‘Forareian’. Anyone recognise it? It’s the only way I can think of to spell it – as it is spoken - since I’ve never seen it written down. My mother-in-law was a southerner and one of the first people to let me know I had a northern accent (despite my being subjected to elocution lessons as a child).

Carrot Productions, has announced tour dates for The Snowman™film including performances of two brand-new shows for a truly magical Christmas experience.

If you are anything like me, when a band comes from your home area, then you feel a protectiveness towards them and, like watching your kids go off into the world, experience a mix of pride and nervousness hoping that all will go well and that they will thrive.

As if on cue, Jack Frost has appeared at RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate, creating a magical scene over the landscape, on one of the coldest days of the year. As I stroll through the spectacular gardens preparing for the Royal Horticultural Society's Glow Trails, the kaleidoscope of colour, the autumnal leaves, and the Glow Trails' preparations captivate me.

The largest and longest-running writer development programme in England is now open for entries, deadline 6 February 2025 Founded and produced by New Writing North with support from Northumbria University and Arts Council England, the Northern Writers’ Awards are now in their 26th year.

If you take a walk up Calverley Street, which starts between Leeds Town Hall and the Central Library, you will eventually come to a large white-painted building. Now signed as a ‘Conference Auditorium’, if you step inside you will discover a plaque which states: “Leeds Playhouse. This foundation stone was laid on 25 September 1969 by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Alderman A.R. Bretherick”.

Despite psychologists and bereavement counsellors telling us there are five stages of grief which we all experience, I have found that we can display grief differently. Some people cry immediately or at the funeral or later, when something seemingly unconnected occurs and unleashes a wave of pent-up or carefully controlled emotion.

Dr Andrew Liddle begins a series on major northern artists by visiting one of the most popular, to see him at work …

The early music ensemble Lautten Compagney Berlin, along with saxophonist Asya Fatayeya, are incredibly convincing. The disc has charisma, the musicians are brilliant, and Deutsche Harmonia Mundi has perfectly judged the balance.