Find it all a little too overhyped and mushy? If you are looking for something different to the dozen red roses and dinner out this Valentine’s week, there are events happening in the Harrogate district that may be an option for you and your loved one.
Whether you’re into the supernatural, a night at the Opera or just an evening of laughter, here are four ideas for an interesting, if less romantic, night out.
My Bloody Valentine – Ouija Event
If you really are anti-Valentine’s and seeking something sinister this year, Paul Forster and Dead Northern’s séance may be an option.
The event will take place on the rooftop of the Yorkshire Hotel in Harrogate on Saturday 11 February, from 7pm – 10pm.
Organisers say guests can expect “a cross between an interactive séance and a psychological spook show”. There will be a Ouija board present at the event – some may even attempt to connect with spirits passed.
Tickets include entry to the event and a hot meal in the intermission.
Guests are invited to bring a personal item with them to add value to their experience.
Ticket prices start at £33.30.
For more information, click here.
Four Weddings and a Murder
Keeping in line with the darker side of love, an immersive murder mystery event, Four Weddings and a Murder, will take place at Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate.
The event will run from 7.30pm – 10.30pm on Friday 24 February.
Guests join a group of friends celebrating a wedding, during which a murder takes place. The audience are invited to help solve the murder before it’s too late.
The night includes a three-course meal. Guests can also upgrade their tickets to include an overnight stay in the hotel with breakfast the following morning.
Tickets for the event start from £51.
Find more information here.
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Royal Opera House Live: The Barber of Seville
On a slightly more romantic note, if culture is what you are looking for this Valentine’s, Everyman Cinema is hosting a live stream of the Royal Opera House’s adaptation of “The Barber of Seville”.
The Everyman Cinema is located in the centre of Harrogate.
The Italian comic opera tells the story of a young girl, Rosina. After falling in love with a mysterious suitor, Rosina must use her cunning wit and disguises to outsmart her calculated guardian.
The live stream will take place on Wednesday 15 February at 6.45pm.
Click here for more information.
Harrogate Theatre: Bouncers
Budding thespians might fancy a trip to the local theatre this Valentine’s. John Godber Company presents “Bouncers” at Harrogate Theatre.
The play will run from 13-15 February, with both evening and matinee performances.
The play follows four friends reliving a night in a Yorkshire disco in the 1980’s. Guests can expect all aspects of the night out on stage, including the DJ and even a fish & chip van.
Tickets for the play start at £18.
Find more information here.
Harrogate restaurant to do takeaways only due to staffing issues
Yo Sushi in Harrogate has closed its dining area and will only be open for takeaways ‘until further notice’.
The Albert Street chain sells Japanese food on a conveyor belt, opening in 2016 along with the Everyman Cinema.
But a notice has gone up in its window that says the restaurant will be trading takeaway food for the time being.
The Stray Ferret asked a Yo Sushi team member who said the move is likely to last until the end of the month and was due to staffing problems.
Harrogate’s hospitality businesses have faced well-documented problems hiring staff over the past couple of years, with Brexit, high living costs and low pay all previously blamed for the crisis.
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Harrogate film to have UK premiere at Everyman cinema
An independent movie created by a young filmmaker from Harrogate will have its UK premiere at the Everyman cinema later this month.
Created on a low budget, Cardboard Fort is a coming of age movie that follows the story of secondary school student Charlie.
The film, which has been directed by Sam Hartshorn, pays tribute to the borough of Harrogate and celebrates the town’s creative talent. It’s due to be shown at the Everyman on April 23.
One of the central characters, Dom, is played by a student from Harrogate Grammar School, and was found by Mr. Hartshorn through a local school performance of Les Misérables.
Regional musicians are also included, with music from Hope & Social, The Superlatives, and Ben Snowden.
It first premiered in Texas at the Austin Film Festival alongside big-budget movies such as Spencer and C’Mon C’Mon.
Sam Hartshorn (left) director, with Thomas Sandler (right) director of photography on Cardboard Fort
Sam Hartshorn, director of the film, said:
“I’m immensely proud of the film. It’s certainly rough around the edges as we shot it for peanuts in an incredibly short period of time.
“As debut features go, I think we’ve created an entertaining comedy that successfully captures how much fun was had behind the camera during production. I’m indebted to all the actors, supporting artists, crew members and post-production team.”
Cardboard Fort received praise from Shane Black, the director behind Lethal Weapon, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Iron Man 3.
Tickets can be purchased online at the Eventbrite website.
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Harrogate charities host care recruitment event today
Two Harrogate charities have joined forces to host a care recruitment event in Harrogate town centre today.
Staff from Disability Action Yorkshire and The Avalon Group will be answering questions at the Everyman Cinema from 11am until 1:30pm, discussing the work they do and the roles currently available.
The recruitment drive comes as North Yorkshire suffers from a shortage of care workers, with over 1,000 estimated vacancies in the sector across the county on any given day.
Disability Action North Yorkshire operates a care home on Claro Road in Harrogate and has a training centre in Hornbeam Park, providing services for disabled people to live their lives fully.
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Jackie Snape, Disability Action Yorkshire’s chief executive said:
“As two Harrogate-based charities operating in similar fields, we’ve decided to partner for this social care recruitment event.
“For those considering a career in social care, this will be an ideal opportunity to find out about the importance of this sector, what we as individual charities do, and the jobs that are currently available.”
The Avalon Group works across the north of England to support anyone who needs additional care and support, including those with dementia, learning or physical disabilities, mental health difficulties and more.