Giant public artwork coming to the Stray remembers NHS covid dead

A huge art installation that commemorates NHS staff and care workers who died from covid will come to West Park Stray in Harrogate this month.

In Memoriam measures 36 metres in diameter and features more than 100 flags made from hospital bed sheets arranged in the form of a medical symbol.

It’s been designed by award-winning artist Luke Jerram and will be on the Stray from May 28 until June 7 before being transported to Edinburgh, Fleetwood and Weston-super-Mare.

Work installing it on the Stray will begin on May 24.

In Memoriam will be the first in a series of installations and events delivered in the months ahead by Harrogate International Festivals, which this year celebrates its 55th anniversary.

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Sharon Canavar, Harrogate International Festivals chief executive, said

“Two years ago, we were lucky enough to bring Luke’s Museum of the Moon to St Wilfrid’s Church, which was one of the highlights of that summer’s international festival, and was visited by more than 10,000 people.

“As an arts charity delivering festivals and events, we were first to close and will be the last to open, but we can’t just open the doors on our venues and go straight back to normal.

“We wanted to create something unique in Harrogate that acknowledged the last year whilst allowing us to create a safe, outdoor event for the town.

“We don’t want people to just look at In Memoriam from afar, we want people to experience it; we want individuals, families and friends to walk into the heart of it; we want them to sit under the flags and quietly reflect the events of the last 15 months.”

In Memoriam is being supported by Hornbeam Park, Harrogate BID, and Swainsons Funeral Directors.

Longlist revealed for Harrogate’s top crime-writing prize

Ian Rankin and Mark Billingham are among those on today’s longlist for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year award.

Organised by Harrogate International Festivals, the award is widely regarded as the most prestigious in crime fiction.

This year’s 18-person longlist transports readers around the world from California to Sweden and Calcutta to a remote Irish island and explores every subgenre from Scandi noir to murderous families.

The line-up of returning champions is led by crime fiction titan Ian Rankin, who has received a nod for his A Song for The Dark Times, Mark Billingham, hoping for a third win with his Cry Baby, and Steve Cavanagh looking to beat the competition with Fifty Fifty.

Elly Griffiths has received her seventh nomination for The Lantern Men.

New names include Lucy Foley with her number one Sunday Times Best Seller ‘The Guest List’ and Chris Whitaker with ‘We Begin at The End’.

The winner of the awards, which are being held for the 17th year, will be announced on July 22 at the opening evening of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival.

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People can vote for the winner here.

The longlist was selected by an academy of crime writing authors, agents, editors, reviewers and members of the Theakston Old Peculier crime writing festival programming committee. Representatives from sponsors T&R Theakston Ltd, the Express, and WHSmith also took part.

The winner receives £3,000 and a handmade, engraved beer barrel from Theakston Old Peculier.

The full longlist for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2021 is:

Harrogate International Festivals appoints successor to Dame Fanny

Harrogate International Festivals has named Peter Blackburn, the former chairman and chief executive of Nestle UK, as its new honorary president.

Mr Blackburn joined the charity as a trustee in 2003 and went on to serve as chairman for a decade.

He will take on the title of honorary president following the death of Dame Fanny Waterman in December.

Dame Fanny

Dame Fanny, who died at the age of 100.

The charity is known for hosting big names and events but in the past year many of these have had to be moved online.

The charity is celebrating its 55th birthday this year and hopes soon to be holding big live events again, such as the Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival.

Mr Blackburn said:

“It an absolute pleasure and honour to accept the role of Harrogate International Festivals president. My association with this wonderful arts charity goes back many years and even now the team never fails to surprise me with their inventiveness.

“The last 12 months has been particularly hard on the charity sector and those organisations in the events sector. However, the HIF team’s ingenuity, vision and creativity has meant that on more occasions than not, the ‘show has gone on’, digitally rather than in person.”

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Born and raised in Yorkshire, Mr Blackburn has held a number of high ranking posts in various food companies.

After qualifying as a chartered accountant in Bradford, his career was in the food industry, starting at Mackintosh’s, which merged with Rowntrees in 1969, becoming a director in 1982.

After the acquisition of Rowntree by Nestlé in June 1988, he became chairman and chief executive of Nestlé UK and for a period president-directeur général of Nestlé France.

He retired in 2001 and has since been president of both the Food and Drink Federation and the Incorporated Society of British Advertisers.

Harrogate International Festivals chair, Fiona Movley, said:

“We are absolutely delighted that Peter has become our honorary president, joining a long and distinguished list of predecessors holding this office.

