Harrogate charity to put on conference celebrating disability

An event aiming to celebrate disability and promote living life in the way people wish will come to Harrogate next month.

The Slightly Alternative Seminar is organised by Disability Action Yorkshire (DAY) and will see high-profile names tell their own stories of life as a disabled person.

‘Punk Chef’ Scott Garthwaite and TEDx speaker Pippa Stacey will take to the stage, along with Bafta-winning screenwriter, director and journalist Charlie Swinbourne.

Disability Action Yorkshire chief executive Jackie Snape said:

“We are so excited to be holding our second Slightly Alternative Seminar. The feedback from our first event was amazing and we have built on that to bring together some fantastic speakers who have some remarkably interesting stories to tell. We are looking forward to a wonderful day.”

The event takes place at Pavilions of Harrogate on Friday, May 5, from 10am to 3.30pm.

Ms Snape said the charity is aiming to grow it year on year, as a unique event for members of the disabled community and people who support them.

She added:

“There are few events aimed specifically at disabled people apart from those selling equipment.

“The people we work with were telling us that they wanted information on a variety of subjects that matter to them, not just where to buy a wheelchair, and we listened and we responded.”

The Slightly Alternative Seminar is free to attend and includes free refreshments. Attendees can attend for all or part of the day.

As well as British Sign Language interpreters on hand, the venue has step-free access and a hearing loop.

To book a place, email Hanne Jackson at Disability Action Yorkshire or call 01423 855420.

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Hospital team to hold Parkinson’s event at Harrogate hotel

An event for people affected by Parkinson’s Disease will be held at the Cedar Court Hotel in Harrogate on Wednesday, January 18. 

The event, the first of its kind to be organised by the Parkinson’s team from Harrogate District Hospital, will run from 4 till 6pm and is open to everyone with Parkinson’s, their relatives and their carers. 

Parkinson’s Disease is a brain disorder that typically causes involuntary movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Other symptoms can include depression, anxiety, insomnia, and memory problems. 

The event will feature a research update, a singing session and demonstration, artwork by people affected by Parkinson’s, interactive displays, and a chance to meet the hospital’s Parkinson’s team. 

Organiser Dr Rosaria Buccoliero, who is a consultant neurologist at the hospital, said:

“The importance of this event is for Parkinson’s patients to be part of a more extensive community and to feel being supported.  

“Our goal is to reinforce the relation between the hospital Parkinson’s service professionals, local Parkinsons’ groups, such as Parkinson’s UK and Dementia Forward, and Parkinson’s patients.” 

To book a place, call Christine on 01423 521064 or email john.sheepy@harrogateparkinsons.co.uk.

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Harrogate to host peace conference

A conference will take place in Harrogate on September 24 based around the themes of peace and demilitarisation.

It will happen from 10am to 6pm at Friends Meeting House on Queen Parade and has been organised by Harrogate Quakers and HUFUD (Humanity United for Universal Demilitarisation).

The wars in Ukraine and Yemen are expected to be touched upon and speakers will also discuss the environmental impact of war.

Speakers include Columbian human rights activist Angelo Cardona, Shan Oakes & Victoria Wild from Extinction Rebellion Harrogate, Martin Schweiger from Menwith Hill Accountability Campaign and artist and peace campaigner Shahina Jaffer.

It’s free to attend and for a full list of speakers click here.

The day will end at 6pm with a 30-minute peace concert by musicians from the Harrogate Philharmonic Orchestra and guests.

Paul Whitmore from Harrogate Quakers said:

“This will be a good conference to learn more about how the world and individuals are affected by militarism and what you can do to counteract it.”

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Harrogate to host Green Party conference this month

Over 1,000 Green Party members will be coming to Harrogate this month for the party’s autumn conference.

It will take place at Harrogate Convention Centre from September 30 to October 2.

The conference theme is ‘The pathway to a fairer, greener country’ and topics will include the climate emergency and the cost of living crisis.

The Greens last came to Harrogate for their autumn conference in 2017.

The party had a successful local elections in May, winning five seats on North Yorkshire County Council, including Arnold Warneken in Ouseburn.

Co-leaders Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay will be delivering a keynote speech at 2pm on the first day of the conference.

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Carnival to return to Harrogate this month

Carnival is set to take place in Harrogate this month with an international parade through the town centre and a celebration featuring music and dance in Valley Gardens.

The free, family-friendly festival will take place on Saturday, July 30 and will feature performers from Leeds West Indian Carnival, who will parade through Harrogate town centre joined by Houriat Belly Dancing, Sweep of Swallows kite puppets, Chinese dragon dancers, brass bands and more.

Following the morning parade, an all-day celebration will take place in Valley Gardens including street theatre, interactive workshops, international street food and two stages hosting music and dance performances.

