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22
Oct
5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend, October 23-25
Dance the night away in Ripon Cathedral
Ever fancied a boogie beneath the vaulted ceilings of Ripon Cathedral? Now’s your chance, as the cathedral hosts two silent discos on Friday night.
First up is the family session, where you can pop on wireless headphones and pick from multiple music channels, so everyone finds their own soundtrack surrounded by centuries of history.
Pic: Ripon Cathedral
Later on, the grown-ups take over. The adults-only session is soundtracked by three DJs, each bringing their own style, and there’ll be a stocked bar on site. It’s strictly over-18s, and anyone who looks under 25 will be asked for photo ID.
The events are fundraisers, with proceeds supporting the cathedral’s work, including free activities for children during school holidays.
Family session: 6.30pm to 8pm, standard tickets £20 adults and £10 for under-18s. Adults only: 9pm to 11.30pm, £25. October 23, Ripon Cathedral, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT.
Mother Shipton's is hosting a special halloween event.
Witches take over Mother Shipton’s
Grab your broomstick, because Knaresborough’s most famous prophetess is getting a Halloween makeover inspired by Hocus Pocus.
Visitors can explore themed displays filled with witches, cauldrons and magical mischief, and look out for a trio of witchy sisters causing chaos in the woodland. Join their coven and grab a photo while you’re there.
Of course, the real stars are still the cave, said to be Mother Shipton’s birthplace, and the petrifying well, where everyday objects turn to stone as mineral-rich water flows over them.
Treats include black vanilla ice cream, pumpkin spice lattes and marshmallow toasting round the fire. There’s also a mile-long riverside walk along the Nidd, and four-legged friends are welcome too.
Peak prices are £42 per car of up to five, or £16 per additional passenger or pedestrian; under-2s go free. Booking is essential for Halloween. 10am-4pm (last admission 3pm), October 24 to November 1, Mother Shipton’s, Prophecy Lodge, Harrogate Road, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD.
The news presenter has historic links to Harrogate.
The final chapter of Harrogate’s literature festival
It’s the last chance to catch the Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival in Harrogate this year, and the final weekend has something for everyone.
If you're a runner, take the opportunity to go on a jog with Sophie Raworth (although it is at 6.30am on a Friday). On Friday night, Julian Clary talks about his new murder mystery, The Midmorning Murders, while Saturday morning is all about the little ones, as Draw with Rob Biddulph gets young artists sketching alongside the bestselling children’s illustrator. Music fans can head to A Hard Day’s Night with Samira Ahmed later that day.
Sunday sees a talk by bestselling author Kate Mosse, as well as a special event all about Agatha Christie.
Fancy something quieter? The free Raworths Reading Rave on Sunday offers an hour of uninterrupted reading in companionable silence at The Crown Hotel. Just bring a book.
October 23 to 25, the Crown Hotel and Cedar Court Hotel, Harrogate. Times and prices vary; see the Harrogate International Festivals website.
Follow the trail at Brimham Rocks
Half term starts here, with a family trail among the weird and wonderful formations at Brimham Rocks in Nidderdale.
The National Trust’s Druid’s Tree Trail promises a whimsical autumn adventure for families, and it’s a great excuse to blow off the cobwebs. The giant sandstone formations were carved out by ice, wind and rain over 320 million years ago, and many have creative names, so see if the kids can work out why.
Grown-ups can also join a short “taste of Brimham” tour at 11am.
Event is free, normal admission applies. 10am to 4pm, October 24 to November 1, Brimham Rocks, Summerbridge, Harrogate, HG3 4DW.
Grewelthorpe Village Hall
Musical sunshine in Grewelthorpe
Head out to one of the district’s best-loved village venues on Saturday night as Mambo Jambo roll into Grewelthorpe.
The duo perform an upbeat mash-up of roots, world, folk and jazz alongside their own songs. Between them, Frankie and Pete play everything from sax, clarinet and flute to ukulele, banjo, accordion, a traditional Cuban guitar and even a suitcase.
The hall is a converted Methodist chapel seating up to 90, set out cabaret style with tables, so it’s an intimate night out. Make it a full evening with a wander round the village beforehand.
£12 plus booking fee, doors 7pm for an 8pm start, October 24, Grewelthorpe Village Hall, Ripon, HG4 3BU. Ages 14 and over, with under-16s accompanied by an adult.
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