Knaresborough will host a series of events to celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee in June, including a light beacon at the castle, an artisan market, a tea dance, a thanksgiving service and street parties.

Under the auspices of Knaresborough Town Council, a working group, chaired by Councillor Hannah Gostlow and including representatives from the Rotary, the Lions, chamber of trade, Christians Together, Civic Society, Knaresborough Business Collective, the Royal British Legion and Knaresborough in Bloom is preparing a programme of events.

It’s hoped the town will be decked out in flags and bunting over the weekend of June 2-5 to mark the royal milestone.

What’s on

Starting on Thursday June 2, Knaresborough will light a beacon on the top of the castle, along with 1,500 locations across the UK.

On Saturday June 4 at Knaresborough House, there will be an artisan market in the morning followed in the afternoon by a community garden party and performances event. There will also be a tea dance at St Mary’s Church Hall.

On Sunday June 5  organisers hope to hold a thanksgiving service at a yet-to-be-confirmed location. Sunday is also set aside for street parties.

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Throughout the weekend the new Knaresborough Museum will open in the former Castle Girls’ School with a special community history event to mark the jubilee.

The organisers are appealing for memorabilia connected with the Queen’s reign. Email info@knaresboroughtownmuseum.org if you can help.

Entertainers wanted

The working group also wants to hear from individuals and organisations about their plans and offers of help for the celebrations. Musicians and entertainers are needed for a garden party event. Email office@knaresboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk for more.

The Mayor of Knaresborough, Cllr Christine Willoughby, said

“I am delighted that Knaresborough will be joining in the national celebrations of the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

I will be assisting with the beacon lighting, and I thank all the organisations in the town who are working together to create a truly memorable jubilee holiday for everyone in Knaresborough”.

The new owners of The Old Deanery are set to be the first couple to have their wedding at the venue after completing the first phase of a major refurbishment.

It is a new chapter for the Grade II* listed mansion. The venue has sat in the shadow of Ripon Cathedral since it was built in 1625.

Chris Layton and Rebecca Hill, who also own the Galtres Lodge Hotel in York, took on the business in August 2021.

The previous owners closed the business in June 2020 due to coronavirus. That closure came as a major blow for the city with countless memories attached to the building.

Where couples will have their wedding breakfast. Photo: Tim Hardy

So with news of new owners came a lot of interest from locals curious about Chris and Rebecca’s plan for the place.

While they are open-minded about how The Old Deanery will operate in future, they have put the restaurant and hotel side of the business on hold to focus on weddings and events.

The new owners have been busy refurbishing and redecorating the venue since they took it on last summer.

Read more:

• Building a £117m business in Ripon over 40 years
• North Stainley school’s fundraising 10K race to return next month
• New owners unveil Minskip pub’s fresh look

The Old Deanery will look quite different to how people remember the venue. The couple have brought out the original features of the building where they can and opted for a more neutral colour palette.

A new look for The Old Deanery.

Mr Layton and Ms Hill told the Stray Ferret:

“We do most of the work ourselves so we don’t have to decide on a vision for the place straight away and it evolves naturally. In a way the place tells you what it wants.

“By no means is the renovation over. We are looking at orangeries, oak garages for the drive and a library. All of the things that would have gone with a big stately home.

“We want this to be part of the community. That is why we are opening as more of an events venue than a hotel.”

Lewis Carroll was apparently inspired to write Alice in Wonderland during his time in the garden here.

The first wedding at the new Old Deanery

It is now ready for its first wedding of the new era later this month — which just so happens to be the wedding of Mr Layton and Ms Hill. Rebecca added:

“We have been engaged a while. With a big chunk of coronavirus in the middle you can forget how much time has passed.

“Chris wanted to get married in our own place but our venue in York was too small.

“We only decided before Christmas to get married here so we didn’t have long to plan it but everybody we wanted just happened to be available. It all just fell into place when we found The Old Deanery.”

A major redevelopment of Harrogate Convention Centre could get underway in October after councillors backed spending £2.8 million of cash reserves to speed up the first phase of works.

