Summer sees the North East fit to bursting with events for the whole family to enjoy, with this weekend set to see one of the most spectacular.
Ok, the weather forecast may not be great for Sunderland Airshow , which starts this Friday night, but organisers are hopeful the fantastic aerial programme will run as planned.
The annual three-day treat makes for a family outing guaranteed to please all ages and the good news is that there are plenty more big events planned for the rest of the summer which also promise something for everyone.
So, here is a pick of top family events in and around Newcastle which you won't want to miss.
Sunderland Airshow
July 26-28
Sunderland International Airshow is all set for action, with aerial displays including a fireworks showpiece on Friday evening which will be followed on Saturday and Sunday with a full-programme of in-air action, including acrobatics, as well as plenty entertainment on the ground.
See here .
Screen on the Green
Until September 2
A tempting option - not least because it includes curling up in a deckchair - is taking the family along to see a film showing as part of NE1 Ltd's free programme of outdoor screenings.
The daily programme includes a sing-along to both The Greatest Showman and Grease this Saturday, July 27 followed on Sunday by Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald and Bohemian Rhapsody.
See .
Kynren Viking village and Locomotion replica
Until September 14
The outdoor spectacular in County Durham is proving a with its epic tale of England told with flames, fireworks and fanfare that can't help keep viewers riveted.
New for this year at the County Durham site is a replica of a Viking village, where visitors can wander among the villagers, animals and Vikings, and a replica in the show of Locomotion No.1: the world’s first passenger steam train which was designed by George and Robert Stephenson.
Read a guide to Kynren here .
Elmer Parade
August 19-October 27
Remember the Great North Snowdogs? Well, an elephant version will be taking to the streets this summer.
The patchwork elephant star of the popular children's book series has inspired an art parade which will make up a colourful trail around Tyneside for families to follow.
Read the story behind them here .
Mela
August 25-26
Children's activities, food and drink, a funfair, entertainment and music will take over Exhibition Park in Newcastle over the Bank Holiday weekend.
The celebration of Pakistani, Bengali, Indian and other South Asian cultures promises to conjure up a "feast of sights, smells, sounds and tastes" between noon and 8pm on each day.
Look out for the release of the programme here .
Big Whitley Bay Show
August 17 and 18
Fancy watching strong men and women pull a train?
That and a tug o' war promise will be among the attractions at this seaside show which will be playing out on the Links of the coastal town.
Read about the food attractions and stage performances here .
Jousting at Alnwick
August 4-10
Running as part of Knight Week at Alnwick Castle, medieval jousting will be drawing the crowds as the Northumberland attraction celebrates the age of chivalry.
Visitors also will be able to see how war horses were prepared for battle; displays of dressage and training and daily performances by huge Spanish horses and their riders.
See here .
Amazing Space
Until February 23, 2020
Space fantasy and fact makes for an out-of-this-world exhibition now running at The Word in South Shields to mark the 50-year anniversary of man walking on the Moon.
See here what to expect.
Soapbox racers
August 17
Soapbox racers will be back in action in Sunderland, at Herrington Country Park , where the go-kart racing event was a huge hit last year .
Read more about it here .
County shows
Until September
Traditional county shows combine such a huge mix of attractions that families really can't go wrong with a visit.
Besides the likes of animals, agility competitions, dog shows and horse jumping, there are usually plenty small furry animals on display, children's rides and a whole host of food and drink.
The events run throughout the summer and, while our biggie Northumberland County Show is over, there are plenty more to come.
See here .
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