1940's weekend around Barnard Castle this weekend
The event will include living history displays, military vehicles, a 1940s dance on the Saturday night with Jane Francis, the 'Lancashire Belle', photographic displays of Teesdale at War in the church (we are surrounded by wartime training camps!). Vintage fair and table top sale in the two church halls. Battle of Britain Operations Room presentations. A traditional Renewal of Marriage Vows service in the Parish Church on Saturday (all welcome, display of 1940s wedding photos and memorabilia, photographer on site), Parade Service on Sunday with local cadets. And much more!
 

The Northern Echo: Teesside World Exposition of Art and Technology, mima, opens on Saturday and runs until October 9
An urgent reaction to the recent closure of Redcar’s steelworks and a bid to make a positive contribution to the future of industry in the North-East region. Capturing the industrial character of Teesside, the exhibition shows how it has formed, from the extraction of raw materials to production, as well as the import/export of goods. The gallery features the activity of various regional companies alongside a makerspace, archival material drawn from Teesside Archives, the Central Library and the Dorman Museum, and works from artists such as Aikaterini Gegisian, Adrián Melis, David Mulholland, David Watson, Eva Fàbregas, Farid Rasulov, Goldin+Senneby, Hackney Flashers, Mikhail Karikis, MVRD, Norman Appleton, Philip Boville and Len Tabner. Teesside has always been defined by its industry and has history of making. The eminent past and economic future of the area is explored through historical documents and artefacts, contrasted with a showcase of new industrial technology and works by artists who have portrayed Teesside’s steelworks.
 

The Northern Echo:

Thornton Hall gardens open to the public, Darlington, on Sunday and Wednesday
Two acres of walled gardens around a Grade 1 listed Hall with separate vegetable garden. Plantsman's garden with lots of rare and unusual perennials, this week especially showcases Irises and Lupins. Light lunches and afternoon teas available. Plants for sale. Entrance £6 per person. Situated 3 miles west of Darlington on the B6279 Staindrop road. For further details please see www.thorntonhallgardens.co.uk

The Northern Echo: Mad Hatters Garden Fete, The Workhouse Museum, Allhallowgate, Ripon, on Sunday, 11-4pm 
Fun for the whole family. Pin the grin on the Cheshire cat, splat the dormouse, enjoy flamingo croquet in the garden, be entertained by Punch & Judy, try your hand at the coconut shy or put your parent in the stocks! Spot the clues as you follow trails around this fascinating museum and garden. Plus pop up Mad Hatters café serving cakes and drinks and fancy dress competition. Includes free entry to Victorian Workhouse Museum and kitchen garden.
Fairy Tales at Durham Castle, on Sunday, 11-3pm
Enjoy a free fairy tale-themed family day. Castle Community Action (CCA) and Durham Castle Museum have teamed together to offer you a unique experience. Prepare for a truly magical family day out as Durham Castle and its grounds are transformed into a real-life fairy tale! Secret gardens will be home to real-life princess and princesses, whilst the Great Hall is transformed into a royal banquet area, so bring a picnic fit for royalty. Activities available will include: bouncy castle, Falconry display, craft activities, face-painting, scavenger hunt, mini-family fun tours of the Castle. Mini-family fun tours of the Castle, these are booked separately by emailing cca.outreach@durham.ac.uk and will be allocated on a first come basis. The time slots available are: 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:30, 14:00 and 14:30. Fancy dress is strongly encouraged. 0191-334 2932.