Great things to do this weekend

Darlington’s jazz lovers are in for a treat when fantastic pianist, goodtime vocalist and all round performer Jeff Barnhart pays a return visit to the town.

Jeff will be the guest of Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club and he brings his larger-than-life personality to performances of tunes familiar and obscure. He’ll be performing along with the other members of the Mr Men Quartet - Keith Stephen and Bruce Rollo, plus one of last year’s best loved visitors to the club, reedsman John Hallam. 

“America-based Jeff loves to visit our club whenever he can fit us into his European tour lists” said Ray Sams, co-founder of Darlington new Orleans Jazz Club. “He always says our venue –St Augustine’s Parish Centre – is the best smaller hall he performs in, and loves the reception the audience gives him.” 

• Entry to the gig is just £10 on the door, and children 15 and under go free. For more information go to http://www.darlingtonjazz.co.uk or call 07909-747145. 

Waterfront Festival, Hartlepool, on Saturday, 12noon

A day-long programme of arts, music and entertainment, as well as some family favourites. Through the day, the main stage will host dance and musical acts from across the region as well as Cbeebies favourites, Cook and Line. There's a street food market with some hidden surprises, plus an art garden, with local living legend Bobzilla spraying up a storm and Stuart Langley driving his ‘Wheels of Industry’ into town, among many others. 

The daytime also sees a mini-takeover by some of the UK’s finest fishiest street theatre – including a 5 metre tall lobster, between, 12pm – 5pm. 
At 7pm, the outdoor cinema takes pride of place as we screen the film that was chosen by the people of Hartlepool, with our Street Food market running well into the evening. Don’t forget to bring a deckchair! 

And be ready to join us shortly after 9pm, as Hartlepool turns their eyes to the water to witness the wonder of the Whale, a mechanical whale that has made its home in Hartlepool Marina, in an installation on a scale the North-East has never seen. 

• Tel. 01429-402761.

Salute to the 1940s, Marske Hall, Marske, on Saturday, 10-4pm

It's time to stand to attention once again as Marske Hall hosts its Salute to the 1940s. Highlights include military vehicles and vintage bus, military displays, vintage stalls, songs and music from the era, themed stalls, raffle and entertainment and cream teas. The event is free, donations are welcome. 
 

Great North Art Show 2017, Ripon Cathedral, from Saturday (until Sept 24) 

The Great North Art Show features hundreds of artworks displayed in the setting of Ripon Cathedral. Featuring more than 350 artworks, ranges from printmaking and illustration to painting and sculpture, and is an opportunity to view and buy works from both emerging and established artists. 

A special highlight of the 2017 exhibition will be a special collection of works by artist Tom Wood, whose paintings are held by HRH The Prince of Wales and The National Portrait Gallery Print Collection. Tom is an acclaimed portrait artist whose sitters include Professor Lord Robert Winston and Alan Bennett, both commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery, London. Wood will be displaying a selection of new paintings at the show.

• For more information visit http://greatnorthartshow.co.uk

Wolsingham agricultural show, Scotch Isle Showground, this weekend

As well as being an opportunity to view high quality livestock, organisers have planned an action-packed events programme, featuring everything from show jumping displays, strongmen competitions and motorbike stunts, to camel racing, dog shows and tractor pulling. 

Livestock, including cattle, sheep, horses, goats and poultry, will be judged throughout the weekend, with the grand parade taking place on Sunday. There will also be craft and horticulture tents, live music, dancing, archery, goat milking and a food hall packed full of local produce. This year, for the first time, tickets can be bought online. 

To view the show schedule or to book tickets, visit http://wolsinghamshow.co.uk

Stories & Sword School, Rievaulx Abbey, Helmsley, on Saturday/Sunday, 11-5pm

The monk in residence will share stories from life at the Abbey and encourage young visitors to test their skills in Sword School. 
Monk's Life: A tale of living at the Abbey from the perspective of the monk, including work, prayer, food, and Cistercian sign language. Lasts approximately 20 minutes. 

Sword School: In this variation on our regular Sword School find out why monks in the West learnt to fight. The oldest fight manuscript describes a monk teaching another how to fight with sword and shield, learning to defend themselves from robber bandits when travelling, or from raiders at the monastery. 

Storytelling: Join us for a family friendly tale of the fun-loving Brother Jucundus who got himself into rather a lot of bother in York. Lasts approximately 20-25 minutes.

• Tel: 01439-798228.