Mozart and a star violinist open Cuore’s new season

Harrogate’s own professional orchestra is back at the Royal Hall on Friday to open its 2026/27 season.

Following a trailblazing first year, Cuore Chamber Orchestra returns to its home venue with a Mozart double bill: his Symphony No. 29 and his Violin Concerto No. 3, alongside works by Grieg and British composer Michael Berkeley.

Joining them is British violinist Jennifer Pike, who first hit the headlines in 2002 when, aged just 12, she became the youngest ever winner of BBC Young Musician of the Year. She has since played with every BBC orchestra, the Hallé and the London Philharmonic, as well as orchestras from Oslo to Tokyo, and made her Carnegie Hall debut with Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending.

Cuore was founded by violinist and composer William Dutton, and aims to bring the quality of concerts music lovers would expect in Manchester, Birmingham and London right here to Harrogate.

From £16.50, 7.30pm, November 6, Royal Hall, Ripon Road, Harrogate, HG1 2SY. 

Bonfire, fireworks and the 'Foo Fighters' on the Stray

One of Harrogate’s best-loved traditions returns on Saturday night as the Stray lights up for the annual charity bonfire and fireworks.

Organised by Harrogate Round Table, the free event has become a family tradition, with generations returning year after year. Music starts at 5pm, the bonfire is lit at 6.30pm and fireworks follow at 7pm. After the display, UK Foo Fighters take to the stage for a homecoming gig, and there’ll be food stalls too.

Entry is free, though a donation of £5 per person is suggested to help cover the cost and support charities Mind and Samaritans.

Free, 5pm to 9pm, November 7, The Stray, opposite Oatlands Drive, Harrogate.

Remember, remember at Ripon Racecourse

Can’t wait until Saturday? Ripon’s annual City Bonfire gets the weekend off with a bang on Friday night.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Ripon Rowels, and also known as the Ripon and District Community Gunpowder Plot, it’s a traditional bonfire night for families and friends. Gates open at 5.30pm, the bonfire is due to be lit at around 7pm and the fireworks follow at about 7.30pm.

Make sure you book ahead, as this year it’s advance tickets only.

£10 adults and £5 children, 5.30pm to 9pm, November 6, Ripon Races, Boroughbridge Road, Ripon, HG4 1UG.

Laughs and guitar magic in Masham

Masham Town Hall hosts an evening that’s part comedy, part concert on Friday, as Boothby Graffoe teams up with guitarist Antonio Forcione for their show Wot Italian?

Expect a mix of crafted songs, plenty of banter and seriously impressive musicianship with a Mediterranean twist. Graffoe has been compared to Spike Milligan by Omid Djalili, while Forcione has recorded 16 albums and opened for Phil Collins, Bobby McFerrin and Jools Holland.

Make a night of it with a drink in one of the town’s pubs afterwards.

£20 plus booking fee, doors 7pm for a 7.30pm start, November 6, Masham Town Hall, Little Market Place, Masham, HG4 4DY. All ages, with under-16s accompanied by an adult.

Torchlight and fireworks in Pateley Bridge

Nidderdale gets its own bonfire night on Saturday, as the community display returns to the Nidderdale Showground in Pateley Bridge.

Things get going from 6pm, with entry by donation. The evening is being run by the Upper Nidderdale Scouts Group and includes a torchlit procession and bonfire at 6.15pm, followed by fireworks at 7pm. There's also a Guy making competition, so it could be worth getting the kids crafting before you go.

It’s a proper community bonfire night in the heart of the dale, and a great excuse to grab some tea in one of the town’s cafés or pubs beforehand.

Entry by donation, from 6pm, November 7, Nidderdale Showground, Pateley Bridge, HG3 5BD.