Members of Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet last night agreed to the spend after warnings that the local economy could miss out on up to £14.9 million through cancelled events unless the centre’s studio two gets an upgrade sooner than originally planned.

The works would see the creation of flexible events space for up to 1,200 people, which centre director Paula Lorimer said was the most crucial part of all the plans.

She told last night’s meeting: 

“The convention centre has an auditorium with a capacity of just under 2,000, but it only has breakout space for 560 delegates.

“This in my opinion is one of the biggest reasons why we have not been able to attract some of the larger conferences.

“The studio two package is a game changer for the convention centre – and it is also a crucial part of the redevelopment to rebuild confidence in our venue.”

Read more:

• No final decision on HCC investment until 2022, says council
• Harrogate Convention Centre boss warns big events ‘at risk’ unless £47m refurbishment is accelerated
• Harrogate Convention Centre re-development to be speeded up over £475,000 loss fears

If approved by all councillors, a competitive tender process would be launched under the next stage of the studio two works, which could be completed by February 2023.

Overall, the full redevelopment plans could cost up to £47 million and involve three exhibition halls being demolished to make way for a new 5,000 square metre hall and a refurbished auditorium.

The proposals were first revealed last year when the council said the 40-year-old centre was in “critical need” of an upgrade to keep its national appeal and that without investment its maintenance costs could reach £19 million over the next two decades.

A decision on the whole project is expected from councillors in summer.

Centre unable to attract ‘large and lucrative’ events

The studio two works are being accelerated after Ms Lorimer said the centre had been unable to attract “large and lucrative” events due to competition from more modern conference venues elsewhere in the country.

She said events are planned at least 18 months in advance and that without an upgraded studio two, the centre could lose £1.1 million in lettings revenue in the coming years with businesses also missing out on an economic impact of £14.9 million from the venue.

Cllr Richard Cooper, leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said he supported the plans because of the wider economic impact.

He told last night’s meeting: 

“Nearly everybody in the Harrogate district knows somebody or have themselves worked in the hospitality and tourism industry.

“That to me always underlines the critical importance of the convention centre to our local economy.”

Boroughbridge is set to mark the 700th anniversary of a historic battle in the town with a major programme of events.

Battlefield tours and medieval weapons demonstrations will form part of the commemorations for the Battle of Boroughbridge, which took place on March 16, 1322.

The battle, between Edward II and his cousin the Earl of Lancaster, who was in collusion with the Scots, featured several thousand soldiers. The majority supported the king.

A small army of retreating rebels under Lancaster’s control attempted to negotiate a truce but when this failed a one-sided battle resulted in the surrender and subsequent execution of Lancaster.

Thirty of Lancaster’s followers were executed, including Roger de Clifford, Second Lord of Skipton, who was hung from Clifford’s Tower in York, which now bears his name.

The bridge at Boroughbridge, which is believed to be more or less in the same place as the medieval one where part of the battle took place.

The battle raged around a timber bridge crossing the River Ure and a ford, believed to be to the east of the present town, possibly in the Milby area.

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This year’s programme will begin with a wreath-laying ceremony at the battle cross in Aldborough at 9.30am on Saturday, March 12.

The battle cross at Aldborough 

Later that day the 3 Swords Medieval Group will demonstrate weaponry skills and armour on the shared community space behind Boroughbridge car park.

The Battlefields Trust and Boroughbridge Historical Society will lead tours and battle exhibitions.

A new series of medieval artwork will be incorporated into display boards and leaflets for a permanent battlefield trail.

Further commemorative events to mark the anniversary will take place throughout the year.

Did you know that the Stray Ferret has teamed up with Harrogate Historian Malcolm Neesam to produce audio walking tours of Harrogate? The walks are sponsored by the Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID) and take you back to the Golden Age of the Harrogate Spa and a walk through the Commercial Heart of Harrogate.  

Why not take a walk back in time and learn about Harrogate’s glorious past.. They’re easy to do and a great day out. For more information click here. 

