We are Aliens, Life Centre, Newcastle on until July 21

Alien life doesn’t mean little green men or flying saucers; any living thing from a planet other than Earth would be an alien. But looking for life on other planets isn’t easy.

There are planets orbiting our Sun, but also many hundreds of thousands of planets orbiting other stars.

Could we ever find evidence of life on these planets? Join us on our quest to find out in our latest planetarium show.

  • 0191-243 8210.

The Northern Echo:

Picnic in the Park, Thirsk Hall, on Saturday, from 5pm

The 12th annual Picnic in Park features Adele and Michael Jackson tribute acts and, for the first time, vintage fairground rides and ball games to make the event more family friendly.

There will be a fireworks finale. Concert goers are encouraged to bring their picnics, tables and chairs. There are hot food stands and a Pimms bar. There is ample free parking close by.

  • Tickets cost £24 (£16 for under 16s) on the gate or in advance from Thirsk TIC, CB Furnishings (Thirsk and Northallerton), and the Zillah Bell Gallery, Thirsk. The event aids Action Medical Research and local charities.

Castle Players present Twelfth Night, Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, on Friday/Saturday

Performed in the beautiful grounds of the Bowes Musuem. The Castle Players’ outdoor summer production this year is ‘Twelfth Night’ – one of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedies.

A tale of mistaken identity, cross-dressing and identical twins, ‘Twelfth Night’ is a multi-layered exploration of love and longing. The action takes place in the mythical land of Illyria, where Viola has been shipwrecked after a storm at sea. 

The production will be given the usual Castle Players’ inimitable twist, with the theme this year being ‘Victorian Steampunk’ – goggles, time-pieces, cogs and eccentric machinery abound, with some sumptuous multilayered Victorian costume and one or two unexpected surprises along the way. Highly suitable for all the family.

The Northern Echo:

Festival of 50s, Beamish Open Air Museum, on Saturday/Sunday 

Dance the day away to live music, treat yourself to a 50s hairdo, have a go on fairground stalls or simply enjoy a milkshake in the sun. 

Hop aboard the fabulous 50s bus at the museum and be transported to the days of rock ‘n’ roll and teddy boys, Pathé News and petticoat. Take a look at our 50s toy shop, sample the delights of macaroni cheese, help decorate the Coronation float and pop across to our 50s caravan to try on clothing from the times to see if you suit the style.

What’s more, as with all daytime events, there is no extra charge for the Festival of 50s.

  • 0191-370 4000. 

Durham Bass Festival, July 7-16

The 10-day Durham Brass Festival returns, now in its 11th year, this is the first festival under new artistic director Paul Gudgin.

Yorkshire-based band Keep the Faith joins forces with North of England Champions NASUWT Riverside Band to celebrate the Northern Soul movement which swept the dancefloors in the late 60s, with arrangements of songs from The Specials, Billy Ocean, Frankie Valli, Edwin Starr and Stevie Wonder.

The festival, which opens on Friday, July 7, also features a screening of Brassed Off when brass players can bring their own instruments to the theatre to rehearse and play along with the Bafta-nominated soundtrack.
Tickets are already on sale for a number of other events, including Brass on Broadway, which sees West End stars Matt Corner and Kate Graham perform swing versions of songs from the musicals.

Other highlights include Venetian Surround Sound, where the audience will experience early surround sound in Durham Cathedral with the Cathedral Choir and His Majesty’s Sagbutts and Cornetts.

Sarah and Ducks Big Top Birthday, Middlesbrough Theatre, on Sunday, 2pm

The enchanting world of Sarah and Duck is brought to life in a brand-new stage show, featuring the wonderful characters from the BAFTA award-winning CBeebies show. 

Join Sarah and Duck and a host of your favourite friends including The Ribbon Sisters, The Shallots, Flamingo & John and Umbrella, as they plan a birthday party for Scarf Lady in their garden. 

Told through a fantastic blend of puppetry, storytelling and music, Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday will take you and your children on a magical adventure.

  • Tickets on 01642-815181.