As always, we've rounded up some of the best events and things to do in Durham this weekend, from music to child-friendly events.
There's always lots going on in Durham so we're never short of options from which to choose, but we've tried to get a selection of music, theatre and family-friendly events so that there's hopefully something for everyone.
So whatever you're into, if you're wondering how to fill your weekend in Durham or the rest of the county then look no further.
Die Fledermaus, Gala Theatre Durham
Performed by Durham Opera Ensemble, Johann Strauss II's fast-paced opera is definitely lots of fun, with disguises, excuses and people pretending to be something else. On New Year's Eve, Gabriel von Eisenstein decides to avoid jail for one more night and heads to Prince Orlofsky’s extravagant ball. He tells wife Rosalinde that he is going to jail - but she follows him to the ball disguised as a Hungarian countess. There they meet a Russian actress called Olga - not realising it is their maid Adele, also in disguise.
The Gala Theatre Die Fledermaus performance is on Friday February 22 at 7.30pm, and again on Saturday February 23 at 1.30pm and 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £15 (£12 concession, £10 student), and £9.50 for Durham Student Theatre (DST) Members, which you can book here.
Swing Manouche featuring Daniel John Martin, Claypath Delicatessen Durham
This Claypath Deli concert is a chance to hear Gypsy jazz violinist Daniel John Martin, aka 'DJM', who has been hailed as one of the most sought-after violinists of his generation. Daniel John Martin is the MC of Gypsy jazz concerts and jams at 'Aux Petits Joueurs' where you can hear the best players in the world.
Swing Manouche is on Sunday February 24 at 4pm. Tickets to this Claypath Deli event cost £7 (£5 concessions) which you can book here.
Freight in February, Tanfield Railway
One for the families, this. Sunday February 24 is the last chance to enjoy Tanfield Railway's Freight in February event, which is the month-long event looking back at a time when everything was hauled by rail to the local town station.
Sunday's event is On the Waggon, where you can take a space in a brake van and ride a freight train with the unique sights and sounds of waggons rumbling along with you. You can also visit the 1854 built Marley Hill engine shed.
Tickets cost £27.50 for a family ticket (two adults, two children), £10.50 for adults, £6.50 for children's tickets (under fives go free) and senior citizens £8.50. This allows unlimited travel for a day. You can also buy unlimited tickets here.
Grandad's Island, Theatre Hullabaloo Darlington
Head down to Darlington and follow Syd and his grandad on a life-changing adventure filled with laughter, songs and poignancy. Presented by Engine House Theatre, Benji Davies’s award-winning book covers themes of love and loss and is brought magically and sensitively to life on stage by the team behind Flat Stanley and Red Riding Hood.
Grandad's Island is on at Theatre Hullabaloo from Thursday to Sunday, February 21-23, and lasts for 50 minutes. It's suitable for children aged four to eight years old. Performances are at 2pm and 6pm on Thursday and 11am and 2pm on Friday and Saturday. The performance on Friday February 22 at 2pm is a Relaxed Performance.
Tickets are £7 and you can save £1 per ticket by buying four (including at least one adult); the discount will be applied automatically. You can book here.
Fire and Ice, Durham city centre
Fire and Ice in Durham will be well worth visiting, not least of all because it's free, so it's a great way to give the children something to do at the end of the half term holiday. On Friday and Saturday, February 22-23, you can wander through Durham marketplace and see the fantastic ice sculptures, as well as the fire show which is pretty spectacular. The Fire and Ice theme for 2019 is Heroes and Villains, with ice sculptures of comic and film characters.
Fire and Ice runs 10am to 6.15pm on Friday and Saturday, with ice carving demonstrations and an opportunity to have a go yourself.
Super Swords, Durham Oriental Museum
Durham Oriental Museum is hosting Super Swords, which should appeal to children. On Saturday February 23 between 1-3pm, head to the Durham Oriental Museum to explore the swords on display and make your own super sword to take home.
The usual Durham Oriental Museum tickets apply: £1.50 adults, 75p pensioners and children five up, family ticket £3.50.
Creative Crafts Drop in Session, Wharton Park
The newly(ish) revamped Wharton Park next to Durham railway station is hosting a craft workshop session at its heritage centre. There will be a range of materials available and children can either follow one of the prearranged projects or get creative and follow their imagination.
The Wharton Park Creative Crafts Drop in Session runs on Friday February 22 between 11am and 3pm, and tickets costs £3.
Little Mix Magic, Stanley Civic Hall
Tribute act Little Mix Magic was formed two years ago in Glasgow and have since become a mainstay of the tribute act circuit. They perform at Stanley Civic Hall on Saturday February 23 at 3pm. A must if your children are Little Mix fans! Tickets cost £16 and are available here.