Watch a gripping drama about the Brighton bombing

Brighton ’84 is a new play by Yorkshire playwright Philip Stokes, exploring the events surrounding the 1984 bombing of the Grand Hotel in Brighton. It runs from this Thursday to Saturday at Harrogate Theatre.

Set against the backdrop of the Conservative Party conference, the play follows two strangers who enter Room 102 as a bomb planted by the IRA is set to detonate, examining the personal and wider political impact of the attack.

The production reunites the award-winning cast of Shellshocked, Jack Stokes and Lee Bainbridge, and is presented by Richard Jordan Productions, 412, King Brilliant and The LBT.

From £20, 7.30pm September 3-5 and a matinee at 2.30pm on September 5, Harrogate Theatre, Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QF.

Dance the day away with house music at Love to Be... Festival

Love to Be... Festival returns to The Stray this Saturday for its third year, featuring a programme of house, disco and retro house across multiple stages. With roots in the UK house scene of the 1990s, the 2026 festival brings that musical heritage into a contemporary festival setting, reflecting the continued popularity of house music.

This year’s line-up includes established names such as Claptone, Sam Divine, Paul Woolford, Todd Terry, Mousse T., David Penn, Gok Wan and K-Klass, alongside a wider roster of DJs and live performers.

Organisers have also announced site improvements, including a larger main stage, upgraded production, a new VIP garden and a dedicated chill-out area, following the festival’s previous sold-out edition.

Tickets from £68.45, from midday to 11pm, September 5, Oatlands Stray, Harrogate, HG2 8JR.

Explore a circus of scarecrows in Minskip

Minskip Scarecrow Weekend returns to the village near Boroughbridge, with this year’s competition taking The Circus as its theme with residents creating scarecrows along the main street.

The event has become an annual fundraiser for St John’s Church. Proceeds help support the rural church and its important role in the local community.

Visitors can explore the scarecrow displays before stopping in the church garden for homemade cakes, tea and coffee. 

There will also be ice creams, Pimm’s and a barbecue, alongside stalls including a tombola, plants and pre-loved items. 

The winners will be announced in the church garden, with donations welcomed throughout the village.

Suggested entry fee: £10, midday to 4pm, September 5 and 6, Main Street and St John’s Church Garden, Minskip.

Enjoy a fun day out for dogs and their owners

Dog Day with Positively Canine will bring a range of activities for dogs and their owners to The Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park in Ripon on Sunday, while raising funds and awareness for the Lost Dog Tracking Network North Yorkshire.

The event includes scentwork, Hoopers, a Gun Dog Scurry and a Fun Dog Show for dogs of all shapes, sizes and ages, alongside demonstrations from the Lost Dog Tracking Team. 

Visitors can also explore the dog-friendly gardens, browse stalls, enjoy refreshments and meet pet care experts in the Dog Wellness Area. A photographer will also be on hand to capture memories with your dog.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leads, and normal garden entry fees apply. 

Read more about the event here.

Free for children four and under, £6 for children aged five to 16, £16 for adults, 10am-4pm, September 6, Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park, Hutts Lane, Grewelthorpe, Ripon, HG4 3DA.

Step into a world of play

Families can enjoy the final weekend of Harewood’s summer programme, a family-friendly event focused on creativity, storytelling and outdoor play in the grounds.

At the Sun Sides field at Harewood House, children and adults can dress up, take to the stage and create their own stories, try circus skills such as balancing tricks and take part in traditional outdoor games.

There will also be interactive activities and photo opportunities inspired by Cecil Beaton and the exhibition inside Harewood House, giving visitors plenty of ways to get involved and enjoy the grounds together.

Entry to the outdoor activities is free, but a day ticket must be purchased. Free for children aged three and under, from £10 for children aged four to 17, from £22.55 for adults when booking in advance, 10am–6pm, until September 6, Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds, LS17 9LG.