more information, contact the event organisers (Barney Friends – Senior School) at bf@barneyschool.org.uk

The Northern Echo: Santa is on his way for Christmas at The Cornmill Centre, Darlington on Sunday
Christmas is fast approaching and Santa and his reindeer are on their way to Darlington’s Cornmill Shopping Centre for a special festive even. The Cornmill will host its annual reindeer parade beginning at 11am at Tubwell Row where Santa will start his journey through the town centre, pulled on his sleigh by a herd of real Cairngorm reindeer. He will make his way back to the Cornmill where children will have a special opportunity to meet the magical North Pole visitors. The parade will be led by the Cockerton Band who will entertain the crowds with some festive tunes to get them into the Christmas spirit. Joining in with the festivities back at the Cornmill will be Elves with the Good-o-meter, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph. Susan Young, manager of the Cornmill Shopping Centre said: “The reindeer parade is always popular as it gets the festive season off to a magical start. Children get the chance to personally deliver their Christmas letters to Santa and see some real reindeer, while parents get to enjoy the sounds of the Cockerton Band. “The reindeer parade provides the perfect festive setting for visitors to get on top of their Christmas shopping. We have a wide array of leading high street names and independent retailers with gift ideas for all the family.” Children can visit Santa in his grotto, located on the centre’s lower atrium, from 11am until 3pm following the parade and on each Sunday in December between those times. 
For further information about the reindeer parade and for full details of Cornmill’s Christmas opening hours, visit the website cornmillcentre.co.uk

Christmas Big Band Night 2015, De Grey Rooms Ballroom, York, on Sunday, 7.30pm
Come and celebrate the start of the Christmas season with our annual Christmas Big Band Night. Dance the night away to the sounds of Mr Swing's Dance Orchestra as they perform some classic Big Band favourites. 
Taking place in the stunning Victorian surroundings of the De Grey Rooms Ballroom under the lights of our Christmas tree, you will be greeted on arrival with a glass of fizz and tasty canapes. If you're a beginner or need to brush up on your dance skills, why not join us from 6.30pm for a refresher dance class? A great way to break the ice and practise some moves before the night starts.