What's On in Hartlepool - Hartlepool Events

Fighting Ships
To mark the coming of the Tall Ships and the Georgian celebrations at Hartlepool?s Maritime Experience, this exhibition will be focussing on the depiction of fighting ships during the reign of George III. The exhibition has two principal themes: British naval power, at its height in this period, and the emergence of a distinctive national style of marine painting. Within these themes, there will be a particular focus on the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, the career of Nelson, and the Battle of Trafalgar, and the depiction of these events by artists such as Dominic Serres, FH Mason and JW Carmichael. This events starts on 19/06/2010 and ends 28/08/2010

A Nice Cup of Tea
It is hard to believe that something that is now such a national institution as a nice cup of tea had not even been heard of in Britain before the 1660s. Only through international marriages, shipping and trade routes, and the spread of colonialism did this most British of drinks become part of our culture. Find out more about the cultivation of tea, how it came to Britain and the rituals that have developed around its making and drinking. This events starts on 24/07/2010 and ends 17/10/2010

Sir Thomas Allen
A Song Recital for the Tall Ships Races 2010 Sir Thomas Allen, CBE, is an internationally renowned English operatic baritone from Seaham, County Durham. He is widely admired in the opera world for his beautiful voice, his versatility in repertoire, and his prowess as an actor - leading many to rate him as one of the best lyric baritones of the late 20th Century. The programme is diverse and includes; Bononcini?s ?Per la Gloria d?adoravi, Vaughan Williams? ?The Vagabond? and traditional pieces such as ?Molly Malone? and ?Dance ti thee Daddy.? Join us for this very special recital, celebrating the Tall Ships event in Hartlepool. Box Office (01429) 890000. This events starts on 07/08/2010

Tall Ships Races 2010
Hartlepool is looking forward to 2010 after winning its bid to host the prestigious Tall Ships Race. The town will welcome up to 125 tall ships and over 1 million visitors after being chosen by race organisers Sail Training International to be the finishing point for the race. Hartlepool will greet the ships, which will have sailed from Kristiansand in Norway on the second and final leg of the race. Hartlepool already has good links with tall ships after almost 40 vessels visited Hartlepool in 2005 en route to Tyneside. During their stay, the ships will be berthed in Jackson Dock and Hartlepool Marina, and there will be a host of special events organised in celebration. Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond said: "This is a proud day for Hartlepool, and the news is particularly timely as it comes just before our Maritime Festival this weekend. We knew we had the capability and the passion to be a top class host port and we are delighted that the race organisers felt the same. By 2010 the multi-million pound Victoria Harbour development will be well underway." For up-dates, watch this website, the local press or telephone (01429) 869706. This events starts on 07/08/2010 and ends 10/08/2010

Meet the Georgians
To celebrate the biggest event that Hartlepool as ever staged, Hartlepool Tall Ships, 2010, Hartlepool?s Maritime Experience is launching the first Georgian Festival. The British Regency era covered the period of 1811 ? 1920 and the reign of the Prince Regent who ruled Britain by proxy when his father, George III was deemed ?mad? and unfit to take the title. During these three days in August 2010, Hartlepool?s Maritime Experience will be filled with colour, costumes and comedy, traditional entertainment, music and much more. Look out for more details. Admission price applies Tel: 01429 860077 for more details www.hartlepooltallships2010.com This events starts on 07/08/2010 and ends 09/08/2010

Middleton Grange?s Entertainment is On Board for Tall Ships
As Silver Sponsors of Tall Ships 2010, Middleton Grange is providing a whole host of entertainment this summer to support the prestigious event. As well as the on going ?All Aboard? project and ship in a shop sculpture there will be a paper boat record attempt and nautical themed activities, plus, competitions, giveaways and promotions to ensure everyone remembers Tall Ships 2010. On Saturday 10th July, Middleton Grange is calling all Hartlepudlians to take part in Hartlepool?s first ever paper boat world record attempt at Hartlepool Marina. The shopping centre will be challenging its shoppers to make as many boats as possible to increase excitement and community spirit before the arrival of the ships on 7 August. Shoppers and Tall Ships tourists will be able to pick up their paper boat kits at the Middleton Grange Information desk while stocks last and through the Hartlepool Mail on Saturday 3 July. From 7 to 10 August, Middleton Grange will have its own Marquee at the finish line for its shoppers. A FREE shuttle bus will be provided so shoppers can travel to Middleton Grange to enjoy a number of activities including a surfing simulator as well as pictures with the legendary Jack Sparrow! Mark Rycraft, Middleton Grange Shopping Centre Manager, added: ?We are incredibly proud to be an official sponsor of Tall Ships and our record attempt will be a fantastic community event which will really put Hartlepool on the map. I hope that the free shuttle will help our shoppers enjoy the event without the hassle of travelling between the entertainment. The All Aboard project has already created a buzz in centre and I am sure that the entire event will be a great success.? For more information about Middleton Grange visit www.middleton-grange.co.uk This events starts on 07/08/2010 and ends 10/08/2010

