Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
15
Sept 2024
GALLERY: Ravers turn back time at Harrogate’s Love to Be Festival
House music lovers united for Harrogate’s first Love to Be Festival yesterday.
The event, which took over the Oatlands Drive section of the Stray, saw hundreds of people descend on the town to enjoy nostalgic tunes from the likes of Roger Sanchez, Happy Mondays’ Bez and Adelphi Music Factory.
People came out in their droves to turn the clock back to the 1980s and 90s, with one stage dedicated to Ibiza’s iconic Café Mambo and an open-air main stage, playing the biggest dance songs of the decades.
With stilt-walkers, human glitterballs, fairground rides, flowing drinks and endless dancing, the event appeared to be a big hit in the town.
One festivalgoer told the Stray Ferret it has been “a long time coming” and Love to Be Festival “should have happened here 20 years ago”.
Another man said he felt Harrogate is “finally investing in its nightlife scene and in music genres people actually want”. He added:
The whole purpose of house music is to get people dancing – how can that be a bad thing?
Maybe next time there could be another bar and maybe the music could be a little louder. But I’m so happy this kind of event has finally come to the town.
Several people told the Stray Ferret they would go again if the festival returned to Harrogate.
People praised the music and the artists, with one woman saying it is “great there’s different music genres at both stages”.
A few eyebrows were raised at the prices of drinks – with a bottle of wine setting people back around £30 – but others felt they were similar to prices in the town centre.
Love to Be Festival was hosted by Sheffield-based record label and events company, Love to Be, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year.
Use our photo gallery below to catch up on the festival.
0