“Peter has been a fantastic supporter of Harrogate International Festivals, serving as a generous and driven trustee. Even after retiring as our chairman, Peter continued to play a pivotal role as a vice-president.”

Theakston’s Crime Writing Festival will return to Harrogate in July

The Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival will take place this year in person, after being forced online in 2020.

The festival is one of the most popular events on Harrogate International Festivals‘ calendar and organisers are confident it will be able to happen after the government said all covid restrictions could be lifted from June 21.

This year’s edition is set to take place from July 22-25 at the Old Swan Hotel.

It will celebrate all forms of crime fiction, with a programme curated by programming chair Ian Rankin alongside the festival committee and the Harrogate International Festivals team.

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

“We are adapting and evolving our plans to be able to deliver a safe and agile festival in line with the government regulations at the time, with additional safety measures where necessary, whilst also ensuring the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival retains the iconic feel that has ensured its place as the most successful crime writing festival in the world.

“We remain optimistic about the year ahead and, like people across the UK, we are very much looking forward to the return of live events.”

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Festival-goers can expect a range of live author talks, panels and special guests, as well as some hybrid events to ensure that audiences who are unable to travel can access the festival.

Over 80% of early ticket bookers for the 2020 festival have already transferred their tickets to 2021.

The full author line-up, and news on when tickets are on sale, will be announced in the coming months.

‘Give us a clear plan’, say Harrogate hospitality businesses

Hospitality businesses in the Harrogate district have called for a clear plan as they await the Prime Minister’s “road map” out of lockdown.

Boris Johnson is expected to announce the next steps to ease lockdown in his public broadcast later today.

For local hospitality, the most important thing is for there to be sufficient detail to allow them to plan the next steps in reopening – and that enough businesses can be opened to make the whole sector viable.

Kimberley Wilson, chair of guesthouse association Accommodation Harrogate, said reopening hotels would only be viable if other facilities were also able to open:

“Visitors want to know everything else is open before they book. One guy said to me, ‘I don’t want to come and sit in my hotel room with nothing to do – I want to know the shops are open and I can eat out’. It has to be a package.”

Dan Siddle, general manager of the Crown Hotel, said he doesn’t want to see restrictions eased and then reintroduced, and would rather wait longer until the country is “clear of the woods” before welcoming guests back. He added:

“Hospitality has suffered from March last year, and while there has been some positive support throughout, it’s important that we as an industry are not forgotten about and that that support continues. The VAT reduction, business rates cut, [and] furlough pay to support teams, could all be continued to help us through the recovery period.”

Harrogate BID said it was working on supportive measures for businesses which had been forced to close repeatedly, and will be carrying out projects including street cleaning and floral displays to make the town centre attractive again.

Harrogate BID carried out extra street cleaning at the end of the first lockdown

Chair Sara Ferguson said:

“Ideally, we would like to see all non-essential shops and the hospitality industry back open in time for Easter. This traditionally marks the start of the tourism season, and with hopefully warmer weather and lighter nights, those in the hospitality sector will again be able to make use of the pavements and other open spaces.

“However, I have a feeling the hospitality sector will be lockdown until after the holiday as the Government won’t want to face the issues it did at Christmas.

“Any rules and guidelines, national or local, must be clear and not leave room for any ambiguity which has occurred in the past. They also need to be strictly and consistently enforced.”

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While it is likely indoor events on the scale which Harrogate is used to seeing will be some way off, outdoor events are being planned from March onwards.

Harrogate International Festivals is working with other organisations on projects to encourage people back into the town centre from next month, if restrictions allow. Chief executive Sharon Canavar said:

“We must have made 50 plans and torn them up last year. What we’ve done this year is look at how we could put on events if rules are relaxed but there is still social distancing in place.”

Plans are also being made to stage the organisation’s larger festivals later in the year. The first of these is likely to be the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in July – though it could be under canvas with reduced numbers compared to previous years.

All the changes needed will impact on events’ viability, but HIF – which has already cut its staff numbers down to just three – is looking at the long-term picture, both for its own events and as part of the town’s overall attraction to visitors. Sharon added:

“Do we want to just survive or do we want to make sure there’s a recovery there? What will the diary in Harrogate look like after this, for the arts and for business events? It’s not just about this year, but about what we’re creating for the future.”

Council director resigns from art festivals board over devolution conflict

The director of health and adult services for North Yorkshire has resigned his role as a trustee of Harrogate International Festivals because of a conflict over devolution.