The event, which was previously held in 2019, has been paid for by Harrogate Borough Council‘s tourism body, Destination Harrogate, and will be delivered by Harrogate International Festivals.

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John McGivern, destination events manager at Destination Harrogate, said:

“Carnival is an awesome family-friendly and multicultural event that both local residents and visitors can enjoy, and we’re delighted to be bringing it back to the Harrogate district this year.

“It feels like a great time to celebrate, not only a wonderful event, but with early signs from the recently released STEAM* and STR** figures suggesting a strong start to the summer season, we can look forward to this event also boosting the recovery of our visitor economy.

“Carnival helps to showcase the quality of the Harrogate district as a unique events destination, and we’re excited for our amazing summer continuing with this fantastic celebratory event.”

Sharon Canavar, chief executive, Harrogate International Festivals, said:

“After an incredibly tough couple of years for our community it is wonderful to be able to celebrate with a huge party and celebration in our beautiful open spaces. The Carnival is free for everyone to attend and celebrate the diversity, colours, costumes, sounds and flavours from the four quarters of the world, right here in Harrogate. With global music and dance stages, themed food zones, art and craft workshops and street theatre, this family-friendly day is a true party in every sense of the word.

“Think Rio in Rhododendrons, parade in the petunias, sounds in the sun colonnades, food in the flora and dancing in the dahlias, and you will begin to get a taste of what the day holds in store.”

Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Show on course for 140,000 sell-out

The Great Yorkshire Show could welcome 140,000 visitors next week, with tickets already sold out for Wednesday and Thursday.

The county’s showpiece agricultural event will take place over four days from Tuesday to Friday next week at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate.

In 2021, organisers capped the number of visitors at 104,000 and made the show a four-day event to spread out the number of visitors due to covid.

This year, the show is back to full strength and the last few tickets are available for Tuesday and Friday. Tickets are available here and won’t be sold at the gates.

As well as the usual animal shows, activities, stalls and competitions, Tuesday will see a royal visit from Princess Anne and a new GYS stage will welcome TV stars Matt Baker, Amanda Owen and Peter Wright.

Show director Charles Mills said:

“We have capacity for 140,000 visitors across the four days and there are no ticket sales on the gate so anyone who wants to come and enjoy the show needs to be buying their tickets as soon as possible.”

The Stray Ferret will be attending the show and will also be giving traffic updates from Wetherby Road and Harrogate town centre each morning.

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Big names in UK politics coming to Harrogate for conference

Some big names in UK politics including Michael Gove, Ed Davey, Nadim Zahawi and Lisa Nandy will be in Harrogate this week for the Local Government Association (LGA) conference.

The LGA is the national membership body for local authorities. At its annual conference, delegates debate issues affecting councils across the country such as housing, social care and the environment.

Mr Gove, who is secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities, will be giving the keynote address at the conference which takes place from June 28-30 at Harrogate Convention Centre.

Lisa Nandy, Labour’s shadow secretary of state, will also be speaking. As will Nadhim Zahawi, secretary of state for education and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey.

Jackie Weaver, who became an unlikely internet star of a viral parish council meeting during the covid pandemic, will also be in town to address delegates.

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Experts set to take centre stage at Harlow Carr Flower Show

Thousands of visitors will descend on Harrogate next weekend as the annual RHS Harlow Carr Flower Show takes place.

Running from Thursday, June 23 to Sunday, June 26, it will feature talks and demonstrations by gardening experts as well as stalls, displays and more.

Among those on the line-up is Martin Fish, the renowned horticultural writer, broadcaster and RHS judge, who will share advice from more than 30 years of gardening.

He will be joined by celebrity floral designer Jonathan Moseley, offering visitors inspiration and tips to create stunning cut flower displays.

The show will also feature live music as visitors explore the gardens.

Tickets for the event have sold out, but organisers said some last-minute cancellations may allow more to be released via the website.

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Your guide to Valley Gardens’ Fire and Light Experience, which starts tonight

Harrogate’s skies have been ablaze with long-awaited sunshine this week.

And the heat is set to continue when the ‘The Fire and Light Experience – a trail of blaze and brilliance through the Valley Gardens’ begins its three-day run tonight.

Sharon Canavar, chief executive of event organisers Harrogate International Festivals, told the Stray Ferret:

“We are so excited to be back to running events, especially something on this scale.

“It has been tremendously difficult for the last two years due to the many restrictions, but as we approach this weekend with the sun shining and flowers in bloom, to be producing something so special in the Vallely Gardens is really exciting!”

Here is a brief guide to the trail to help you enjoy Harrogate International Festivals’ first big event of the year.

Who is organising the event?

Harrogate International Festivals has teamed up with outdoor events company Culture Creative for the event, which is being part-funded by Harrogate Borough Council and Harrogate Business Improvement District.

What can I expect to see?

