Spring Flower Show, Great Yorkshire Showground, this weekend

THESE shows are regarded by many as two of the most prestigious independent gardening events, one held in spring and one in autumn. The Great Yorkshire Showground comes alive with colour, as exhibitors display their fantastic creations, as well as bouquets, baskets and planters, you can visit an array of carefully designed gardens, pristinely landscaped and featuring excruciatingly chosen blooms, bushes, trees and shrubs. Professional landscape designers are judged against each other and now there are also categories for community or college displays, giving the chance for more local people to show what they are capable of when it comes to creating beautiful outdoor spaces. A "landscaping live" exhibition is also part of the spring show.

Full programme details visit flowershow.org.uk or call 01423-546158.

Darlington Jazz Festival, on Saturday/Sunday

SINCE its launch in 2012, the Darlington Jazz Festival has gone from strength-to-strength, and provides a platform for both local and regional talent, while attracting national artists prominent in today’s jazz scene.

On Saturday, performances will be held at Joseph Pease Place and the Clervaux Bakery, in Coniscliffe Road, through the day, as well as at The Quakerhouse from 1pm.

An evening of big band music from the 1950s and '60s will follow from 7pm at Central Hall, in the Dolphin Centre, with performances by Al Wood, the Durham Alumni Big Band and guests.

The Quakerhouse will host a late night jam session on Saturday evening, before the festival rounds up on Sunday with performances throughout the day St Augustine’s Parish Centre, in Larchfield Street.

Acts playing on Sunday include the Darlington Big Band, the Nicola Farnon Trio, Darlington Little Big Band and the Simon Read Octet.

Tickets for the festival can be bought from the Dolphin Centre or online from ticketsource.co.uk/darlingtonjazzfestival

Darlington Operatic Society presents Hairspray, Civic Theatre, this weekend

THE plus-sized heroine, Tracy Turnblad, has a passion for dancing and wins a spot on the local TV dance show. Overnight she is transformed from outsider to teen celebrity. Can a larger-than-life adolescent vanquish the programme’s reigning princess, banish the TV station's racial views and ?nd true love without messing up her hairdo? With surefire hit songs such as Good Morning Baltimore, Welcome to the 60s and You Can’t Stop The Beat. Tickets on 01325-486555. (Runs April 22-May 2)

A Year At Thorp Perrow, The Station, Richmond

A PHOTOGRAPHIC exhibition by Rod Bennington, this exhibition is the result of a year-long project and gives a detailed and intimate portrait of this outstanding arboretum, reflecting its diversity and splendour throughout the year. Runs until May 13.

Snow White On Ice, Billingham Forum

THE ice dancing phenomenon hits Teesside. Snow White on Ice transforms the stage into a frozen wonderland. The world-famous Russian Ice Stars will take you on an a magical journey to the heart of the best loved fairy tale of all time, Snow White, on ice. The original story of an enchanted mirror, a beautiful girl, the ultimate Prince Charming and a shiny red apple comes to life on ice, with ballet, gymnastics and aerial aerobatics to create a breathtaking and mesmerising experience. A great show for all the family, also starring Rustie Lee as the Fairy News Reporter. Tickets on 01642-552663.