It’s the start of a new year, so here’s a round-up of events to get you out and about over the next few weeks.

We can’t include everything here, so be sure to keep a look out for local events where you live.

If you are organising a major event in North Yorkshire, please tell us and we’ll do our best to include it in a future issue. Just email yny@northyorks.gov.uk.

26 to 28 January

This weekend is the Big Garden Birdwatch, the world’s largest garden wildlife survey. It helps to build a picture of how garden birds are faring. Only record the birds that land in your patch and record the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time. Choose an hour between 26 and 28 January to take part in the survey.

27 January

Today marks the final day of the Northallerton Amateur Variety Company's annual charity pantomime, Sleeping Beauty. Tickets are £12 with admission for children and senior citizens priced at £10. Phone 01609 776230 or book tickets online, or purchase them on the door at The Forum.

1 February

A winter guided walk is taking place at Hackfall, Grewelthorpe, near Masham. Join the Woodland Trust for a ramble through the woods taking in many of the woodland areas, revealing the history and wildlife of this fascinating area of North Yorkshire. The event is free, but booking is essential.

National Theatre Live: Dear England is being shown at The Forum, Bullamoor Road, Northallerton, DL6 1LP. The play by James Graham sees Joseph Fiennes play Gareth Southgate in what is described as a gripping examination of nation and game. The performance starts at 7pm with tickets £15, £10 for children and senior citizens and £12.50 for students. For more details contact 01609 776230 and for tickets you can book online, get them in advance at The Forum or on the door.

3 February

There’s a chance to meet an artist as part of the Curlew Calling Exhibition at Dales Countryside Museum, Station Yard, Hawes. Come and chat, draw and write about your curlew memories and experiences, with one of the contributors to the exhibition. The event runs between 10am and 3pm.

4 February

A Winter Concert is being performed by Ripon Community Orchestra at 3.30pm at Bishop Monkton Village Hall, Bishop Monkton, HG3 3QG. Conducted by Xenophon Kelsey, the orchestra will play a selection of music, including movements from Schubert's Symphony No 9, Handel's Rejouissance, The Walk in the Paradise Garden, Intermezzo, by Frederick Delius and the First movement of the Kachaturian Masquerade Suite and Cabaret. The orchestra will be joined by Killinghall Voices, conducted by Ken Winter-Briggs. Tea and cake will be served. Admission is free but donations are welcome.

10 February

The Dark Skies Festival comes to Sutton Bank, near Thirsk, as York Astro show the night sky in all its glory. Enjoy an evening of illustrated talks and stargazing, now part of an International Dark Skies Reserve. A talk begins at 7pm. Two talks will be delivered should the weather be unsuitable for stargazing. Minimum age 10 years. Tickets are £16 for adults, and £12 for children 16 and under. Booking is essential.

10 and 11 February

Whitby Steampunk Weekend is a two-day festival taking place at the Whitby Pavilion. There will be live entertainment, demonstrations and displays as well as more than 70 trade stands. Entry between 10am and 4pm is free each day.

11 February

Northallerton Farmers’ market will be held at Applegarth car park in Northallerton.

13 February

Scarborough's annual flippin' fantastic Pancake Day Race is being held in the town centre followed by local schools heading to South Bay to take part in the traditional skipping spectacular. In line with tradition in Scarborough, Pancake Day kicks off with the town crier introducing the mayor, who then rings the pancake bell on North Street at 12pm. Everyone then heads down to Foreshore Road on Scarborough's South Bay for the tradition of skipping by the seaside.

14 February to 17 February

Children are invited to come along to the Danby Lodge National Park Centre for a session of Astro-crafts. There’s also a new Constellation Rubbing Trail around the grounds for visitors to follow. Recommended ages are from three to 11. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets cost £5 per child. No booking is required.

Pannal Players’ February half-term pantomime, ‘Humpty Dumpty’, takes place at Pannal Village Hall, Station Road , Pannal, North Yorkshire, HG3 1JJ. The show, which begins at 7.30pm, runs until Saturday, 17 February, with an additional matinee show at 2.30pm on the Saturday. Tickets are £8.50 for adults and £4.50 for primary-aged schoolchildren. Proceeds go to the Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Ward, St James’ Hospital, Leeds, in memory of former Pannal Player, Joanna Luty.

16 February

Stump Cross Caverns, Pateley Bridge, is hosting a journey under the stars and beneath the earth. Perfect for families, visitors will discover how to spot celestial bodies in the night sky, listen to fascinating tales about the constellations, understand the significance of preserving dark skies, and navigate their way among the stars. In addition, visitors will delve deep into the caverns and witness the mesmerizing glow of calcite formations, revealing a hidden, luminescent world. Ultraviolet Cave Exploration runs from 2.15pm to 3.15pm and the Cosmic Wonders Presentation from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Admission for adults is £25 and £20 for children and includes entry to the cave.

24 February

Thirsk Artisan market takes place 10am and 3pm, with locally produced arts and crafts, food and drink.

25 February

Ripon Artisan market is being held between 10am and 3pm, with locally produced arts and crafts, food and drink.

While every care is taken to ensure the information provided in this newsletter is correct at the time of publishing, information and event details provided by third parties may be subject to change.