Visitors will be able to see “mythical creatures, fire performers and captivating displays of fire and light”, according to HIF. Harrogate — a destination famed for water — will bring “all the elements of nature alive; earth, air, water and fire in a spectacle of brilliance and blaze”.

Will it be similar to Cie Carabosse Fire Garden event in Valley Gardens in 2016? 

Ms Canavar said:

“Carabosse was an event in 2016 especially produced to celebrate our 50th Anniversary.

“Whilst this event does have some fiery spectacles, this is very much about celebrating nature around us with lights and flame and we’re thrilled to be working with a fantastic company called Culture Creative who create amazing arts installations from Blenheim and Kew to locations around the world.”

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When does it take place?

The event starts tonight and takes place over three evenings until Saturday, from 6.30pm until 10.30pm.

Where does it take place?

It takes place at the lower end of Harrogate’s Valley Gardens, with entrance to the event via the main access to the gardens, located by the Royal Pump Room Museum.

Will I still be able to access the Valley Gardens during the day?

HIF has taken a license of the Valley Gardens, so whilst people can wander through and see the build process throughout the day, each evening the lower area of Valley Gardens will be turned into a ticketed event space.

Are there still tickets available?

Most of the earlier time slots have gone, however there are tickets left for most of the later times.

How much are tickets? 

Tickets for the event are priced at £12 for adults, £6 for 5 to 16-year-olds, and under-fives go free. You can buy tickets here.

What type of footwear is suitable?

Visitors are advised to wear sturdy shoes, as the trail takes place on natural paths covering areas of uneven ground and variable terrain.

Can I take photographs?

Photographs are allowed and visitors are encouraged to share images on social media using the hashtag #HIFfireandlight.

Will there be refreshments available to purchase?

There is no food and drink available on site as it is hoped people will use the event as an opportunity to experience “the great food and drink” offer available across Harrogate.

Business park near Flaxby that could support 2,000 jobs approved

Ilkley-based property developer Opus North and Bridges Fund Management have been granted planning permission from Harrogate Borough Council to build a 600,000 square feet business park near Flaxby.

The business park will be called ‘Harrogate 47’ as it will be built close to junction 47 of the A1 (M). The developer believes it could support 2,000 jobs.

It’s allocated as the main strategic employment site in the council’s Harrogate district Local Plan and already has existing planning permission for more than half a million square feet of employment space.

The new plans include up to 130,000 sq ft of office accommodation, about 75,000 sq ft of tech starter units and approximately 430,000 sq ft for logistics and warehouses.

Ryan Unsworth, development director of Opus North, said:

“This development is key for the Harrogate and wider North Yorkshire economy due to its capacity to transform vacant land into office and industrial space for local, regional and national occupiers, and the vast job-creating potential it has.

“The delivery of Harrogate 47 will allow local companies to expand and grow within the region in addition to attracting inward investment into the district and we are delighted that its potential has been recognised through the positive planning outcome.”

Electric vehicle show comes to Harrogate

A global event that promotes clean energy and electric vehicles will come to Harrogate’s Yorkshire Event Centre in May 2023.

The event is called Fully Charged, the World’s no.1 Electric Vehicle and Clean Energy Show, and is expected to attract 10,000 visitors from May 19 to May 21.

The event will be hosted by Red Dwarf actor and YouTuber Robert Llewellyn.

There will be 120 exhibitors and visitors will be able to test drive some of the latest electric vehicles on sale in the UK.

Dan Caesar, joint chief executive of Fully Charged Live, said:

“Fully Charged Live has been a huge global success, and we are delighted to be bringing the show to the north of England at last. Harrogate is a great location, and the Yorkshire Event Centre, with its indoor and outdoor space, and its sustainability credentials, is a natural partner.”

(L to R) presenter Robert Llewellyn, Richard Moorhouse operations manager at the YEC, Dan Caesar, joint CEO of Fully Charged Live and Ben Chatburn sales manager at the YEC.

Grants of up to £100,000 available for Yorkshire social enterprises

The Social Enterprise Support Fund is now open for the second round of funding and will provide grants of between £10,000 and £100,000 for social enterprises that have been impacted by covid.

This follows the first round of applications in December that saw over 800 applications from enterprises across England, requesting grants worth over £37m.

The fund is available to social enterprises if most of their beneficiaries are in England, and their annual income has been between £20,000 and £1.8m in either of the last two financial years.

Sheffield-based Key Fund supports social enterprises across Yorkshire. Its chief executive, Matt Smith, said:

“The UK’s social enterprises have been at the heart of community survival and recovery during the pandemic. In a post-covid world, where the inequalities within society are even starker, the work of these organisations will be needed more than ever.

“This grant funding has already proven to be a lifeline to many social enterprises and the communities they work in, and so we welcome this second round of financial support.”

Matt Smith, CEO of Key Fund