Abba and Queen tribute bands will perform in Knaresborough tonight in the first of two outdoor concerts this weekend.
North Yorkshire Council is staging the events with partners in the grounds of Conyngham Hall.
The venue is not believed to have staged large outdoor live music events previously.
The council, which took control of the venue in April, agreed to trial live music as part of its outdoor programme of events.
Michael Leah, the council’s assistant director for environment, said:
“Friday night sees the 21st Century Abba and Queen tribute concerts come to our area for the first time produced by Chapterhouse who we have successfully worked with on previous outdoor theatre events.
“And on Sunday the space will be used to host the Paradox Orchestra performing 50 Years of Pink Floyd.
“We had hoped to host a further event on Saturday but unfortunately the organiser was unable to go ahead due to unforeseen circumstances.”
Electronic band N-Trance were due to headline Saturday’s cancelled 90s music festival.
Tickets are still available for both remaining events.
People are urged to bring their own seating on chairs or blankets and a picnic but alcohol is not allowed to be brought onsite. Food and drinks can be bought onsite.
Read more:
- Sneak Peek: The Knaresborough Inn boosts town’s flourishing hospitality appeal
- New plans submitted for 138 homes on Knaresborough’s Water Lane
Theatre company Chapterhouse, which is organising tonight’s event, promised “hit after hit of arguably the greatest artists of all time” at “one of the most wonderful gardens in the UK”.
A spokesperson for Sunday’s Pink Floyd event said:
Harrogate Fake Festival set to return after two-year break“We hope on the back of the success of our concert this Sunday that we are able to book orchestra events at Knaresborough Castle, Valley Gardens and other council-owned properties in the near future.”
Harrogate Fake Festival is set to return this summer after a two-year break due to coronavirus.
Tickets are now live for the Harrogate edition of the event, which will be held on the Stray on July 16. Gates will open at 11.45am and close at 11pm.
The event will feature tribute acts for artists such as The Rolling Stones, Duran Duran, The Killers, Kasabian and Depeche Mode.
Although none of the acts feature the real artists, the organisers said they all “look, sound and move like the real rock-stars”.
The giant marquee will host the bands as well as a licensed bar. Outside revellers will find a variety of food traders as well as children’s activities.
Read more:
The event has been held on the Stray every summer since 2015, except for 2019 when it was moved to Killinghall Moor Country Park, and for the last two years, when it was cancelled.
The company Fake Festivals runs similar events across the country during the summer.
A spokesperson for Fake Festivals said:
After skipping two years, we’re chuffed to be back on the Stray for your annual Fake-Fest.
“We’ve rocked with you guys for many-a-year, so we know this’ll be a belter. We really can’t wait for your party-rocking.
“Round up your mates, get the voices ready and polish your dancing shoes – live music is back in town!”
Early-bird adult tickets cost £32.50 and a family of four ticket costs £95. Young people and those with a disability get a discounted rate.