Shoes: Pleasure and Pain, The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, open on Saturday and runs until October 9
This exhibition, organised by the V&A, will display more than 200 pairs of historic and contemporary men’s and women’s shoes by 70 named designers, including Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Christian Dior and Prada, many from the V&A’s unrivalled collection. The Museum is the only UK venue outside London that will stage this stunning exhibition. 01833-690606. 

The Northern Echo: Flower show, RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate on Friday-Sunday
This exciting new show is set in the stunning surroundings of RHS Garden Harlow Carr, the most northerly of the RHS Gardens. Browse, purchase and pick up advice from more than 30 specialist nurseries and garden trade stands. Specialist nurseries: More than 30 specialist nurseries and garden trade companies will be on site, meaning you're sure to pick up special plants and sundries for your garden. Plus live music, Streamside sculpture trail, Bettys Café Tea Rooms, and much more. 01423-565418. 

The Northern Echo: Tractor Fest 2016, Newby Hall, Ripon this weekend, 10-5pm
A perfect family day out, the two-day festival has a ‘Made in Yorkshire’ theme which will see an array of exhibitors showcasing thousands of vintage tractors, cars, lorries, stationary engines and motorcycles. Among the exhibits will be classic vehicles from God’s Own Country such as David Brown and International tractors, as well as rare gems such as a Sharp Tractor from 1907. Back by popular demand will be the March of the Tractors - a parade of tractors from Newby Hall to Ripon’s historic market square from 5.30pm – 7pm on Saturday only (weather permitting, please follow @thetractorfest for updates). Fun activities running throughout the weekend including vintage tractor pulling, the chance for children to drive mini tractors, interactive exhibits and working machinery, as well as trade stands. 01423-322583. 

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Theatre Royal, Newcastle, on Saturday/Sunday
Starring Lee Mead as Caractacus Potts, Michelle Collins as Baroness Bomburst, Carrie Hope Fletcher as Truly Scrumptious, Shaun Williamson as Baron Bomburst / Lord Scrumptious and Matt Gillett as the Childcatcher! One of the world’s favourite musicals, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will have audiences of all ages flying high with its mixture of madness, intrigue and exuberance. Can the loveable but whacky inventor, Potts, along with his two children and the gorgeous Truly Scrumptious outwit the bombastic Baron Bomburst who has decreed that all children be banished from his kingdom? What happens when the children are caught and imprisoned with the other youngsters by the evil Child Catcher? Will it all end happily-ever-after? Well, of course it will! Having broken all Box Office records in the West End, this fun-filled production from the team that brought you Fiddler on the Roof and The King and I promises laughs, magic galore and favourite songs including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Hushabye Mountain and Truly Scrumptious – and Chitty herself! 08448-112121. 

The Northern Echo: Dreamcar event, Croft Racing Circuit, on Sunday
Over £50m worth of supercars attending, pride of place on display is a McLaren P1 Gtr - courtesy of Gibson Motorsport - one of only 35 of its kind in the world. Hosted by Craig Phillips and Miss Newcastle, supported by a host of celebrities including Vicky Pattison and Jason Bradbury. Also on display will be a fleet of American Police cars alongside the Cleveland Police Force, the official UK KITT from the TV show Knight Rider. All monies raised for NSPCC.