Harrogate’s Royal Hall is set to host its first major event since its closure last year — but some covid restrictions will remain in place.
The Gilbert and Sullivan Festival, which takes place from August 8, will be limited to 55% of the venue’s 950 seat capacity.
A one-way system will also remain in place and those attending will be asked to wear a face mask.
Usually the festival attracts audiences from around the world as well as groups from universities across the UK but neither will be in attendance this year.
Nevertheless, the 11-day event will provide a major boost to the district’s economy, with thousands of people attending the comic operas, including The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado and HMS Pinafore.
The festival began in Buxton, Derbyshire but moved to Harrogate in 2014. The 2020 festival was set to be the biggest ever before covid hit.
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Festival organiser Janet Smith said:
“The Gilbert and Sullivan Festival is what everyone needs at the moment. It is uplifting entertainment that takes people’s minds off the last couple of years.
“It’s just pure enjoyment and ensures audiences have a jolly good laugh. Our loyal audiences have been so supportive, we couldn’t let them down.
“This is also important for our fantastic opera singers and musicians, who have been unable to perform and delivering Amazon boxes through lockdowns.”
Ms Smith added she was determined to continue the legacy of her late husband Ian Smith, who died in 2019 after re-establishing the Gilbert and Sullivan genre in 1994.
Paula Lorimer, director of Harrogate Convention Centre, which manages the Royal Hall, said:
“It’s the first major entertainment event at our conference centre since we re-opened, so it’s a huge joy to see them return.
“We normally welcome aficionados and fans from around the world, alas this won’t be the case this year, but the show will go on! We look forward to giving visitors a warm welcome.”
Harrogate Conference Centre and The Royal Hall now has a packed programme of upcoming entertainment. Highlights include Billy Ocean, Jools Holland, and Jimmy Carr.
The Royal Hall reopened to the public for the first time since coronavirus on July 7 for an open day.
Interested in local events? Check out our new ‘What’s On’ page for all of the latest events in the Harrogate district.