Christmas is coming to the Harrogate district. The Stray Ferret has compiled a list of events from across the district so you don’t have to miss out on any festive fun.

Whether you want to meet Santa himself, visit a Christmas market or enjoy an evening of late-night shopping in Boroughbridge this list will tell you where to go.

The list runs in date order. We’ll be updating and re-posting it every day. If you want us to add an event get in touch at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

Harrogate Father Christmas Experience

Where: The Crown Hotel, Harrogate

When: Between November 20 and December 24 (check for dates and times)

Tickets: Adults £9.50 and children (under 18) £12, plus a £1.75 booking fee

Knaresborough Christmas Tree Festival

Where: St John’s Church Knaresborough

When: Saturday, December 4 until December 23 

Church opening times: 12-5pm weekdays, 10-5pm Saturday and 1.30-5pm Sunday

Tickets: Free. No tickets are required but weekends are likely to be very busy and numbers in church will be limited. A one way system will be in operation and visitors may be required to queue outside the building

Washburn Heritage Centre Christmas Stall- RESCHEDULED

The Christmas market was initially planned for December 27 but was cancelled due to the bad weather. A Christmas Market stall has now been set up in the Tea Room.

Where: Washburn Heritage Centre

When: 11am to 4pm every Sunday from December 5

Tickets: Free to enter

Mackenzies Late Night Shopping

Where: Mackenzies Farm Shop and Café

When: 5pm to 7pm on Thursday, December 16

Tickets: Free to enter

Knaresborough’s Christmas Carol Pub Sing

Where: Half Moon Inn, Knaresborough

When: 3pm to 5pm on Sunday, December 19

Tickets: Free to enter

Mayor’s Christmas Carol Concert

Where: Royal Hall, Harrogate

When: 6pm on Thursday, December 23

Tickets: Free to enter but must be booked in advance via this link

The director of Harrogate Convention Centre has warned the venue and local economy will miss out on big events unless plans for a major refurbishment are accelerated.

Paula Lorimer said upgrading the centre’s studio two needed to be made a priority as it would be a “game changer”.

Speaking at a meeting of Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet on Wednesday, she said this part of the centre currently has limited “breakout” space and that this has meant it has been unable to attract “larger and more lucrative” events.

Ms Lorimer said:

“We are lucky to have one of the largest and most gorgeous auditoriums in the country with just over 1,900 seats, but we only have breakout space for 570 people.

“These larger conference rooms that we are hoping to have in studio two will mean we will attract much larger conferences.

“We therefore believe there is a very strong case to accelerate this part of the project.”

The project has yet to receive a final go-ahead from councillors and could cost up to £47m over three phases if approved.

Read more:

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It was revealed at this week’s meeting that the plans have already been delayed due to the covid pandemic, with a report warning that this could have an impact on contracted and potential events booked from April 2023 onwards.

‘Important event’ coming to Harrogate

It also said there is an “important event” planned for early 2023 which will require the works on studio two to be completed, however, the council said it was unable to confirm the details as it is not a public event.

The report added:

“If the studio two package is not ready by April 2023, the potential negative impact on the Harrogate Convention Centre order book would be significant.

“It is highly likely that the newly contracted events for the period 2023/24 would be lost.

“It also runs the risk of not being able to bid for these conferences again until post 2025.”

The plans were first revealed in July last year when the council said the 40-year-old centre was in “critical need” of an upgrade to keep its national appeal and that without investment its maintenance costs could reach £19m over the next two decades.

150,000 visitors a year

It was estimated before the pandemic that the centre attracted more than 150,000 visitors a year with an annual economic impact of £35m.

However, covid has now raised questions over how quickly the industry can bounce back to pre-pandemic levels and what risks this could mean for the potential £47m redevelopment.

A final decision on the project will be made by councillors next year and the council has yet to put forward any funding proposals, although it said a business case would play a key part in supporting bids for government cash.

It was agreed at yesterday’s meeting that a further report would be brought back to cabinet to decide whether the works on studio two should be accelerated.

