Harrogate Business Improvement District is offering grants to entertainers that can liven up Harrogate town centre’s streets.
The BID issued a plea today for events and installations that will drive footfall into the town centre.
It is offering the grants in order to cover any costs incurred as long as the idea satisfies funding criteria.
Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID manager, said:
“We are really keen to bring something new and exciting to Harrogate town centre each weekend, and we are calling on individuals and groups to help us achieve this.
“We are particularly looking for something that is unique, exciting and has the wow factor. Harrogate is a standout town, and we want anything that we help deliver to also stand out.”
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Mr Chapman added that grants weren’t just available for performers, but for individuals, groups and organisations who want to play a part in benefitting the BID levy area.
Last year’s art on the Stray.
He said:
“Last year, we commissioned the incredible mural that adorns the side of Monsoon, on Cross James Street. We also commissioned Artizan UK to create nine mosaic letters spelling Harrogate to cover the bricked up windows on the side of Boots building, along Cambridge Place.
“I’m really pleased to say these will be in situ next month, adding a much-needed splash of colour to this drab street linking Oxford Street and Cambridge Street. We also provided a colourful banner for Commercial Street to help promote the independent businesses it’s home to.
“We have five key project areas; marketing, promotions and events, access and car parking, safe, clean and welcoming, business plus, and evening and night time economy, and if an idea fits in with one of these, then we are interested and a grant may well be available.”
More information on the grant can be found on the Harrogate BID website.
Harrogate’s Got Talent: Have you got what it takes to liven up the town?Can you hang a tune, juggle a bit maybe or do a few nifty dance moves? If so, your town needs you.
Harrogate Business Improvement District, which is made up town centre businesses, is looking for new street entertainers to liven the town up and make shopping a more upbeat experience.
Matthew Chapman the Harrogate BID manager said:
“We are looking for entertainers from all genres whether it be singers, magicians, actors or dancers – anything that will add to the shopping and hospitality experience – the quirkier the better.”
Harrogate already has regular buskers who knock out Adele or Sinatra classics outside M&S on Cambridge Street in the hope of making money.
Mr Chapman says there’s no move to stop them. The aim is to provide a more consistent offer in the town and place entertainers in different areas, possibly at the rear of Primark on Oxford Street or at the end of Cambridge Street outside HSBC.
The BID has a small budget to support the new performers.
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If you think you’ve got what it takes and want to get involved, get in touch with the BID. Mr Chapman said:
“If people have got videos or YouTube accounts then we can see them perform – or you can email us and come in for an audition. We want to create a vibrant town centre so that people can enjoy the experience as well as the retail and hospitality offerings.”
The BID is keen to trial new performers during the Xmas period and roll it out across next year.
To contact the BID email info@Harrogatebid.co.uk
Do you know that Harrogate has a long history of street entertaining and that in Victorian times it could all get a bit raucous? Read Harrogate Historian, Malcolm Neesam’s article on the very lively scene that existed in previous centuries.