Cultured. North East

Cultured. North East

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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
The pitmen who unearthed a lost world
A new booklet celebrates the North East miners who became self-taught naturalists, uncovering prehistoric creatures and making significant contributions…
 • Tony Henderson
Troubled waters for seabirds
The latest census reveals a difficult year for some of the Farne Islands' best-known seabirds, but conservationists have also found reasons for optimism
 • Tony Henderson
Curated Culture 10.11.26
Murder, music, mischief and a few ghosts of Christmas past can all be found in this week’s what’s on round-up... alongside plenty more excellent reasons…
 • Sam Wonfor
REVIEW: The Dream of Gerontius, The Glasshouse
Hundreds share the stage
 • David Whetstone
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