Editor’s Pick of the Week: Ibiza sun in Harrogate and winter gritting in Nidderdale

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Summer lasted long enough for the crowd to bask in the sun at last weekend’s Symphonic Ibiza gig at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground. 

But as soon as Newby Hall announced the dry conditions had forced the cancellation of its annual fireworks championships, you knew the weather was about to break and sure enough it did.

It was what PR people call a ‘challenging’ couple of days for Newby Hall, the Georgian house between Ripon and Boroughbridge that contains such treasures as Gyles Brandreth’s teddy bear collection.

The gardens hosted an outdoor production of Othello and although the weather behaved, the government’s emergency alert sounded mid-performance, which didn’t do much for the atmosphere.

Two major, long running crime stories ended this week. Firstly, Andrew Mearns, the former luxury Porsche dealer from Knaresborough, was jailed for 30 months. 

Then Pat Marsh, the former Liberal Democrat mayor of the borough of Harrogate, was found to have posted a torrent of antisemitic tweets likely to stir up racial hatred. Both stories were first reported by the Stray Ferret, which has tracked them since.

Another lengthy saga is reaching a resolution of sorts: Kex Gill bypass is due to open on Monday night. However, traffic woes at Blubberhouses are set to continue for some time.

Talking of roads, the annual winter gritting pantomime resumed this week. 

It goes like this: North Yorkshire Council invites members of the public to suggest roads that should be upgraded for gritting; lengthy reports are drawn up, only for the computer to say no. 

Even a Nidderdale farmer’s plea that his sheep could starve failed to change the scrip this week.

Galphay can be pretty remote in winter but all the lovelier for it. This week a home in the village went on the market for £3.75 million. With five stables, a paddock and even a heated kennel for dogs, it looked like an animal lover's dream. And you might need a horse to get to the shops if it's icy.

Finally, Conservative Tyler Reeton became the first local person to declare they are standing in next May’s North Yorkshire Council elections. 

Other candidates have been decided but not yet announced, because spending rules kick in at that point. 

Homes in the new Killinghall and Scotton division received Lib Dem leaflets this week plastered with coverage of Peter Lacey. What odds he will be named as the party’s candidate for May 2027?