Heugh Gun Battery during The Tall Ships Races 2010
Come and explore a faithfully restored 19th century coastal defence battery. A unique site filled with history and intrigue. The only British gun. The Battery is normally open from 10-4,Thurs to Sun with last entry at 3.30. We have a large artillery exhibition with treasure trails for our younger visitors. We have 'The Dugout' coffee shop which serves hot and cold food and drinks from 11-3 when the site is open. The Battery is very soon to open it's new exhibit for 2010, the World War 1 Trench. This is fully interactive, and the only one of it's kind in the North East area. We also have a firing range facility where members of the public can try the hand at target shooting. Over the Tall Ships period the Battery is open Sat-Mon 09:00-17:00hrs, and we have the 95th rifles, and Royal Marines historical reenactment groups. We host our Annual drill competition on Sat 7/08/2010, and we have a food court which is open to all over the 3 day period. Please note we are closed to the public on Tuesday 10th Aug as we are hosting a ticket only VIP event. www.heughbattery.com This events starts on 07/08/2010 and ends 09/08/2010

Hartlepool Horticultural Show
One of the finest Horticultural Shows in the North of England. Once again featuring British Gladiolus Society, Northern Exhibition. See the very highest quality championship carnations, dahlias, gladioli, chrysanthemums, fuchsias, pelargoniums and sweet peas and vegetables. The Borough Hall, Middlegate, Hartlepool, TS24 0JD. This events starts on 21/08/2010 and ends 22/08/2010

Summer Extravaganza
The Friends of Ward Jackson Park present their annual Summer Extravaganza. Bigger and Better than Ever! Face painting, Fairground Rides, Art and Flower, Exhibitions and much, much more! Come along and join the fun?. This events starts on 29/08/2010

China through the lens of John Thomson 1868 ? 1872
An exhibition of photographs of 19th century China taken by the legendary Scottish photographer and travel writer John Thomson (1837-1921). Unlike most photographers working in the Far East at that time, Thomson was not a government official, nor a missionary. He was a professional photographer who was fascinated by China. Thomson possessed an open mind and was sensitive to the lives and surroundings of his subjects. He was able to capture people and street life in a most natural way. His photographs therefore form a unique archive documenting 19th century China's landscapes, architecture, people and customs. Thomson's collection of 650 glass plate negatives is now housed in the Wellcome Collection Library, London. This exhibition of almost 150 prints from the collection was shown in venues across China in 2009 before coming to Liverpool. Following the Merseyside Maritime Museum it will tour to Hartlepool in late 2010 and The Burrell Collection in early 2011. Church Square, Hartlepool, TS24 7EQ. This events starts on 04/09/2010 and ends 13/11/2010

Heritage Open Days 2010
Heritage open Days celebrate England?s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge admission. Guided walk programme throughout the day. Join us to hear stories about the town?s eventful past and colourful characters! Start at Sir William Gray House, Clarence Road www.heritageopendays.org This events starts on 11/09/2010

A Celebration of Music
Preston Simpson and Sterndale young musicians trust present: ?A Celebration of Music?. Held in conjunction with Hartlepool Male Voice Choir and featuring this year?s prize-winning young musicians. Tickets: £8 / £6 concs and £7 / £5 concs side balcony Running time: 2hrs 30 mins, inc. interval Box Office (01429) 890000 or from Hartlepool Tourist Information Centre, Church Square, TS24 7EQ. This events starts on 11/09/2010

Hartlepool Farmers' Market
Our ever-popular farmers' market, selling high quality foods and other goods produced on your doorstep. Talk to the stallholders and be reassured that the food you purchase hasn't travelled half way around the world to your plate. Including free range eggs, organic meat and poultry, fish, cakes, cheese, plants and much more. Lots of free parking. Hartlepool?s Maritime Experience car park, Maritime Avenue, TS24 0XZ. Northern Dales Farmers? Markets - www.ndfm.co.uk This events starts on 11/09/2010

Alice in Wonderland
Hartlepool Footlight Youth Theatre present Alice in Wonderland. The traditional Lewis Carroll tale of Alice in Wonderland receives a modern day rework, a dose of humour and the (un)usual Footlights twist in order to dazzle, amaze and confuse audiences. If you thought that the original was surreal, you ain?t see nothing yet! Elaborate costumes, wonderful scenery and amazing performances make this spectacular a must for September! Running Time: 2 hrs 40 mins, inc. interval Box Office (01429) 890000 or visit Hartlepool Tourist Information Centre, Church Square, TS24 7EQ. Open Tues- Sat 10am - 4.30pm. This events starts on 17/09/2010 and ends 18/09/2010