It was also agreed that further design and feasibility works are continued.

Other plans as part of the project could involve three exhibition halls being demolished to make way for a new 5,000 sq m hall and a refurbished auditorium.
Around £20m would be needed to complete a first phase of redevelopment, with another phase later.

There are travel warnings and cancelled events as the district braces itself for Storm Arwen.

The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for wind in the North East, where there is danger to life as a result of flying debris expected from 3pm until 2am tomorrow.

Here in the Harrogate district the area is covered by a yellow warning for both wind and snow from 5pm today until tomorrow around 10am.

3.30pm – Brimham Rocks closed tomorrow

The National Trust has announced Brimham Rocks will be closed to visitors tomorrow due to the storm.

2.53pm – Rail passengers encouraged to postpone journeys

2.35pm – Only travel if necessary, says county council

North Yorkshire County Council has urged drivers only to travel if necessary as Storm Arwen approaches.

The storm is expected to bring strong winds and the possibility of sleet turning into snow on higher ground.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at the county council, said:

“All our NY Highways teams are in place and will be able to respond to any conditions that arise over the weekend. In addition, the 100 farming contractors that support our winter highways operation are primed to help if required, particularly if the strong winds exacerbate any impact of snow through drifting.

“We would ask anyone planning to travel to consider whether their journey is absolutely necessary. If they do need to travel, they should be alert to the conditions, drive accordingly and leave extra time for their journey.

“High winds can affect vehicle handling, so drivers need to adjust their driving by slowing down and being careful when passing high-sided vehicles on exposed roads. They should also give extra space to cyclists and motorcyclists when overtaking. Drivers should make sure their vehicles are prepared for winter.”

1.50pm – Harrogate Christmas rides may not be running

The Christmas attractions in Harrogate may not be running this weekend due to forecasted heavy winds.

Harrogate Borough Council said today that the ferris wheel, carousel and helter-skelter could be put on hold while Storm Arwen moves through the area.

A spokesperson added that the situation will be monitored over the next couple of days.

The Helter Skelter next to the war memorial in Harrogate town centre.

1.30pm – Emergency services issue safety advice

North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have issued safety advice for residents in light of Storm Arwen.

Both have warned people to be careful if residents are out and about and to secure anything in the garden.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said:

• Don’t lose your trampoline down the street! We often get calls in relation to unsecured trampolines ending up in neighbour’s gardens or on nearby streets so please keep yours fastened down.
• Put garden furniture in storage or ensure it is secured so it doesn’t blow away or get damaged.
• Take care if you’re driving or walking anywhere as high winds could mean falling trees and debris.
• If you’re by the coast don’t be tempted to get close to sea walls and remember if you see someone in trouble in the water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you’re at the coast or the fire service if you’re inland.

North Yorkshire Police added:

• When you’re driving or walking, please be vigilant for falling debris.
• Check before you travel for any road closures or updates.
• If you’re by the coast, don’t be tempted to get close to sea walls.
• If you see someone in trouble in the water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard or the fire service if you are inland.
• If you see a fallen tree or any other debris which is causing a road obstruction, here’s what to do:
  • If the obstruction poses an immediate danger on a busy road then call us on 999
  • If the obstruction does not pose an immediate danger, call the council and ask for the highways department
  • Please don’t put yourself in danger by trying to remove road debris on a busy road

12.45pm – Yellow warning for Harrogate district

A yellow weather warning for wind remains in place for tomorrow across the Harrogate district.

Storm Arwen is also predicted to bring cold temperatures with the possibility of sleet and snow over some lower ground although it is likely to be short-lived.

The Met Office has issued the following advice as to what to expect with a yellow warning:

• Flying debris is likely and could lead to Injuries or danger to life
• Probably damage to trees, temporary structures and buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
• Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected
• Some roads and bridges likely to close
• There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

12.40pm – Mother Shipton’s set to close

Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough has also decided to close due to the forecasted high winds and snow tomorrow.

The attraction Tweeted today to say it is set in ancient woodland so is unable to open under the expected weather conditions.

