Spoil him this Father’s Day with these 5 unmissable activities within an hour of Harrogate5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend June 14-165 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend 7-9 JuneMeet the man behind the Candlelit Beatles concert happening in Harrogate this Friday

The Stray Ferret details everything you need to know about this candlelit event taking place in Harrogate on Friday that has been trending on social media.

It’s set to be an evening of The Beatles’ greatest hits, accompanied by a string quartet, and later joined by the captivating vocals of Alistair Griffin who is the founder of Ignite Concerts. We speak to him ahead of the show…

When did you first know you wanted to become a singer songwriter? 

I was always keen on writing and knew I could sing, but it took quite a while for it to become a possible career. The turning point was when I was at university in York when I started busking, playing open mic nights, and performing with other artists.

You’ve performed other candlelit concerts in the past, can you tell me more about these and why this time you decided to perform The Beatles hits? 

I created Ignite Concerts just under a year ago. As a performer I’ve seen the music world change a lot, so I started to create and produce my own shows, starting small and growing bigger, culminating in some big shows across Yorkshire and beyond.

Now I’ve got a team and we’ve added the candlelit element. We go to beautiful venues and light them up with 1,000 candles. Of course, great music is always the heart of what we do but we want to create an atmosphere and an experience people remember. So that when they walk in, they feel they’re part of something really special.

We aim to play iconic music in a slightly different way using string players. What’s more iconic than The Beatles? That’s how I learned to play the guitar, strumming Lennon and McCartney classics.

Alistair Griffin, founder of Ignite Concerts

How do you feel performing another artist’s music?  

It’s always different than performing my own songs. My own songs have a personal angle. I’ve never had a problem covering other people’s songs and I hope I do them justice.

You can never better the original, but you can give it a new take. Singing The Long and Winding Road with a string quartet behind you is pretty amazing.

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Which Beatles song holds the most significance for you? 

There are so many special songs but I think Let It Be was the first Beatles song that really moved me. It has a hymnal uplifting quality that I often look for in a song.

Many moons ago I was on a BBC talent show called Fame Academy and got to sing this song in the final. Remarkably, it was introduced by Paul McCartney himself. A surreal moment.

How many candles do you have in the church and how do they add to the atmosphere?

We have 1,000 candles. Now, you might be thinking how does it pass health and safety rules, but they are all LED candles. But don’t let this put you off, when the light goes down people often don’t realise the difference. It is a remarkable sight and creates an amazing effect and a unique atmosphere.

How does the orchestra add to the songs? 

The string quartet really takes the songs to a different place. They can be so dynamic taking you from an intimate sound to a much bigger anthemic sound. And just hearing some of the songs played instrumentally without the words allows the audience to fill in the rest for themselves. You can sing if you want to or just take it in and listen.

You live in York, do you come over to Harrogate often?

I have friends in Harrogate so get over quite a bit. I like to go for a pint in The Old Bell.

If you weren’t a singer-songwriter, which career avenue would you go down? 

Well, I’ve always said the best job I ever had was being the milkman in the village of Staithes. But as far as another career I would have loved to have worked in sport.

From £25, doors open at 7pm, concert is 7.30pm-9.30pm, May 10, Christ Church, High Harrogate, HG1 4SW. 

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5 things to do in Harrogate and the district this weekend

Above: Ripley Decorative Home and Salvage Show

Go to the Decorative Home and Salvage Show

Shop for charming and unique pieces for your home and garden, with a wide range of designs coming from country-wide traders and home buyers at the Decorative Home and Salvage Show at Ripley Castle.  

There is food and refreshments to buy onsite so that you can make a day of it. Dogs are also welcome. 

£15 per person on Friday, £10 per person on Saturday and Sunday. Free for accompanied under 16-year-olds. 12-5pm May 10, 10am-5pm May 11 and 12. Ripley Castle, Ripley, HG3 3AY. 

Go to Jo Caulfield’s stand-up comedy

Laugh along with Jo Caulfield at her Here Comes Trouble performance at Masham Town Hall.  

Having showcased two extremely popular Edinburgh festival performances in 2022 and 2023, attendees will get to experience her bold attitude and greatest one-liners. 

With appearances on Mock the Week and The John Bishop Show, she is sure to fill your weekend with priceless wit. 

From £15 per person, 7.30pm, May 10, Masham Town Hall, Little Market Place, HG4 4DY. 

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Shoot your shot at Harrogate’s National Shooting Show 

At Harrogate’s National Shooting Show, the aim of the game is to have fun. Enjoy the day with activities such as archery, bushcraft, and a shooting range to name a few.  

There will also be food, and a chance to speak with licensed representatives and the UKPSA, United Kingdom Practical Shooting Association, if you wish to learn more about the sport.  

