Model railways, mask-making and self-portraits   - there's something for everyone in Darlington and the North-East today.

Here's our pick of the events taken from our new What's On section - and don't forget you can find hundreds more at:

The Northern Echo:

What? Grandpa's Railway.

Where? The Dolphin Centre, Darlington.

When? 2pm and 4pm.

From the team behind the highly acclaimed Sunflowers and Sheds and Mavis Sparkle, comes M6's brand new original production for children and their families.
Featuring a working model railway, live music and two very playful characters, Grandpa’s Railway is a journey of discovery that explores the past, illuminates the present and lays new tracks for the future.
A playful journey of discovery with Grandpa and his working model railway.
For children age 5 plus, admission £5.50.

 

What? Let's Celebrate Chinese New Year, family fun day.

Where? The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle.

When? 11-4pm.
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with fun drop-in activities for all the family. make your own horse mask, bookmark and puppet. Learn about Chinese new year and create some Chinese inspired crafts including a Chinese lantern, fortune cookie, hat and mobile spiral dragon. Plus a themed trail. 01833 690606.

What? Fused Glass Portrait Workshop.

Where? Crushed Chilli Gallery, Durham. 

When? 11-12/30pm and 2-3.30pm.


 In this 90 minute class, students will explore the self portrait. With a brief introduction to various forms of glass, we will then draw a 100 x 150mm self portrait on paper. Next, students will translate their self portrait into glass using sheet glass, frit, stringers, and confetti on a base of sheet glass. Pieces will be fired after the workshop and available for pick up a No age limit, however children must be accompanied by an adult Booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Telephone 0191 3750644 or email Janet@crushedchilli.co.uk


What? Family History Fun.

Where? Museum and Art Gallery, South Shields.

When? 11-3pm.
Tremendous Tuesdays will be getting off to a flyer with a fun-tastic day of family history activities that will keep you entertained during the school holidays. Visit The Street in the museum and find out how to trace your ancestors and build your family tree. We also have the awesome Moon Booth team who will be setting up their Victorian photography studio, so get dressed up and strike a pose for the camera. Bring along your old family photos and draw inspiration from our What's Your Story exhibition by recreating family portraits. Our paper conservation officer will be on hand to give advice and their top tips for preserving your family treasures. There will be plenty of other crafts and activities happening across the museum, so make sure you ask a member of staff what you can get involved with. 0191-456 8740 .

What? Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Where? Forum, Billingham.

When? 6.30pm.


Enchanting, heart-warming tale and ever-popular family show. Young Dorothy Gale lives on a farm with her Uncle Henry in Kansas, where a large tornado picks up her house and Toto, her dog, and deposits them in the land of Oz. Things in Oz are strange and beautiful, but Dorothy just wants to get back home. She's helped by the Good Fairy of the North, but she's also in trouble with the Wicked Witch of the West, who seeks revenge for the death of the Wicked Witch of the East, for which she blames Dorothy. While searching for her way home she meets a bunch of Munchkins, a Scarecrow who needs a brain, a Tin Man who needs a heart, a cowardly lion who needs courage and finally they confront the fearsome Wizard himself! Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Billingham Forum for a panto-style show full of colourful costumes, hilarious comedy and foot tapping songs based on the book by L. Frank Baum. On until Saturday.