The Festivals put its support behind the east/west model for two unitary authorities in North Yorkshire, as advocated by the seven district councils including Harrogate Borough Council.

However, Mr Webb’s employer, North Yorkshire County Council, favours a single unitary authority for the county, causing him to stand down from his role as a trustee. Following his resignation, Mr Webb said:

“I resigned as a trustee of Harrogate International Festivals following a board decision to support the east/west local government re-organisation bid by district councils.

“Whilst I am personally a strong supporter of the county council’s bid for unitary status, and believe it is the best way forward, the reason for my resignation from the festivals board was to ensure I avoided a conflict of interest.

“I absented myself from the board discussion on local government re-organisation, so that any conflict was avoided and I resigned once the decision had been taken. I had a series of constructive discussions with Fiona Movley, the chair of the Festivals, and we were both clear that there was no alternative course of action that I could have taken.

“Harrogate International Festivals does a great job and I wish them well for the future.”

Paying tribute to Mr Webb for his long-standing commitment to the festivals, CEO Sharon Canavar said:

 “Richard has resigned from the board in line with appropriate conflicts of interest policies.

“He remains a great supporter of HIF, and we are immensely grateful for his contributions whilst a trustee. There was certainly no animosity and all handled in a positive manner.”

Harrogate International Festivals’ board includes an observer from Harrogate Borough Council. Its patron is HRH the Prince of Wales.

Both CEO Sharon Canavar and chairman Fiona Movley added their names and comments to the document in support of the district councils’ proposals.

The Stray Ferret asked Mr Webb and North Yorkshire County Council for a comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.

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It is not the first time the document has caused conflict because of the names attached to it.

Other organisations to have been included North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Lisa Winward and Chief Fire Officer Andrew Brodie of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue. Both were quoted as saying they supported the east/west model for two unitary authorities.

However, a joint statement from both was issued by the office of the police, fire and crime commissioner this week. It said:

“There has been disappointing and incorrect representing of our positions – and it is therefore only right and fair that we have the opportunity to clearly set out our position.

“We lead two of the emergency services which operate across North Yorkshire and the city of York – and work best when we work together across that area. The strength of this approach has been demonstrated throughout this year in our collaborative response to the coronavirus pandemic.

“The ultimate decision about which model we may operate under in the future is not for us to take – this is a political decision. Our ongoing priority, whatever the outcome of the current debate, is to continue keeping the residents, businesses and visitors in North Yorkshire and York safe.

Harrogate post box with a direct line to Santa opens

A new post box with a direct line to the North Pole has opened in Harrogate offering children the chance to write to Father Christmas.

Harrogate International Festivals has turned its Cheltenham Parade office a magical makeover.

As well as the post office, the site has snow flurries and Christmas music, and Father Christmas also makes appearances in the window.

The North Pole Post Office, which will be open right up to Christmas eve, aims to bring some festive cheer to children denied the chance to visit Santa due to covid.

Children posting letters should include their name, age, what they would like for Christmas and something they like doing. Those who would like Santa Claus to write back should also include their address.

 

 

 

 

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Lizzie Brewster, Harrogate International Festivals’ head of development and communications, said:

“Because Santa’s grottos will be few and far between, we are inviting the town’s children to write a letter to Father Christmas and then pop it into our post box.

“And naturally we would also ask that social distancing is adhered to at all times. The last thing we want is Father Christmas and his elves coming down with covid!”

Harrogate Business Improvement District has sponsored the North Pole Post Office as part of its Harrogate at Christmas campaign.

Sara Ferguson, acting chair of Harrogate BID, said:

“Harrogate International Festivals are known for their creativity. The North Pole Post is simply genius. We are delighted to partner with them for this end of year treat.

“It is a feature of our Harrogate at Christmas campaign, designed to bring residents into town all through the week, not just at the weekend when it’s at its busiest.”

Harrogate International Festivals cuts more than half of jobs

Harrogate International Festivals has laid off more than half of its staff after missing out on an estimated £850,000 due to covid.

The arts charity, which was set up in 1966, now has just four staff remaining.

in a statement today, it warned of “further difficult decisions ahead”.

The charity was forced to cancel its entire summer season of events in March, causing a huge loss of income from ticket sales and sponsors.

Fiona Movley, the chair of HIF, said:

“Whilst we are often recognised as an extremely resilient organisation, agile and adaptable for over 50 years, times are still extremely challenging and HIF unfortunately did not qualify for the recent emergency Arts Council England grants that have been reported in the media.”