Tickets in advance cost £24.70 per adult, £5 for children aged six to 15, and free for children five and under. Weekend tickets in advance are £32 per adult, £10 for children aged six to 15 and free to children five and under. 8.30am to 5.30pm May 11, 9am to 4pm May 12. Great Yorkshire Showground, HG2 8NZ. Book tickets here.

Attend The Dales String Quartet and Ensemble 

Fill your evening with stunning music played by The Dales Ensemble, performing an arrangement of J. S Bach’s Goldberg Variations which is certain to bring a harmonious end to your week.  

The Ensemble is being played in memory of dramatist Ian Curteis who lived at the property and helped to reinstate the historic Great Hall into a beautiful library.   

From £20, 7.30pm on May 11 at Markenfield Hall, Ripon, HG4 3AD.  

Unwind at May Gong Relaxation Session 

If you’re looking for a way to treat yourself after a busy week, the May Gong Relaxation Session at Killinghall Methodist Church offers a relaxing afternoon; an opportunity to recover from stress and claim back your energy. 

With soothing background sounds, it can be a beneficial way to improve both your physical and mental wellbeing. 

£20 per person. 4pm, May 12. Killinghall Methodist Church, Ripon Road, Killinghall, HG3 2DF. 

Do you have an event that you’d like us to potentially feature in the future? Drop an email to francesca@thestrayferret.co.uk

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5 things to do in Harrogate and the district this weekend

Above: Darren Taylor.

Go to photographer Darren Taylor’s exhibition

Showcasing his photography work that he has taken in and around Harrogate, Darren Taylor is putting on an exhibition at Harrogate Library.

Expect to see work from Harrogate town, aerial and vintage-style photography, as well as ICM photography; the art of moving a camera to create beautiful blur.

Free, various times, from May 3, Harrogate Library, Victoria Avenue, HG1 1EG.

Kick off the bank holiday weekend with live music at The West Park Hotel

The West Park Hotel in Harrogate is hosting its Courtyard Sessions with soundtracks to start the bank holiday weekend in style.

Proceedings begin at 5pm on Friday and 2pm on Saturday with an array of DJs, and both evenings will be seen out with a saxophonist.

And if the weather takes a turn for the worse, fret not, as the area is covered with blankets and heaters.

Free, call 01423 524471 to book, from 5pm on May 3 and 2pm on May 4, The West Park Hotel, 19 West Park, HG1 1BJ.

Admire the tulips at Constable Burton Hall & Gardens

The beauty of spring flowers blooming is always a sight to behold thanks to it signalling the start of a new season, and this year it seems particularly fitting as we keep hoping for warmer climes to be on their way.

See them in all of their glory at Constable Burton Hall & Gardens, Leyburn where it is showcasing more than 6,000 tulips planted throughout its formal and woodland gardens. Its lawn marquee will also host a display of cut blooms and there will also be expert advice on hand on how to care for your own garden arrangements.

Tickets in advance cost £5 for children aged three to 16 years old and £10 for adults, 10am-4pm, 4-6 May, Constable Burton Hall & Gardens, Leyburn, DL8 5LJ.

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Go to Henshaws Beer Festival

The annual Henshaws Beer Festival is back for 2024.

Visitors will get to enjoy live music across two stages, street food and family-friendly activities, along with a carefully curated selection of beers, wine, gins, ciders, and non-alcoholic drinks all crafted in Yorkshire.

There will also be an adult only evening session on the Saturday night.

Tickets in advance cost £5 for children aged three to 17 years old, £15 for adults. 12-5pm on Saturday daytime (family friendly), 6-11pm on Saturday evening (adults only), 12-6pm on Sunday (family friendly), May 4-5, Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre, 50 Bond End, Knaresborough, HG5 9AL. 

Visit Sports Cars in the Park at Newby Hall

There will be many different models of sports cars at this event that returns this spring to Newby Hall on its 20th anniversary. It currently expects to see more than 1,350 display cars in attendance.

Not only can you admire the motors, but the ticket price also includes access to Newby Hall’s gardens, restaurant, adventure playground, dolls house and teddy bear exhibitions.

Under 4s free, tickets in advance cost £15 for children aged four to 15 years old, £18 for adults, 10am-3pm, May 5, Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon, HG4 5AE.

Do you have an event that you’d like us to potentially feature in the future? Drop me an email at francesca@thestrayferret.co.uk

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5 things to do in Harrogate and the district this weekend

Head to Harrogate Spring Flower Show

Harrogate Spring Flower Show is back and is taking place this week from Thursday to Sunday. It is one of the most popular events in the area, attracting up to 90,000 visitors each year.

