Harrogate set to host biggest concert for years

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Harrogate is set to host its biggest concert for years when Symphonic Ibiza takes place at the Great Yorkshire Showground tomorrow (August 15).

The 8,000-capacity, open-air event brings together the 40-piece Symphonic Ibiza Orchestra, special guests Heather Small, Rebecca Ferguson and Alison Limerick,alongside Vernon Kay’s full BBC Radio 2 Dance Sounds of the 90s Live Tour and warm-up DJ Alex Bowen.

The set-up has been taking place this week, and tickets are still available.

Gates open at 5.15pm, with entertainment beginning just half an hour later.

The current running order is:

• 5.15pm: Gates open

• 5.45pm - 6.40pm: Alex Bowen DJ set

• 6.45pm - 8.15pm: Vernon Kay: BBC Radio 2 Dance Sounds of the 90s Live Tour

• 8.30pm - 10.15pm: Symphonic Ibiza Main Show

The event is expected to finish at approximately 10.15pm and last entry is at 8.15pm.

The weather forecast is a pleasant 21 degrees but concertgoers are advised to bring an extra layer for later in the evening.

Subject to final availability, tickets will remain available online via the Harrogate Theatre Box Office until 7pm on show day. There will also be an onsite box office at Blue Gate, open from 5pm until 8pm, where walk-up tickets may be available.

Here is some key information for those attending:

Yes, you can bring your picnic chair

For those planning to make themselves comfortable, picnic rugs and low fold-up chairs are welcome in designated areas of both general admission and the Pol Roger VIP garden. Chairs and rugs cannot be used immediately in front of the stage or within busy standing areas.

Food and drink will be on sale

Food and drink will be on sale and VIP guests will also have access to additional areas. However, outside food and drink is not allowed to be brought into the venue, including alcohol. Free drinking water will be available. The event is card-only for food and drink purchases.

Driving? Here’s where to go

All vehicles arriving for the free public event car park should approach via Railway Road from Wetherby Road, turning at the Sainsbury’s traffic lights, and then follow the temporary event signage and steward instructions.

Being dropped off or getting a taxi?

There is a dedicated drop-off area near Blue Gate. Cars and taxis dropping guests off should also enter via Railway Road from Wetherby Road, where they will be directed towards the appropriate drop-off point. At the end of the concert, anyone arranging a taxi, private hire vehicle or lift should ask their driver to once again approach via Railway Road from Wetherby Road. Drivers will then be directed to the Blue Gate pick-up area, which is the same general location used for drop-off.

Walking to the concert?

Pedestrian entry is via Hookstone Trail, close to St John Fisher Catholic High School and opposite Oatlands Drive. There is no pedestrian entrance to the concert from Wetherby Road, After the concert, an additional pedestrian exit will be available through the Pavilions of Harrogate onto Wetherby Road. This route is for departure only and cannot be used to enter the event earlier in the day.

Travelling by public transport?

Several local bus services stop within a 5–10 minute walk of the venue, including the 7, 8 and S8 services. The closest rail stations are Hornbeam Park and Harrogate Station.

What can I bring?

Small bags are permitted but must be no larger than A4 size, and bag checks will be in operation at the entrances. Outside food and drink, alcohol, large bags, flares, fireworks, smoke devices, laser pens, drones and weapons are among the items prohibited from the venue.

A few final things to remember

The concert is open to all ages, although organisers recommend it as most suitable for those aged 14 and over. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18 or over, and every attendee requires their own valid ticket. There is no re-entry, so once guests leave the event they will not be able to return. Professional medical teams will be on site throughout the evening, and accessible parking, toilets and a limited number of wheelchair spaces are available.