Wildlife Photography Awards exhibition, Nunnington Hall, Helmsley

THE awards were created to celebrate the talents of both amateur and professional photographers, while simultaneously highlighting the great wealth of British natural history. With 16 separate categories including a special category for Wildlife in HD Video, the awards beautifully reveal the splendour of Britain’s wildlife. There are also three junior categories to encourage young people to connect with nature through photography. Chris Packham, TV presenter and naturalist, said: “Each year the British Wildlife Photography Awards generates an incredible catalogue of splendid, exciting, imaginative and artistic images, proving beyond doubt that we have the richest palette of life to celebrate in our own backyard. Anyone passionate about protecting and preserving wildlife will be inspired by the British Wildlife Photography Awards, which in its fifth year has done more than any other award to raise the profile of British wildlife." Runs until July. Tel 01439 748283.

Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Middlesbrough Town Hall, on Saturday, 7.30pm

FOLLOWING a sold out show at the town hall in 2014, Jools and his orchestra make a welcome return for what promises to be one of the season’s highlights. With a band that includes former Squeeze drummer Gilson Lavis and the voices of Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall, the show guarantees a memorable night. Tickets on 01642 729729.

Rapunzel, Stockton Arc, on Saturday

THIS is a story about a girl called Rapunzel who is taken away from what she knows and protected from all the things that she loves. Placed high in a tower above the world and faced with the challenge of growing up, she is found alone, dreaming. Told in an inventive, visual and physical style with live music and magical design, Rapunzel is a delightful production for children about the curiosity and joys of growing up, risk taking and discovering who you are. Shows 11.30am and 2.30pm. Tel 01642 525199.

BAMfest 2015 (Bedale Acoustic Music Festival), Big Sheep Little Cow Farm, Bedale, on Saturday

THE third BAMfest features three days of music and merriment across the town. Festival market and children's activities. Headline acts include Blackbeard's Tea Party, Martin Stephenson and the Daintees, Henry Priestman, The Young'Uns and Flossie Malavialle. Camping available. See www.bamfest.co.uk for full details.

NGS open garden, Stobgreen House, Eggleston, Sunday, 1pm-4.30pm

THE gardens are arranged over an area of about three acres. The largest area is a semi mature wooded area with a spring fed beck running through it. This is mostly naturalised, attracting lots of wildlife. The formal gardens are around the house. Established in 2011 after extensive build works there are terraces, a walled garden and sunken patio mainly with herbaceous planting. Home-made teas. Plant sales. Accommodation available. Heading from Barnard Castle towards Eggleston, take first turning to the village (on the junction with the garage). Admission £2.50, children free. Tel 01833 650578.