From Jane Austen to beer festivals: what’s on in the Harrogate district this weekend

Summer may be drawing to a close but weekend activities across the district are certainly not.

Whether you’re looking for an evening with Oscar Wilde, a win for the Lionesses, or just a family picnic in the sun, we’ve collated a list of all that’s on offer this weekend in the Harrogate district.


FEVA FESTIVAL – Knaresborough

This weekend sees the final few days of Knaresborough’s FEVA.

The arts festival includes exhibitions, live music and theatre.

An adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility will be held at Knaresborough Castle this evening from 7pm – tickets start at £20.

Knaresborough Library will also host An Evening with Wes Martin – a Knaresborough-based bestselling crime author – and Aubrey Parsons, a vocal performer who has worked for Disney, the BBC and Audible.

Mr Martin will be on hand to answer all questions crime-related, as well as signing books, while Ms Parsons will be reading some of her favourite extracts from The Yorkshire Murders. The event is £5 to attend.

The free Picnic in the Park will take place outside Knaresborough House tomorrow from midday to 5pm.

Simply bring along a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of live music.

Knaresborough Lions’ Beer Festival will also be held at Knaresborough House this weekend and will showcase 25 special beers, as well as wine, cider, and lager.

The beer festival is free to attend and begins this evening at 5pm. It will also run from midday to 11pm on Saturday, August 18, and midday to 5pm on Sunday, August 19.

For a full breakdown of this weekend’s events, click here.


Women’s World Cup Final: England vs Spain

 Sunday sees the nail-biting final between the Lionesses and La Roja.

Harrogate’s own Rachel Daly has helped the team reach their first ever World Cup final and will be supported by many local fans.

Several venues across the district will have live screenings of the match, which kicks off at 11am GMT.


Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest – Ripon Spa Gardens

An adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest will be performed in Ripon Spa Gardens tomorrow evening.

Chapterhouse Theatre Company, based in in Lincoln, will be putting on the show as part of its Open Theatre Air Tour.

Attendees are encouraged to enjoy a picnic beneath the stars by bringing food, blankets and chairs.

Gates open at 6pm and the show will begin at 7pm – tickets start at £20.90 for adults.


Knaresborough’s Calcutt Gala celebrates 20th year

 Calcutt Gala will be returning for its 20th anniversary on Sunday.

The event, which will be held at Knaresborough Forest Cricket Club, will include a martial arts demonstration, live music, a BBQ and bar, as well as an ice cream van and tombola.

The Cricketers will also be streaming the World Cup final before the gala.

The gala begins at midday and entry is £2 for ages 12 upwards.

All funds raised will be donated to the cricket club.


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