Get garden inspiration aplenty thanks to plant and floral nursery displays, gardens designs, talks and demonstrations. There will also be stalls selling everything you could possibly need to make your garden the sanctuary you’d like it to be – the perfect inspiration as we (hopefully and eventually) head into warmer climes.

From £25, 9.30am-5pm, April 25-28, Great Yorkshire Showground, HG2 8NZ.

Listen to live music at Three’s A Crowd

Elena May

Listen to the laid-back music of Elena May as you drink or dine at Three’s A Crowd this Friday. Or on Sunday enjoy a roast until 7pm all to the background of self-accompanied piano vocalist Beth Ibbotson, who will be playing a range of feel-good favourites.

Elena May, 8pm until late, April 26; Beth Ibbotson, 6pm-9pm, April 28. 11 West Park, HG1 1BL.

Beth Ibbotson

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Go to a personal styling event

Are you unsure of what to wear or what suits you and looking for new clothes? Then head to local personal stylist Anna Mewes, who is hosting an evening of styling and shopping and will be taking clients through the hottest trends for spring and summer.

This will be followed by a chance to shop the Mint Velvet collection in store with a glass of bubbles in hand.

£20, 6.30-8.30pm, April 25, Mint Velvet, 29-31 James Street, HG1 1QY.

Attend a local wine fair

Local independent wine merchants Ake & Humphris is putting on its annual spring wine fair this Sunday.

Simply pick up a tasting glass on arrival and work your way round the table where you can sample more than 50 styles that include floral whites, new champagnes, decadent reds, fruity rosés and natural wines, as well as spirits.

These include wines from new origins including Slovenia and Bulgaria, new grape varieties such as Zelen and Zibibbo, plus some prestigious bottlings by wineries including Crossbarn by Paul Hobbs and Elderton Estate from Barrossa, Australia, not forgetting spirits from local distillers, Noble Spring.

£25, 12-2pm, 3-5pm, 6-8pm, April 28, Balcony Sports Bar, Harrogate Cricket Ground, Saint George’s Road, HG2 9BP. Places are limited so visit the website to reserve your space. For over 18s only.

Go to a duo of choral concerts

Voces Seraphorum choir

Formed in 2015, chamber choir Voces Seraphorum performs regular concerts at cathedrals and churches. Singing in a variety of styles, this Saturday they will perform well-known choral masterpieces alongside some lesser-known songs all to the background of brass band Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band at St James Church Birstwith on Saturday.

They will also be performing at St Michael & All Angels’ Church Beckwithshaw on Sunday but without the brass band.

From £12, 7pm, April 27, St James Church Birstwith, Lackon Bank, HG3 2NG. £10 per adult (children are free), 4pm, April 28, at St Michael & All Angels’ Church Beckwithshaw, 4 Otley Road, Beckwithshaw, HG3 1QW.

Do you have an event that you’d like us to potentially feature in the future? Drop me an email at francesca@thestrayferret.co.uk

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Sweaty Betty Harrogate has released its annual Warehouse Sale

Sweaty Betty Harrogate has released its annual Warehouse Sale. The renowned event in Harrogate that this year has up to 80 per cent off its clothing, including its popular leggings and workout gear, is so popular that it has had to be ticketed.

Taking place next week at Pavilions of Harrogate from Tuesday April 30 to Thursday May 2, stock will be replenished throughout the three days.

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Shoppers will have a one-hour time slot to select their garments on and try them on in the communal changing rooms before taking them to the checkout.

Tickets cost £5 to get in, with all the proceeds from them being donated to the Sweaty Betty Foundation.

Times are 10am-7pm Tuesday April 30, 10am-6pm Wednesday 1 May and 10am-3pm on Thursday May 2. To find out more and to book, click here.

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Did you know that Everyman in Harrogate screens National Theatre Live productions?

There’s no need to travel to the Big Smoke to see what’s on at the National Theatre, instead you can feel as though you’re at the renowned theatre in London thanks to the luxury cinema chain’s live screenings at its regional premises.

An initiative operated by the Royal National Theatre in London, it broadcasts live, by satellite, performances of their productions – and those of other theatres – to cinemas and arts centres around the world.

The programme began its pilot season in June 2009 with a production of Phèdre, starring Helen Mirren, which screened live in 70 cinemas across the UK. Two hundred more venues eventually showed the production internationally, resulting in a combined audience of around 50,000 people for this one performance.

The second production, All’s Well That Ends Well, was shown at approximately 300 screens.

Today, the number of venues that show NT Live productions has grown to approximately 700 with 11 million people watching them across the globe. Many of the cinemas also offer repeat screenings of popular productions which are termed as ‘Encores’.