A spokesperson said:

“We have had to make the difficult decision to close on Saturday 27th November 2021 due to amber weather warnings for wind.

“The attraction is set in ancient woodland and we cannot safely open during these conditions. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

12pm – Fountains Abbey closes estate to visitors

The National Trust has announced that the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal estate will be closed to visitors tomorrow.

It means that the music and lights event planned for between 2pm and 5pm, when the abbey would have been aglow in coloured lights with festive music playing, will not go ahead.

The team at Fountains Abbey has said it hopes to be able to reopen again on Sunday when the storm has passed.

A spokesperson for the National Trust said:

“Storm Arwen is making a gale force visit to Fountains tomorrow and to keep everyone safe the estate will be closed on Saturday.

“This includes Studley deer park as well as the abbey, water garden, visitor centre and car parks.

“We’re so sorry to disappoint anyone who was planning a visit and hope you’ll be able to come again another day.

“Fingers crossed we’ll be open as usual on Sunday but please do check our website and social media channels before you set off for the most up-to-date information.”

From comedy at Harrogate Cricket Club, to pig-themed scarecrows at Ripley or a family-friendly festival at Stockeld Park, here are the best activities on offer over this three-day weekend: 

Music and culture

Leeds Festival, Wetherby

Festivals are back with a bang, and Leeds Festival is once again set to take over Bramham Park, near Wetherby. Almost 90,000 people are expected at Bramham for the three-day event, which starts on Friday and is headlined this year by the likes of Liam Gallagher, Biffy Clyro and Stormzy. This year new format will see two main stages instead of the previous one. Friday to Monday, leedsfestival.com

Stockeld Rox, Wetherby

Family-friendly festivals have surged in popularity over the years, so Stockeld Park’s family tribute festival is sure to get parents and children singing along and dancing to the likes of Madonna, Jessie J, Rita Ora and Take That. Pizzas, snacks and drinks, including a full bar will be available. Each evening will end with a spectacular firework finale. All ticket holders will now also get free access to the adventure park from 3.30pm to 6pm to enjoy the attraction before the event. Sunday and Monday, tickets from £14, stockeldpark.co.uk

Stockeld Park is holding Stockeld Rox, a family-friendly tribute music festival.

Silly Point Comedy, Harrogate 

Balcony Bar at Harrogate Cricket Club has teamed up with Sitting Room Comedy to bring a night full of much-needed laughs. The outdoor show features award winning comedians: Chris Washington, Steve Day, Andrew Bird and MC Matt Stellingwerf. Sunday, tickets £12, sittingroomcomedy.com

Our Gate, Harrogate 

For those interested in a theatrical experience with a difference, Our Gate is an immersive community play with Harrogate and its citizens at its core. The show travels between indoor and outdoor locations through the town, rather than being fixed on stage like a traditional theatre show, with the audience at the centre of the action. Friday to Sunday, tickets from £18, harrogatetheatre.co.uk

Food and drink

Harrogate Food and Drink Festival, Harrogate

The Harrogate Food and Drink Festival is returning to Ripley Castle, with a huge selection of food, drink, independent traders and family entertainment. The dog-friendly event follows on from the previous sell-out festival held on The Stray in June and also features live bands, chef demos and art. Saturday to Monday, tickets £2.95 for under 16s and £6.98 for adults, under 5s free, harrogatefoodfestival.com 

Harrogate Food and Drink Festival is back – this time at Ripley Castle.

