As usual, there are plenty of Durham events this weekend, so we've picked out our top five.
With the amazing weather we're currently experiencing, it would seem a shame to stay indoors, so we've made sure we've got a few events in Durham that involve being outside in our great county. We've also got different things to do this weekend for different interests, from family events in Durham to music and theatre.
Take a look through our selection and fill up your diary for this weekend.
Durham events #1: Signs of Spring, Durham Botanic Gardens
This event seems like an obvious choice; even though we're only just into March, the weather is currently so good that there are already plenty of signs of Spring. Starting this Friday, March 1 2019, you can grab a spotter sheet leaflet from the visitors centre and then see how many of the listed signs of Spring you can find around the garden. My guess is that there'll be quite a few already.
Tickets for entry into the Durham Botanic Garden, which is on South Road, cost £4 for adults and £3 for concessions. Seniors and student tickets are £1.50. Carers and infants go free. The Durham Botanic Gardens are open every day, 10am-4pm.
Durham events #2: Comedy Store, Gala Theatre
Need a giggle? Although the Durham Gala Theatre's Funny Bones comedy night on Friday March 1 is sold out, they also have the Comedy Store on Sunday March 3. The Comedy Store is where many world-famous comedians started out, including Eddie Izzard, John Bishop, Jimmy Carr, Rhod Gilbert and Sarah Millican.
The Comedy Store line-up for March 3 has now been revealed and includes MC Ian Coppinger, Quincy, Allyson June Smith and Carl Donnelly.
Tickets cost £11 (£9 concession), £8 students and Gala Members, and are available on the Gala's booking page. Alternatively, you can get a meal deal with a ticket and meal at Bill's Durham for £15. Contact the Gala Theatre book office on 03000 266 600 then call Bill's Durham on 0191 386 7672 to prebook a table.
Alternatively, another comedy offering is Hilarity Bites Comedy Club, featuring Gerry K and Andy Field, over in Darlington at The Forum on Saturday March 2 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available here.
Durham events #3: Brilliant Badges, Palace Green Library
As part of its free exhibition, Catch Your Breath, the Palace Green Library is hosting Brilliant Badges, a children's event where families can visit the Catch Your Breath exhibition then make a brilliant badge inspired by what they've seen.
Brilliant Badges takes place at Palace Green Library on Saturday and Sunday, March 2-3, from 1-3pm.
Durham events #4: The Hut People, the Witham Barnard Castle and the Manor House Sedgefield
English instrumental duo The Hut People (Sam Pirt and Gary Hammond) will take audiences on a folk journey around the world, with folk tunes from North America to Europe. There'll be feel-good dancing tunes, audience participation, step dancing, Quebecois foot-percussion and humour.
The Hut People are at the Witham Barnard Castle on Friday March 1 at 8pm. Tickets are for unreserved seating and cost £10 in advance (plus 48p booking fee on the Witham page) or £5 concessions (plus 24p). Then The Hut People are at the Manor House Sedgefield on Saturday March 2 at 6.30pm, and tickets cost £16.50 which are available on the booking page.
Durham events #5: Tabletop sale, Elvet Methodist Church
At Elvet Methodist Church on Saturday March 2, there is a tabletop sale between 10am-12.30pm. Refreshments are available, and all proceeds go towards Elvet United Against Dementia, which is raising funds for Chester le Street's Alzheimer's Society. Call 0191 384 5645 for more information.
Durham events #6: Run Durham Dalton Park 5k and 10k
Starting in the Dalton Park Shopping Outlet, these fast 5k and 10k run routes use the shopping outlet and an unused road with a small climb at 1.5k and a 1.5mile trail path. It starts at 10am on Sunday March 3; tickets are £18.50 unaffiliated and £16.50 affiliated for the 10k, and £10 and £8 respectively for the 5k. You can book your place over on the Run Nation website.
Durham events #7: Milkshake Monkey's Musical, Empire Theatre Consett
Your children will know this one. This Milkshake! Live performance is Milkshake Monkey's Musical, which features songs, funky dances and family fun. It takes place on Saturday March 2 at 12pm and 3.30pm. Adult tickets cost £15.50 and children £13.50, or family tickets are £54. You can book here.
Durham events #8: Hina Matsuri, Durham Oriental Museum
See complete set of traditional Hina Matsuri dolls, only displayed for a short time each year, in the run up to the Hina Matsuri, and create your own Emperor and Empress dolls to take home.
Hina Matsuri is Doll's Day, when a set of ornamental dolls representing the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and musicians in traditional court dress of the Heian period are placed on red shelves.
It takes place on Saturday March 2 between 1-3pm. Durham Oriental Museum tickets are £1.50 adults, 75p children and over 60s, and £3.50 families (two adults and up to three children).