5 things to do in Yorkshire this weekend

Not sure how to spend the next few days? Take a look at what’s on across the region.

1. Cirque du Soleil – Varekai
Date: Thursday February 2 – Sunday February 5
Location: Sheffield Arena, Sheffield
Deep within a forest, at the summit of a volcano, exists an extraordinary world called Varekai. The sky lets go a solitary young man, and the story of Varekai begins.
Directed by Dominic Champagne, this production pays tribute to the nomadic soul, to the spirit and art of the circus tradition, and is performed by artistic entertainers, Cirque du Soleil.

2. Strictly Come Dancing Live
Date: Thursday February 2 – Friday February 3
Location: First Direct Arena, Leeds
Strictly Come Dancing will bring their live dance show extravaganza to Leeds this week, in what promises to be an evening filled with the classic Strictly entertainment everyone knows and loves. Watch as celebrities including Ore Aduba, Louise Redknapp and Ed Balls strut their stuff on a supersized dancefloor under the watchful eyes of judges Len Goodman and Craig Revel-Horwood.

3. Gin tasting masterclass
Date: Friday February 3
Location: The Grange Hotel, York
Pairing two of life’s simple joys – gin and good food – this two-part experience is perfect for whiling away an indulgent afternoon. To start, local gin experts, Still & Heart will providing a masterclass and tasting to help the ‘gin curious’ learn and discover more about their favourite drink. Gin cocktail in hand, guests will be guided through a number of different gins, garnishes and mixers. Experiment with up to four different gins before ending the masterclass with a large G&T to drink with lunch, which will be serves at the Ivy Brasserie.

4. Hansel & Gretel
Date: Until Saturday February 25
Location: Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House, Leeds
A classic fairy tale, told by the music of Humperdinck and explored in an inventive new production by Edward Dick. From a poor home in which hunger is an ever-present threat, a brother and sister escape to the world of the forest, both idyllic and dangerous. There, they encounter supernatural forces such as the Sandman, the Dew Fairy and, most frightening of all, the Witch.

5. Chinese New Year Extravaganza
Date: Saturday February 4
Location: Royal Hall, Harrgoate
Come and see the magic unfold as Chinese New Year lands in Harrogate with a an exciting show of cultural spectacle to welcome the start of the Year of the Rooster.
Chinese New Year. Extravaganza features a team of performers direct from China showcasing incredible Chinese performing arts. From the cheerful spirit of the auspicious Lion Dance, to the majestic and awe-inspiring contortion, the show is a colourful display of Chinese cultural tradition. Witness the daring stunts of Chinese acrobatics alongside elegant Chinese dance, energetic Kung Fu performance, a highly skilled puppeteer performing the ancient magic of Face Changing and more.