Malton Food Lovers Festival, Malton

Further afield, the quaint market town of Malton considers itself the food capital of the North, and this family-friendly festival is a huge hit with locals as well as tourists, who flock from all over the country to eat and drink local produce, listen to music and enjoy foodie talks. Saturday-Monday, free entry, visitmalton.com

Read more:

• What’s On across the district?
• Ripon to host another weekend of free family entertainment

Attractions

Fireworks Championships, Ripon

A dazzling night of fireworks at Newby Hall and Gardens, which sees three teams create stunning displays choreographed to music and the audience voting for a winner on the night via SMS. The event also includes a final display by the organisers to round off the night. Watch from a picnic rug or camping chair against the stunning backdrop of 17th century house and its impressive grounds. Saturday, fireworkchampions.co.uk

Mamma Mia! Harewood

This is the first time that the original Mamma Mia! stage show has been performed in the open-air and the Bank Holiday weekend is the last chance to catch this unique production, set in the grounds of Harewood House. Friday to Monday, tickets from £39.50, mamma-mia.com/harewood-house

Outdoor Cinema, Bedale

Outdoor Cinema at Thorp Perrow Arboretum.

Free events

Wath Street Fair, Ripon

Wath’s main street will be filled with stalls, a Pimms and prosecco stand and a children’s treasure hunt. Other attractions include a bouncy castle, a brass band and a dog show, while teas will also be available in the village’s Samwaies Hall. Saturday, Free entry, funds raised go to St Mary’s Church.

Ripley Scarecrow Pigfest, Harrogate

Organised by Karen Evans for the last 21 years – with one year off in 2020 due to Covid19 – the scarecrow trail was originally started in 2001 to encourage visitors back to the countryside after the foot and mouth crisis and has a fun take on the traditional scarecrow hunt. The Scarecrows are inspired by the story of Thomas de Ingilby, an ancestor of Sir Thomas Inglby of Ripley Castle, who saved King Edward III from a wild boar attack in 1355 and whose crest (the boar’s head) is the emblem of Ripley village. All the scarecrows have pigs heads and pig names such as Boarglar Bill, Pigmaylion, Porkupine, Thumboarlina and the Statue of Liboarty. Competition sheets cost £4 and list the names of the scarecrows. Each scarecrow has a number and the idea is to match the name to the number. Those who get them all correct are entered into a hat, with the winners drawn at random. A great family day out and a good excuse for a Ripley ice cream! Friday to Monday, ripleyscarecrowpigfest.co.uk

A free weekend of entertainment on the Market Square, Ripon

The August Bank Holiday weekend will see the return of fairground rides and a climbing wall. The event-staged by Ripon City Council follows the Yorkshire Day weekend, that brought hundreds of people to the city centre. There will be musical entertainment from 7pm on Saturday, featuring three tribute acts singing a selection of chart-topping hits from the best-known boy bands, Paloma Faith and ABBA. On Sunday Market Square will host another Little Bird Artisan Market. Open from 10am until 3pm, it will again include stalls selling goods ranging from food to home furnishings, produced by local and Yorkshire-based traders. Saturday and Sunday.

Families gather in Ripon Market Square.

Harrogate Car Enthusiasts Motor Show and Family Fun Day, Harrogate 

With everything from super cars to classic cars and “boy racer” cars, Harrogate Car Enthusiasts is hosting its fifth charity Motor Show and Family Fun Day in aid of Yorkshire Air Ambulance at a brand new venue – Harrogate Rugby Club. More than 250 vehicles, including tractors and motorbikes, are set to go on display and there will also be a variety of stalls and children’s entertainment, including a bouncy castle and rides. Monday.

Water Trail, Harrogate

Harrogate Mumbler has teamed up with the Harrogate BID to celebrate Harrogate’s most famous export… water. The Water Trail has two different challenges for families to enjoy – firstly finding the 20 water-themed pictures and secondly answering 20 Harrogate trivia questions. There are four different trails in total and participants have to simply spot the water-themed image in participating retailer’s windows. There is a prize for everyone who completes a trail. Until Sunday, September 5th, harrogate.mumbler.co.uk

The Harrogate Water Trail is a free activity for families.

Ripon’s Old Deanery Hotel is to reopen with a focus on wedding receptions and events.

The historic property, which neighbours and is owned by Ripon Cathedral, closed in March after months of lockdown due to covid.

Now it is being prepared for reopening by new occupiers Layton Hill Hotels Ltd, which operates the Galtres Lodge Hotel close to York Minster in the city’s Low Petergate.

