The Guide: weekend things to do

A few suggestions to help you plan your weekend (27-29 November 2009).

If you're involved in an up-coming event in Northumberland or Tyneside that could be featured in The Guide, e-mail BBC Tyne

People & Places

Many villages and towns are switching on their lights this weekend

Christmas lights switch-ons

You know Christmas is getting close when villages and towns start switching on their Christmas lights.

Several places are lighting up this weekend, including:

**Friday 27 November**

Blyth

The lights will be turned on in Blyth Market Place from 4.30pm, with music from local school choirs and a guest appearance from Pudsey Bear.

**Saturday 28 November**

Morpeth

There will be a Mistletoe Fair in the Butter Market, Corn Exchange and the Ballroom from 11.30am to 5pm - plus carol singing and other entertainment before the switch-on.

The bells will ring to celebrate the Christmas lights being turned on - from 4.45pm.

Bamburgh

A small church service will be held at St Aidan's Church at 5.50pm followed by the switch on at 6.30pm.

Nature & Outdoors

Wrap up warm and visit the Frost Fair in Gateshead

Frost Fair

Saturday - 11am to 5pm;
Sunday - 11am to 3pm

Visit Performance Square by The Sage Gateshead on the Gateshead Quayside this weekend and pick up some unique Christmas presents for your friends.

There will be a mixture of local craft and food stalls selling ceramics, stained glass, jewellery, tempting handmade chocolates and much more.

Don't miss the reindeer at Gateshead Heritage @ St Mary's and back by popular demand will be Bjorn the Polar Bear - an animated life-size polar bear puppet.

For more information visit the NewcastleGateshead website.

Arts & Culture

Meet Father Christmas at the historic Belsay Hall

Father Christmas and the Butler

Saturday and Sunday
11am to 4pm

A Victorian Father Christmas, in traditional colourful costume, will be reciting famous yuletide stories and poems at Belsay Hall this weekend.

There will be an opportunity to have your photo taken with him and Mr Meakin, the Victorian Butler, will be telling tales of Christmases past too.

Sessions will be running throughout the day.

Normal admission prices apply.

Find out more on the English Heritage website.

Nature & Outdoors

Kielder Winter Wonderland 2009

Leaplish Waterside Park on the shores of Kielder Water is hosting a Winter Wonderland.

Activities for children include skating, snow tubing and arts and crafts

The forest and lakeside have been transformed into a festive landscape and there are lots of activities throughout each day - including arts and crafts, skating, and, of course, the chance to see Santa.

Booking is essential and tickets are £27. Call 0845 155 1553 or go to the Kielder Water Winter Wonderland website.

For full information, you can download their leaflet here.

Most computers will open PDF documents automatically, but you may need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Download the reader here