Credit: Contemporaryartsociety.org

There's an array of events and activities happening in Gateshead this summer. Here's a few for the month of August that may appeal to you, your family and friends and may even be an opportunity to make new friends.

Shipley Art Challenge

Running until Saturday 24th September, there will be weekly art challenges posted online, for you to complete at home. Challenges are open to all ages and abilities and will be shared on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk. Shipley encourage you to share your finished artwork on social media.

Wednesday 3rd August

Gateshead Art Society Summer Exhibition, St Mary's Heritage Centre, Oakwellgate.

Showcasing the creations of the last two years from Gateshead Art Society, this is a free event that is bound to impress.

Further details: heritage@gateshead.gov.uk or 0191 433 4699.

Wednesday 3rd and Wednesday 17th August

Summer Crafts with the Very Hungry Caterpillar, St Mary's Heritage Centre, Oakwellgate. Tickets starting at £1

Join the team for some fun-packed caterpillar crafts and story time.

Further details: heritage@gateshead.gov.uk or 0191 433 4699.

Thursday 4th August

Gin & Cheese Tasting Evening, Unit 93 St Michaels Way, Metrocentre – 19:00 – 20:30. £12.50 – £15.00 (Adults only)

Join in for an evening of gin and cheese, with variety of delectable cheese and gin pairing samples as well as gaining knowledge on the best accompaniments from the Chuckling Cheese Company team.

Further details and booking: www.eventbrite.co.uk or call 01754 768 120.

Friday 5th August

Teddy Bears Picnic, Watergate Café, Lobley Hill – 11:00 – 12 Midday. £8 per child, booking essential.

Activities including decorating bear shaped cookies, story telling with teddy bear masks and picnicking on the nearby field. All items provided, just bring a teddy bear!

Further details and booking: www.eventbrite.co.uk

Saturday 6th August

Low Fell Food & Craft Market, Saltwell Park – 10:00 – 15:00. £1 per adult entry, kids go free.

A number of independent food and craft traders will be setting up stalls at Saltwell Park. Hot and cold food produce, drinks, homeware, gifts, crafts and more will be on sale, with up to 40 stall holders. With tasty food, local produce and unique crafts, it's sure to be a great day out.

Credit: Newcastlegateshead.com

Saturday 6th August

Hilarious Street Circus, Trinity Square – 11:00 – 16:00

The circus returns for the summer with circus school workshops and a show, there will be plenty of skills, stunts and a guaranteed brilliant performance.

Further details: allevents.in or via Facebook

Wednesday 10th August

Kitchen Disco: T-Shirts, 14:15-15:15. £4 per ticket (Age 7-11), booking essential, please state t-shirt size when booking.

Design and create your own kitchen disco t-shirt using acrylic paints.

Further details and booking: www.eventbrite.co.uk

Thursday 11th August

Gadgeteers: Willy Wonka Coding, Birtley Library - 10:00 – 11:30. £3.83 per ticket (Age 7+), booking essential.

Light up some gummy bears and make jelly babies burp in this sweet coding workshop!

Further details and booking: www.eventbrite.co.uk

Wednesday 17th August

MakerPlace Workshop: Laser Cut Planters, Gateshead Central Library, Prince Consort Road, 10:00 – 11:30. £6 per person (Age 16+), booking essential.

Create a stunning design for your personalised wooden planter then watch our laser cutter produce your design.

Further details and booking: www.eventbrite.co.uk

Saturday August 20th

Paint and Sip Party, Shipley Art Gallery, Consort Road – 14:30 – 16:30. £19.95+ (Adults only).

Come and join in the paint and sip party and show your creativity. Create a work of art, amongst friends and take your masterpiece home. Complimentary tea, coffee and soft drinks. Bring your own booze and nibbles.

Further details and booking: www.eventbrite.co.uk