The company was formed in May 2018 by Christopher Layton and Rebecca Hill.

In a social media post announcing their plans for the iconic Grade II listed building, Ms Hill said:

“We’re going to run it as wedding/events venue.

“It has 11 bedrooms, a huge lawn and loads of public rooms – restaurant, function rooms, reception rooms etc.

“Seems we like cathedral cities and the Old Deanery is opposite the beautiful Ripon Cathedral.”

Having obtained the keys for the property, the two Layton Hill directors are organising a deep clean in readiness for an opening date that will be announced later.

Refurbishment work in progress at the Spa Hotel

Across Ripon, refurbishment work has begun at the Spa Hotel, which was purchased in June by The Inn Collection Group.

Headquartered in Northumberland, the group now owns four sites in Yorkshire in a portfolio of 24 locations across the north of England.

The company says that the Spa Hotel:

“Will remain closed while a major but sympathetic refurbishment is carried out to enhance and repurpose the venue and bring it in line with The Inn Collection Group’s award-winning ‘Eat, Drink, Sleep and Explore’ brand.”

Read more:

• Civic society display focuses on Ripon’s Spa Quarter
• What’s coming soon to Ripon’s high street?
• The Old Deanery in Ripon goes back on the market

Sean Donkin, managing director of The Inn Collection Group, said:

“The Ripon Spa is a fantastic addition to our portfolio of properties. It has huge potential which we have an exciting vision to realise. We’re looking forward to starting that journey while expanding the group’s footprint in Yorkshire.

“The Inn Collection Group excels at revitalising classic, landmark sites like The Ripon Spa and realising their full potential with significant capital spend, detailed planning and care to retain the unique, historic character of landmark sites such as this.”

In a third boost to the city’s economy, café-bar-restaurant operator The Loungers Group has confirmed that its Claro Lounge, currently being fitted out on Market Square South, will open on September 15.

This article is sponsored by Sounds in the Grounds.

Three spectacular concerts are headed for the stunning grounds of Ripley Castle on 20-22 August.

Audiences can enjoy an evening of internationally renowned tribute performances from their own designated picnic patch – for two, four or six people – which will be socially distanced from others but close enough to share the fun.

What’s more, the patches are pre-distributed – so there’s no need to arrive hours early to mark your spot, only to have someone stand in front of you at the last moment. Tickets start from the equivalent of £29.50 per person when you buy your patch.

The Definitive Rat Pack and One Night of Tina

Sounds in the Grounds at Ripley Castle features three concerts:

• Friday 20 August: The Definitive Rat Pack featuring an uncannily accurate recreation of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr in a sublime evening of swing;
• Saturday 21 August: A spectacular rock ‘n’ rollercoaster ride through four decades of the legendary Tina Turner’s greatest hits in One Night of Tina;
• Sunday 22 August: Killer Queen, who recreate the iconic songs and showmanship of one of the greatest ever rock bands with such electrifying precision audiences may wonder if they’re back in the 80s at a real Queen performance.

Glastonbury favourite The New York Brass Band will get all three parties started as the support act to each concert, performing a different repertoire every night – from jazz to 80s to current hits.

Killer Queen and The New York Brass Band

Audiences are advised to bring their own chairs and picnics, or purchase food and drink on site from one of the vendors – including the Yorkshire Bus Bar.

Organiser James Cundall said:

“I’m delighted that after the success of Sounds in the Grounds last summer, we are back! These picnic concerts are a great opportunity to get together and enjoy a fun night of live music in a stunning setting in a socially distanced way. From the glorious iconic songs of Sinatra to the rock classics of Tina Turner and Queen, I hope we have something for everyone.”

“Importantly it’s an opportunity for both musicians and crew to showcase their talent again after months of inactivity during these difficult times.”

“Our picnic patch concept enables patrons to pre-book their own designated space, thereby eliminating that mad scramble for the best site which often mars an outdoor concert! Our audiences can turn up when it suits them and know they will have a safe and fun evening.”

Get your tickets here.