Designer Makers Market, The Witham, Barnard Castle this weekend, 10-4pm
A two-day Christmas event, showcasing some of the best designers and craftspeople from around the region.
The event will showcase the work of more than thirty artists and craftspeople from around the region and will be a fantastic opportunity to buy quality handmade gifts direct from the makers. The emphasis will be on contemporary work of gallery quality, with a strong upcycled theme. A perfect opportunity to buy unique gifts for Christmas.
There will be demonstrations throughout the two days, as well as opportunities for the public to 'have-a-go' at various techniques.
As well as the Music Hall and Witham Room being filled with artists and craftspeople there will also be several artists demonstrating and selling their wares outside in the garden area.
Admission to the event is free, but a small donation to St Teresa’s Hospice will be gratefully received.

Christmas food and craft market, Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland Friday-Sunday, 10-4pm
More than 40 food producers and artisan craftspeople laying out their stalls with a sparkling selection of unique gifts and speciality goods. Among the traders will be Frere Quenelle with its range of flavoured vodkas, The Handcrafted Boutique which specialises in Tweed bags and purses, Simply Precious fingerprint jewellery, Flavour Magic’s infused rock salts, spices and seasonings, and Domaine de Palejay wines. The free to attend market will also coincide with the switch on of the Christmas lights decorating the avenue of trees flanking the castle drive. 01388-743750. 

The Northern Echo: Voice and Harp Recital, with Lucy Bunce, Wesley Centre, Harrogate, on Saturday, 8pm
Craft Aid International is hosting an evening of tranquil and uplifting voice and harp music, performed by acclaimed vocalist and harp virtuoso Lucy Bunce, as featured on Radio 2. This medley of classical and Celtic pieces offers a rousing yet peaceful experience, so book now to reserve your seats for this evening of exceptional entertainment. The proceeds will go towards Craft Aid International’s latest project, working with differently-able people in Peru to provide skills and training which can lead them into employment and out of poverty. 
Tickets are priced at £12 for adults and £6 for under 16s and concessions, and are available online at www.craftaidinternational.org/

Moorsview, exhibition opening on Saturday at Joe Cornish Galleries, Northallerton
Featuring fantastic images of the North York Moors and coast. It follows the inaugural Moorsview seminar event in Pickering last month, involving renowned local photographers and experts from Mountain Rescue. The event showcased the wealth of great photographic opportunities the North York Moors and coast has to offer, alongside practical advice for safe photography throughout the seasons, and especially during wintery conditions. Moorsview raised valauable funds for the work of the Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team and as supporters of the event, it is great to welcome the accompanying exhibition from this Saturday until 19 December. Contributing photographers include: Lizzie Shepherd Richard and Janet Burdon Karl Holtby Dave Mead John Clifton John Potter. 

The Northern Echo: Elkie Brookes, Stockton Arc, on Saturday, 8pm
At 70 years old Elkie Brooks is still, without a doubt, the British Queen of the Blues. Starting out performing in jazz bands with the likes of Humphrey Lyttleton before joining Seventies blues-rock outfit Vinegar Joe (with Robert Palmer), Elkie started having hits in her own right from the late 1970s with the likes of Pearl’s A Singer, Sunshine After the Rain, Don’t Cry Out Loud, Lilac Wine and Fool (If You Think It’s Over). And anyone who was lucky enough to catch her previous sold out performances at ARC will know that she is still very much at the top of her game. This tour sees her performing a mixture of old and new material. Whether it is her classic hits or songs from her soon to be released new album, an electric evening with Elkie is guaranteed to leave you begging for more. Tickets on 01642-525199.