Kynren, nr Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland, on Saturday, 9.30-11pm 
An epic tale of England Bishop Auckland is set to burst into life as the UK’s most spectacular open-air live action night show since the opening of the London 2012 Olympics opens this summer. Presented by Eleven Arches, will take audiences on a spellbinding journey through British history when it launches on Saturday for the first of 14 action-packed and movie-like performances of colossal and dazzling proportions. Taking place on a 7.5 acre landscaped stage (equivalent to five football pitches) against the backdrop of majestic Auckland Castle, this incredible production will immerse audiences in a captivating story that stretches across 2,000 years, encompassing Roman times, the Viking invasions, the Industrial Revolution and Second World War, with ships and a steam train, mass choreography, mesmerising pyrotechnics and spectacular lighting and water effects. 

  • Tickets are on sale now; for more information, go to www.kynren.co.uk or call 0844-581 1252

The Northern Echo: Scarecrow Festival, around Appleton Wiske this weekend, 11-5pm
About 50 scarecrows are currently being created and will be spread around the village, and in previous years families from all over the North-East have enjoyed the spectacle.
Stalls and other attractions ensure there is plenty to keep visitors entertained.
There will be a treasure hunt for children, and a stall where they can make their own miniature scarecrow. The church and chapel will host craft exhibitions, including art, woodwork and patchwork quilts. Homemade refreshments will be available at the village hall.

  • Entrance is £2 per adult, which includes a map for the scarecrows, and children go free. All proceeds towards village facilities. 

The Northern Echo: North Country Theatre present Twelfth Night, Kiplin hall, Richmond on Friday/Saturday, 7.30pm
Richmond’s fabulous professional touring company, North Country Theatre, have delighted audiences for 20 years with their creative productions. To celebrate this milestone, Nobby Dimon directs his first Shakespeare play, Twelfth Night. Kiplin Hall hosts two outdoor performances of this hugely popular comedy, on this occasion moved to the 1930s’ Riviera and the mysterious Mediterranean principality of Illyria, home of the idle rich.

  • Tickets on 01748-818178. 

East Harlsey Open Gardens, nr Northallerton, this weekend, 12-5pm
A rare opportunity to visit 15 gardens not normally open to the public, ranging from large formal gardens to beautiful cottage gardens and courtyards. Afternoon teas, cakes and ice creams, plant and craft stalls can be enjoyed at the village hall. Children's dinosaur hunt. 01609-882705. 

Funny Way To Be Comedy - Gyles Brandreth: Word Power, The Witham, Barnard Castle on Saturday, 8pm
Join Edinburgh Fringe award winner Gyles Brandreth – wit and word-meister, former MP and Government Whip, Just A Minute regular, The One Show reporter, QI, Have I Got News For You, Room 101, The IT Crowd, Pointless and Countdown survivor - on an uproarious and unexpected magic carpet ride around the awesome world of words.

  • Tickets on 01833-650930.