Lighting up the town is BEAM, a brand-new event for 2024 by Harrogate International Festivals.

Enjoy spectacular light installations and soundscapes in both the expected and unexpected places as you wander through town; think everything from dancing twinkling lights in Valley Gardens’ trees to searchlights beaming patterns up across the sky.

There will be 10 illuminations in total – see if you can spot them all.

Free, from dusk until 10pm, March 15-16, venues across town.

Tap along to live music at Roosters

There aren’t many watering holes near Hornbeam Park – there’s certainly a gap in the market for a few more – but Roosters is where it’s at for a weekend pint without the schlep into town.

And it’s not just a brewery – it regularly holds events upstairs in its taproom – and on Friday night it’s hosting a gig by solo artist Chris Helme, frontman of The Seahorses (formed by Stone Roses’ John Squire) as part of its Rooster’s Unplugged series.

As well as new music, expect to hear Chris’ blend of honesty and anecdotes from a 30-plus year career in the music industry. He will also be supported by singer-songwriter Gary Stewart and an opening set by regular Mick P Kerr.

£16.95, doors 7pm, March 15, Roosters, Unit H5, Fifth Avenue, Hornbeam Park, Harrogate HG2 8QT.

Let your creativity bloom at a floral workshop

If you’ve ever wanted to create your own wow-factor floral centrepiece, now is the opportune occasion as renowned Harrogate florist Helen James is running a course this Saturday.

Taking place at Coach & Horses Harrogate, you’ll learn some top flower arranging tips while sipping a glass of prosecco and making a stunning floral table arrangement to take home with you.

What’s more, attendees can also receive 20 per cent off the Coach & Horses’ menu when booking a table in advance.

£65 per person, from 11.30am, March 16, Coach & Horses, 16 West Park, Harrogate, HG1 1BJ.

Conjure up some answers at a Harry Potter-themed quiz

Test your Hogwarts knowledge with a Harry Potter quiz that’s taking place on Saturday night at Waterstones, Harrogate.

Gather a team of up to six Muggles and magic up a group name – there will even be a prize given for the best one before the event has even started – then bring your A-game as you try to guess the answers to questions all themed around Voldemort and the Death Eaters.

Free but tickets must be reserved in advance, 6.15pm, March 16, Waterstones Harrogate, 15 James Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QS.

Watch Fat Chance by Rachel Stockdale at Harrogate Theatre

Taking place at Harrogate Studio Theatre, this one-woman play explores the topic of fatphobia and some of Rachel’s lived experiences of going from a size 8 to a size 18.

Inspired by an encounter she had on honeymoon in a restaurant where a waiter assumed she was pregnant, the show covers dark comedy, songs and dancing, and highlights the pressure many women put on themselves to look a certain way and be accepted.

£14, 7.45pm, March 15, Harrogate Studio Theatre, Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QF.