Musicals in Motion
AMI Jones singing Tooth promotions presents Musicals in Motion - is the World's first multi-dimensional musical show. A spectacular live concert featuring the very best of the West End and Broadway. "The changing face of showbiz" Nic Owen - BBC TV "Incredible! A great night out" Judi Spiers - BBC Radio Dazzling performances set against an enormous touring cinema screen projecting breathtaking digital backgrounds and an unforgettable virtual ensemble. "A show not to be missed" - Yours Magazine Box Office (01429) 890000 or visit Hartlepool Tourist Information Centre, Church Square, TS24 7EQ. Open Tues- Sat 10am - 4.30pm. Running Time: 2hrs 15 mins, inc. interval This events starts on 24/09/2010

The Johnny Cash Road show ? A Tribute
Clive John Promotions presents The Johnny Cash Road show ? A Tribute. Featuring Clive John as the ?man in black? this is the number one Johnny Cash experience, and with his world class band, delivering all the hits including The Ring of Fire, Boy Named Sue, Folsom Prison Blues, Man In Black, One Piece at a Time, Sunday Morning Coming down, Hurt and many more from throughout Johnny Cash?s long career. The show is high energy and entertaining for all to enjoy which features a top quality video projection showing the life of Johnny Cash and the best June Carter in the business - Jill Schoonjans This is SO much more than just a tribute to Johnny Cash; this is an aural and visual spectacle to entertain. For more information go to www.johnnycashroadshow.com Running Time: 2hrs 30 mins, inc. interval. Box Office (01429) 890000 or visit Hartlepool Tourist Information Centre, Church Square, TS24 7EQ. Open Tues- Sat 10am - 4.30pm. This events starts on 30/09/2010

Juke Box Legends
RWE Promotions Agency presents Juke Box Legends Starring John Leyton, Recording Artiste and International Movie Star. No1 record ?Johnny Remember Me? plus other major hits including ?Wild Wind? and ?Son This Is She?.Films include The Great Escape and Von Ryan?s Express. Mike Berry first burst onto the music scene with the huge hit and pop classic A Tribute to Buddy Holly, firmly establishing himself as the British Buddy Holly. Other hits include: Don't You Think It's Time, On My Mind, Sunshine Of Your Smile. Mike is also fondly remembered for his TV roles in Worzle Gummidge and Are You being Served. This promises to be a fantastic 60s night out! Running Time: 2hrs 10 mins, inc. interval. Box Office (01429) 890000 or visit Hartlepool Tourist Information Centre, Church Square, TS24 7EQ. Open Tues- Sat 10am - 4.30pm. This events starts on 02/10/2010

Hartlepool Music Society present The Badke Quartet
Wednesday 6th October at 7.30pm Hartlepool Music Society present The Badke Quartet Programme: Haydn: Op 76 No 2, Janacek: String Quartet No 2 "Intimate letters" Ravel: String Quartet in F Major The Badke Quartet is widely recognised as one of Britain?s finest string quartets. Winners of the 1st prize and audience prize at the 5th Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition in 2007 www.hartlepoolmusicsociety.org.uk Running time: 2 hrs including interval. Box Office (01429) 890000 or visit Hartlepool Tourist Information Centre, Church Square, TS24 7EQ. Open Tues- Sat 10am - 4.30pm. This events starts on 06/10/2010

Chris Dean's Syd Lawrence Orchestra - LIVE
Life on the road is just one big party! Chris Dean proves this time and time again with his latest Big Band offering ?LIVE' A captivating and exciting performance packed with sizzle, transports you to those glory days of live music. This programme is so engrossing that all eyes are glued once again to the phenomenal talent of the ?Best Big Band In The Land?. Flirtations with the audience from debonair leader Chris are priceless and just a bit naughty, while the orchestra provides not only sincere musical virtuosity but as much confidence in the music as when it was the latest smash on the airwaves. A truly hypnotic combination! Featuring the music of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Billy May, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and many, many more What a celebration. The greatest entertainment in the world! Running Time: 2hrs 30 mins, inc. interval. Box Office (01429) 890000 or visit Hartlepool Tourist Information Centre, Church Square, TS24 7EQ. Open Tues- Sat 10am - 4.30pm. This events starts on 07/10/2010

Andy Kirkpatrick ? Off the Wall
Speakers from the Edge Ltd present Andy Kirkpatrick ? Off the Wall The UK?s only ?stand-up mountaineer? Andy Kirkpatrick is a natural performer with talents to rival the top comedy acts in the UK. His inimitable style coupled with his love for all things extreme make for a unique evening of entertainment, with stunning images and footage accompanying his tales of terror from the steep. *Please note this show contains strong language. Running Time: 2hrs inc. interval. Box Office (01429) 890000 or visit Hartlepool Tourist Information Centre, Church Square, TS24 7EQ. Open Tues- Sat 10am - 4.30pm. This events starts on 08/10/2010