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Culture Digest 13.11.26
Our latest weekly catch-up with arts and culture news from across the North East sees us travelling from Sunderland's music scene to Windsor Castle, via…
 • Sam Wonfor
Royal honour for Beamish boss
Chief executive of the Durham attraction, Rhiannon Hiles received her CBE at Windsor Castle, wearing an outfit created especially for the occasion by…
Newcastle Theatre Royal joins £27m national programme to open doors for young people
The city centre venue is one of 12 regional partners in a major National Theatre initiative aiming to give more than 100,000 young people access to…
Hadrian's Wall gets £5.7m boost
New trails, digital technology and improved visitor facilities are at the heart of a major investment in Hadrian's Wall and the communities along its…
 • Tony Henderson
Tom A. Smith announces debut album and opens up about lifelong heart condition
The Sunderland singer-songwriter will release The Golden Gates in April, revealing the deeply personal story behind his long-awaited first album
 • Sam Wonfor
Festival launches competition for young illustrators
Showcase for emerging talent
 • David Whetstone
A place at the table: how creativity is bringing Sunderland's communities together
As the women of ICOS prepare for their latest community feast, we discover how a partnership with The Cultural Spring has helped an ambitious creative…
 • Sam Wonfor
REVIEW: Pitman, Eliot Smith Dance, Alnwick Playhouse
Underground, overground...
 • David Whetstone
A snowman for every day of Christmas
Twelve giant snowmen have taken up residence at Belsay Hall and Gardens as part of a festive programme which also includes a literary tour and Christmas…
 • Tony Henderson
Crafting a future for the past
From horn carving to hand papermaking, a new exhibition in Alnwick celebrates traditional crafts and the people working to ensure they survive
 • Tony Henderson
Remembering Peter Stark, arts ‘genius’, who has died
A man who made things happen
 • David Whetstone
Review: Billy Elliot the Musical at Sunderland Empire
Back on home ground after a decade away, Billy Elliot delivers a five-star reminder of why this North East story has conquered the world
 • Sam Wonfor
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