Great things to do this weekend

SOME of the oldest and rarest tractors and vintage vehicles in the world will be on display. 

A 95 year old Ford Model T tractor previously used as a farm postbox and the only Model T Speedster in the UK are two of the star attractions at Tractor Fest. This year celebrates the centenary and legacy of Henry Ford.

The Ford Model T was the first mass produced car, manufactured from 1908 to1927. Introduced as cheap, basic transport, the ‘Tin Lizzie’ was almost as much a portable engine as a car. The original all-terrain vehicle was often customised by enthusiasts into alternatives such as racing cars and tractors.

It’s a great day out for the whole family and the ticket price includes admission into Newby’s award winning gardens and adventure playground.

• Tickets £11.50, visit http://newbyhall.com

Celebrating 125th anniversary of the Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, on Saturday, 10-6pm

A day of festivities for all the family in the museum and grounds to commemorate this milestone. There will be an anniversary picnic with ‘John & Joséphine Bowes’, live music, children’s activities, food and drink, ‘My favourite object’ talks by curators and more. 

• Combined admission to museum and grounds £2.50 per adult, free for children. Tel. 01833-690606. 

Allo Allo, The Majestic Theatre, Darlington, on Saturday, 7.30pm

The Bondgate Players proudly present Jeremy Lloyd & David Croft's celebrated comedy 'Allo 'Allo. Based on the hugely successful television series that ran for seven seasons, this uproarious comedy relates the adventures of a hapless café owner in occupied France.

• Tickets on 01325-482848.

Crossing The Tees Book festival, runs until June 24 

Now in its fourth year, the festival will be at libraries including Stockton, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Darlington. 

Highlights this year includes a meet and greet discussion with the star of Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet series, Julian Norton, and international best seller Sophie Hannah will be discussing her latest psychological thriller novel as well as her Hercule Poirot mysteries, which have been written with the blessing of Agatha Christie’s estate. 

The popular Lipstick Library and History Wardrobe sessions are also returning and there’s chance to solve a murder mystery and have a cocktail or two at the same time at the Killer Women Murder Mystery event. 

Middlesbrough-based writer and poet Andy Willoughby will be presenting his poem Between Stations and there will be plenty of opportunities to chat to local and international writers to get some top writing tips. This year the festival has introduced an official Writer in Residence, a role which will be filled by Tracey Iceton. 

• For full programme details visit http://www.crossingthe tees.org or call 01642-525199. 

Croft Hall garden open to the public, Croft, on Sunday, 2-5.30pm

A lovely lavender walk leads to a Queen Anne-fronted house (not open) surrounded by a 5 acre garden, comprising a stunning herbaceous border, large fruit and vegetable plot, two ponds and wonderful topiary arched wall. Pretty rose garden and mature box Italianate parterre are beautifully set in this garden offering peaceful, tranquil views of open countryside. Homemade teas. Admission £5, children free. 

Royal Opera House Live - Ballet Triple Bill, The Forum, Northallerton, on Sunday, 7.15pm

Streamed live this mixed programme demonstrates the great creative vision of Frederick Ashton, Founder Choreographer of The Royal Ballet. The Dream is Ashton's adaptation of Shakespeare's riotous comedy in which a forest sprite plays havoc, armed with a love potion. 

Symphonic Variations was Ashton's first work after World War II, and one of the Company's first to be performed on the huge main stage of the Royal Opera House, in 1946. 

With six dancers performing a series of quartets, duets, sextets and solos to Franck’s brooding Variations symphoniques, this seminal masterpiece celebrates the pure beauty of movement. Marguerite and Armand is Ashton's beautiful and emotional retelling of a well-known story, familiar to us through Verdi's opera La traviata. Ashton famously created this poignant ballet on Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev in 1963.

• Tickets on 01609-776230.

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