Whether you’re watching Kit Harington go to battle in Henry V, or Phoebe Waller-Bridge delivering her solo tour de force in Fleabag, you’ll be at the heart of the action without the big trip down to London.

Did you know?

Most venues screen the productions live as they are broadcast, but due to time differences in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States venues in those countries, they show the recorded production some days later.

The actors on stage deliver their performances as they normally would any other night. But to make sure audiences watching in the cinemas have the best seat in the house, it tailors the position of its cameras to capture each production and works closely with technical teams to make sure every element on stage such as lighting, hair and make-up look as good on the big screen so it’s the next best thing to being there.

What National Theatre productions are on this month and next at Everyman Harrogate?

Harrogate’s Everyman is showing Nye, which details the story of Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan, the Welshman who has often been referred to as the politician with greatest influence on our country without ever being Prime Minister.

This is all thanks to his tireless campaign for the nationalisation of hospitals that eventually became the birth of the National Health Service in 1948.

Roger Evans (Archie Lush), Michael Sheen (Nye Bevan) and Sharon Small (Jennie Lee). Photography credit: Johan Persson

Written by Tim Price and directed by Rufus Norris, fellow Welshman Michael Sheen plays the title role which delves Bevan into his deepest memories and a mind-bending journey back through his life; from childhood to mining underground, Parliament, and fights with Churchill.

It’s a must-see minus the travel.

Tickets from £19.50, it runs for two hours 40 minutes at 6.45pm on April 23, and 1pm on May 8. Everyman Harrogate, Westgate House, Station Parade, Harrogate, HG1 1HQ.

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5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend

Get out and about with our guide of the top cultural goings-on from 19-21 April.

See the bluebells of Nidderdale

Now that the weather is finally fine and dry, it’s time to dust off those walking boots and get out into the great outdoors. And this walk is especially for you if you’re an experienced hiker as it’s a 20-mile loop.

Starting in Hampsthwaite, you’ll walk along the River Nidd then onto Brimham Rocks and Ripley Castle, and on it you’ll see all of the springtime sights including the beautiful bluebells of Nidderdale.

Free, 8am, April 20, starting at Hampsthwaite Church, Station Lane, Hampsthwaite, Harrogate, HG3 2HB. Unfortunately no dogs are allowed on this guided walk.

Paint like Picasso

(Image: Annie Dalton’s Picasso-inspired Two Sleeping Dogs)

Unleash your creativity at one of PopUp Painting’s events held at Harrogate’s Major Tom’s Social Bar. Themed on artist Annie Dalton’s Picasso-inspired Two Sleeping Dogs, try your hand at painting a masterpiece that you can hang on the walls of your home afterwards.

The two-and-a-half-hour class includes all art supplies, and you can also ask for guidance if you so wish.

£35.99, 3-5.30pm, April 21, Major Tom’s Social Bar, The Ginnel, Harrogate, HG1 2RB.

Watch Sister Act the Musical

You can’t go wrong with a musical, and Sister Act the Musical is especially uplifting. The community production presented by Ripon Amateur Operatic Society tells the story of Deloris van Cartier who witnesses a murder and takes refuge in a convent.

Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior and she turns the convent choir into a soulful chorus complete with a Motown repertoire.

From £20, 7.30pm April 17 – 20, and a matinee at 2.30pm on April 20, Harrogate Theatre, 6 Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QF.

Attend a printmaking workshop

(Image: Pixaby)

Learn the basics of how to use printing blocks at this workshop at St Mark’s Church where you can pick your own pattern to stamp a pattern or a message onto a piece of fabric.

All materials are included, as well as light refreshments.

Free but suggested donation £5, 10am-4.30pm, April 20, St Mark’s Church, Leeds Road, Harrogate, HG2 8AY.

Watch The Making of Motown

Local author Derek Shelmerdine is co-presenting Harrogate Film Society’s Season 1 of Music Legends.

The first film of the series of four is on Friday night is Hitsville: The Making of Motown that details the golden age of the soul music legend. It looks at the birth of Motown in Detroit in 1958 until its relocation to Los Angeles in the early 1970s.

Featuring rare performances, interviews and behind-the-scenes footage offer insight into the history and cultural impact of Motown Records.

£6 or £5 for HFS members, doors open at 7pm and the film starts at 7.30pm, April 19, Bilton Club, Skipton Road, Harrogate, HG1 4LL.

Also check out… French Impressions that explores music by two of the great French Impressionist composers: Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel. It’s on at Ripon Cathedral at 7.30pm on April 20 and tickets cost from £20.

Do you have an event that you’d like us to potentially feature in the future? Drop me an email at francesca@thestrayferret.co.uk

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