Harrogate Theatre received £250,000 from Arts Council England. Also, £238,590 was awarded to Deer Shed Festival near Topcliffe, £117,500 to Ripon Museum Trust and £54,339 to Ripon Amateur Operatic Society.

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HIF has said it will need to raise funds to “secure its future”, having used its reserves to support individuals and the creative community.

Sharon Canavar, chief executive at HIF, said:

“We are more than a series of events; we are at the heart of Harrogate’s cultural life and have been a magnet and income generator for local tourism for more than 50 years.

“If we are to survive we urgently ask for your continued support and appreciation of Harrogate International Festivals and its crucial role in our town’s cultural, economic and social future.”

Weekend of free events as Harrogate literature festival goes online

Some of the biggest names in literature, politics and broadcasting will be streamed directly into people’s homes thanks to the Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival.

Usually held in the town in October, the event has moved online this year and will see interviews with Simon Mayo, Jeremy Vine, Rory Bremner, Jess Phillips MP and more.

From Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25, 17 events will be held online – all free for the public to attend. Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said

“2020 has been a journey of discovery and adventure, a theme that trails through our programme. For Harrogate International Festivals, reinvention has come out of necessity to ensure survival of our arts charity and to continue in our mission to bring the very best of our events to audiences.

“Whilst there is no denying that this is a hugely challenging time for the Festival, and for artists, through our exciting digital weekend of events, bottling a taste of our usual Festival, we support authors, creators and suppliers and bring them together with audiences as community in a celebration of literature. For we have never needed stories that explore what it means to be human, more than we do now.”

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Among the novelists taking part are Bernard Cornwell, Lee Child, Ken Follett and Natalie Haynes. Former Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman and bestselling author Ariana Neumann will share their memoirs, while Hugo Vickers discusses the story of Gladys Deacon, Duchess of Marlborough.

David Lammy MP, Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason and Loyd Grossman are also included in the line-up.

Raworths managing partner Zoe Robinson said:

“The content and delivery may have gone digital, but the inspiration that literature brings will continue to shine through.

“We are once again delighted to be partnering with Harrogate International Festivals and sponsoring the Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival – established as one of the leading literature festivals in the UK.”

The Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival will be streamed through the Harrogate International Festivals website.

Harrogate district event venues light up in ‘red alert’

The Harrogate Convention Centre, Harrogate International Festival’s HQ and Ripon Catherdral lit up in red last night as part of a national campaign to highlight the plight of the stricken live entertainment industry.

The “Red Alert” campaign aims to put pressure on the government to give financial support to the industry which has been shut down by the coronavirus lockdown with no clear end in sight.

HIF cancelled its summer season events which has left freelancers working in the sector including artists, events teams, crew and technicians with no work until at least next year.

Harrogate International Festivals chief executive Sharon Canavar warned that without government support the sector could collapse.

She said:

“The impact of COVID-19 has taken our industry to near breaking point, and to support this national campaign, we bathed our Cheltenham Parade base in bright red light – sending an urgent ‘red alert’ to the Government.

“Red is the universal symbol of danger and, as an industry, we are in danger of ceasing to exist!

“It’s an urgent SOS that without support, the arts will not survive.”

Harrogate Convention Centre tweeted its support for the campaign.

Tonight we are showing our support for all the UK’s live event venues #LightItInRed and the amazing staff, suppliers and freelancers in our sector who deliver the live events we love #WeMakeEvents pic.twitter.com/dMXhvuT4rJ

— Harrogate Convention Centre (@HgtConventions) August 11, 2020

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Ripon Cathedral

Harrogate Theatre said they would not be lighting up in red “at a later date” due to concerns over health and safety.

Chief executive David Bown said:

“Of course we want to support the campaign it’s keeping the plight of theatres in people’s consciousness -our technicians are looking into it. The movement is to remind people of what is happening and the impact on the industry.

“It’s the health and safety that we have to be careful with, leaving lights on when no-one is in the building.”

The government said it has launched a £1.57 billion support package for the arts with applications for funding still open.

A government spokesperson said:

“Our £1.57 billion support package is the biggest ever one-off cash injection in UK culture to secure the future of the performing arts and live events, protect jobs in the industry and ensure work continues to flow to freelancers. Throughout this crisis, we have worked with urgency to support the arts and we are committed to delivering this funding quickly and fairly to organisations across the country.”