IT may be a cliche, but there really is something for everyone this year as North-East event organisers gear up for the easing of Covid restrictions. 

The journey out of lockdown has well and truly started, with groups of up to six allowed to mingle outside, so now friends and families can finally begin to plan ahead and look forward to some well-deserved fun. 

And preparations for much-loved and missed events are well underway.

Live events are scheduled to return from May 17, as long as the country remains on track with its vaccine rollout and hospitalisations of those vaccinated are low. The government will also consider the pressure on the NHS and concern for new variants. 

With social distancing measures in place, music festivals that allow camping can plan for June 21 when all restrictions are expected to be lifted.

But for now, here are 11 events to look forward to:

Weardale Show 2021, Weardale

The Weardale Agricultural Society announced that it is planning for the 151st Weardale Show to go ahead in 2021.

Organisers hope the event will go ahead on Saturday, August 28 and promise it will be "a bigger and better show than ever".

The schedule and further details will be updated soon, but there is sure to be plenty do to, see, buy and eat. People are urged to get in touch if you can offer any help. 

To find out more, click here.

Kynren, Bishop Auckland

After last year's cancellation, this 'epic tale of England' is returning to 11Arches Park every Saturday from August 7 to September 11. 

The event promotes an epic attraction, jam-packed with an original horse stunt show, immersive attractions, a playground and eating experiences. 

Tickets go on sale on April 16. To find out more, click here.

Lamplight Festival, Sunderland 

Sunderland City Council has confirmed that plans to host the inaugural Lamplight Festival, due to take place in Mowbray Park this year, are proceeding as scheduled.

Kaiser Chiefs are taking to the main stage on Saturday, August 7, alongside the region's very own Frankie and the Heartstrings and a host of other much-loved acts over the two-day festival. 

Deacon Blue and KT Tunstall are taking the stage on Sunday 8.

For more information, click here.

The Hoppings, Newcastle

It's that time of year again. One of Europe's largest travelling funfairs is making its way back to the North-East. While the nine-day event normally takes place in June, organisers have postponed it due to Covid restrictions.

The new planned date keeps the funfair pitched up in the Town Moor for a slightly longer period, from, hopefully, August 19 until 30. 

To find out more about the huge event, which is launching bookable car parking spaces, click here.

Lindisfarne Festival, Beal Farm

Despite being less than an hour away from both Edinburgh and Newcastle, Viking-inspired Lindisfarne Festival promises a weekend of escapism a world away from reality with a mish-mash of must-see performances.

Electronic duo Groove Armada are the biggest name on the bill, followed by From the Jam, Alabama 3 and Craig Charles Fund and Soul Club. 

Some tickets are currently available at a discounted rate, before general release. To find out more, visit the website.

Durham Lumiere, Durham

The UK's largest light festival is set to illuminate Durham once again. Since the first event in 2009, Lumiere has transformed Durham every other year with a programme of light installations created by local and international artists.

The four-day event has previously boasted 270 installations across the city's architecture, including keys of light, the celestial brainstorm and neon dogs, and will run from November 18 to 21.

To find out more, click here.

North East International Film Festival, Newcastle 

The North East International Film Festival is set to make its debut in Newcastle, showcasing local talent to international audiences. 

The three-day festival celebrating all things film will take place in venues across Newcastle from November 19 to 21, with events at Star & Shadow Cinema, The Biscuit Factory, The Cluny 2, Northumbria University and Cineworld Newcastle.

It includes screenings, awards and workshops. 

For more information, click here.

Seaham Food Festival 2021, Seaham 

Seaham Food Festival will be returning on August 7 and 8 alongside its sister event in Bishop Auckland.

Organisers say things may look and feel a little different due to Covid rules but promise a range of street food, kids cookery classes, live music and celebrity chefs. 

More information is yet to be released, but you can stay up to date here.

Adventure Cinema, multiple locations

Adventure Cinema is a touring open-air cinema coming to parks right across the region this summer.

Each venue has a slightly different offering, but classics like Grease and much-loved musicals like The Greatest Showman can be seen at just about all of them.

Bring along your own blanket and settle in at Herrington County Park, Sunderland, Saltwell Park, Gateshead, Exhibition Park, Newcastle, and Sewerby Hall, in North Yorkshire. 

To see what's on offer, click here.

Northern Kin, Stanhope

The three-day folk, blues and rock festival is returning for a third year, reorganised from last year to September 17 to 19.

There'll be "more than 30 hours of wonderful live music" to enjoy in the main marquee with more on a second acoustic stage.

In a rural setting, the festival is a short walk from Stanhope. Organisers say there is plenty of room to bring a chair or blanket and have a dance.

For more information about the festival, visit the website.

Teesside Unleashed Comic-Con, Middlesbrough

Comic fans will be pleased to know the flagship Teesside Unleashed is back at Teesside University this October 3. 

After the event was cancelled last year, organisers were pleased to pencil in a revised date. Teesside Unleashed promises guests traders, exhibitions, competitions and much more. 

To find out more, click here.