The 2013 Northumberland Residents' Festival takes place on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th March and offers discounted or free entry to many of Northumberland's most famous attractions. This is the fourth time that the event (that is open to Northumberland residents only) has been organised by Northumberland County Council and attractions taking part include: Alnwick Garden, Bailiffgate Museum, Bamburgh Castle, Belsay Hall, Chesters Roman Fort, Corbridge Roman Town, Cragside, Dunstanburgh Castle, Etal Castle, Kirkley Hall, Lindisfarne Castle, Lindisfarne Priory, Longframlington Gardens, Newbiggin Maritime Centre, RNLI Grace Darling Museum, Seaton Delaval Hall, Wallington Hall, Warkworth Castle, Woodhorn Museum and Hexham Old Gaol! 

As residents we often don't appreciate fully the fantastic attractions that draw people to Northumberland year after year in their thousands. This festival gives us all the chance to explore our history and get reacquainted with some of our County's real treasures. An information brochure with details of all the offers and printable vouchers can be found at the County Council website.

The first Northumberland Restaurant Week takes place between Monday 18th March and Sunday 24th March 2013. It's an event to celebrate the wonderful produce and amazing food in our great County! Over 30 restaurants far and wide are coming together to bring you amazing offers, restaurants taking part include: Close House Hotel, Battlesteads, The Treehouse Restaurant, DK at Vallum, Linden Tree Pub, Barluga, La Bodega, Corbridge Larder, Bouchon and many, many more! Visit the Northumberland Restaurant Week page for more information.

The Alnwick Garden is already open for the new season, but if you'd like to visit the Castle you will have to wait until the end of the month as it opens again on the 29tht March. Regular weekly events at the Alnwick Garden throughout the month include music, performances, storytelling, workshops, exhibitions, classes, tours and much more. Every visit is different with something new to experience, and much of the programme is free for visitors.

Cragside House and Gardens are celebrating their 150th anniversary this year and there will be a host of special events to showcase this landmark throughout the year. They also have Victorian Baking Days every Wednesday between 1pm and 4pm where costumed cooks will be recreating Victorian recipes! Visit the National Trust website for full information about the activities on offer.

There is a full list of events for the month of March below, with web links where available for more information. For regular updates and news don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.