Lauren Crisp is a book editor, writer and keen follower of arts and culture. Born and raised in Harrogate, Lauren recently moved back to North Yorkshire after a stint in London, where she regularly reviewed theatre – everything from big West End shows to small fringe productions. She is now eager to explore the culture on offer in and around her home town. You can contact Lauren on laurencrispwriter@gmail.com.
For a fortnight in October, the charming town of Ilkley buzzes as bookworms unite for the UK’s second longest-running book festival.
Now in its impressive 50th year, and with more than 90 events spanning 17 days across various venues, 2023’s festival programme caters to every kind of reader. I was eager to get a taste for the Ilkley Literature Festival over the course of its opening weekend.
First on my agenda was Jacqueline Wilson, celebrated author of countless children’s novels, who took to the stage to an audience of enthralled youngsters to discuss the inspiration behind her hugely popular books and to talk about her latest (117th!) penning, The Best Sleepover in the World. This was one of several events on the festival’s programme geared towards children, and it was exciting to see a room filled with young, enthusiastic book-lovers, just at the start of their reading journeys.
Next up was something wholly different, as father-and-son duo David and Ben Crystal discussed Everyday Shakespeare: Lines for Life, their latest co-authored book with a quote for each day of the year. Entertaining and insightful, the pair persuaded me (and many other people, if the queue for buying a signed book was anything to go by) that the Bard’s work, rather than daunting, can actually be rather fun.
Neurodiversity was the key theme of Melanie Sykes’ event, in which the presenter and broadcaster discussed her memoir, Illuminated, written in the wake of a late diagnosis of autism and ADHD. Sykes spoke extremely candidly of her life, career and struggles, with great authenticity and humour.
I then took a detour into the world of ecology at author Sophie Pavelle’s event. She recounted, eloquently and passionately, the tale of her journey around the UK, exploring 10 animals and habitats that are being impacted by climate change, from the harbour porpoise to the mountain hare, which provided the basis of her debut, Forget Me Not.
I concluded my festival tour with a suitably Yorkshire-themed talk, listening to Rick Broadbent, Times writer, exiled Yorkshireman and author of Now Then: A Biography of Yorkshire. Broadbent went down a storm with his local audience, recounting many a Yorkshire tale, including that of the night Jimi Hendrix stopped off in Ilkley to perform a (very brief) gig.
The events I attended were but a glimpse of what this delightfully friendly and accessible festival has on offer. I came away from the weekend feeling invigorated by the diversity of creativity and ideas in what had been just a taster of the programme’s events, and I’d absolutely go back for more. Running until Sunday 22 October, there’s plenty of time to catch one of your favourite authors on stage, or to see something entirely unfamiliar and thought-provoking.
Upcoming headliners include all-round favourite Gyles Brandreth, food writer Grace Dent, comedian Shaparak Khorsandi, journalist Gavin Esler and broadcaster Clare Balding, plus many more; for the philosophers, there’s AC Grayling, and for the Strictly-lovers, Anton Du Beke. For the poetry fans, there is a whole day dedicated to the art form on Saturday 14 October.
Music, food, sport and politics all have a place, and with fringe performances, quizzes, workshops and walks, there’s oodles to do and see in this small town on the edge of the world-famous moor. And when you’re all book-wormed out, a bracing pint at The Cow and Calf is ready and waiting.
Read more:
- Interview with Maisie Adam: The Harrogate-born comedian talks Frank’s Fund and more
- Review: An Audience with Barrie Rutter at Ripon Arts Hub
Harrogate district stately home to be converted into hotel
North Yorkshire Council has approved plans to convert the Harrogate district stately home Denton Hall into a 28-bedroom hotel.
The Grade I listed building, which dates back to 1778, is on the border of the district, between Blubberhouses and Ilkley.
It was designed by Georgian architect John Carr, who also designed Harewood House.
Since the 1970s, it has been used by engineering firm NG Bailey Group as a company training centre as well as for corporate events and weddings.
But current owner Denton Park Holdings Ltd, which includes members of the Bailey family, warned at a public consultation event in Denton village last year that without the ability to raise more income, the buildings would risk falling into disrepair.
Flats and a care home were considered before the owner decided to move forward with plans for the hotel, which were approved by council officers last week.
It means the main Denton Hall building will be converted into 28 bedrooms, a restaurant and bar, a games room and gym.
Read more:
A former stables and coach house will be converted into four suites.
Planning documents attached to the application said a key part of the new owner’s intention for Denton Hall is to open it up to the public for the first time.
It said:
“Also of particular public benefit is that changing the use to a hotel will allow the public access into Denton Hall for the first time so that everyone has the opportunity to appreciate the significance of the heritage assets.”
The buildings are part of a vast 2,500 acre estate that includes working farms, mature woodlands, lakes, moorlands, a deer park and grouse enclosures.
Joules to close Harrogate shopFashion retailer Joules is to close its Harrogate shop.
The company has put a notice in the window of its store on James Street announcing its closure on Saturday, May 20.
The large Harrogate shop, which is believed to employ about 10 staff, is currently selling many items at half price.
The notice does not give a reason for the decision but says:
“We’d like to thank you lovely lot for supporting us over the years.”
It adds the nearest Joules store will be in Ilkley.
The notice in the window
Joules’ closure is the second blow for James Street in just over a month. Cards, gifts and stationery company Paperchase closed its shop at the end of March.
Joules was founded in 1989 when Tom Joule began selling clothing on a stall at a country show in Leicestershire. It now sells menswear, womenswear, kidswear and accessories across UK and Ireland.
In 2016, Joules was floated on the stock market for £140m. But in November last year it fell into administration until Next rescued it by paying £34 million for the business, plus £7 million for the head office site.
The Stray Ferret has attempted to contact Joules for further information about the Harrogate shop.
Read more:
- Harrogate district pub unveils new-look beer garden
- Harrogate town centre shop to close due to low footfall
Dales Bus summer service to return this weekend
The Dales Bus summer service will begin its season this weekend.
The bus company provides access into and around the Yorkshire Dales on a not-for-profit basis.
It operates on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays throughout summer until October.
The 74 service from York Railway Station, which goes through Knaresborough and Harrogate and onto Ilkley, Bolton Abbey, Burnsall and Grassington, starts on Saturday.
Another Saturday route, the 59, will help people travel from Harrogate to Blubberhouses, Bolton Bridge and Skipton.
The 875 will depart from York every Sunday and Bank Holiday, starting this Easter weekend.
This year, an additional Sunday and bank holiday service – the 876 – will run from York to Leeds, Otley, Ilkley and Grassington, with onward connections to Upper Wharfedale and Hawes.
The national £2 single bus fare cap, which has been extended until June 30, will apply to Dales Bus services.
Find more information on services and timetables here.