An open top bus has brought live music to the streets of Harrogate today.
New York Brass Band was touring the town thanks to a collaboration with Harrogate International Festivals.
The band – which regularly performs around the UK and has played Glastonbury in the past – is known for its engaging style and interactive performances. Its music had shoppers dancing in the streets this morning.
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New York Brass Band by the war memorial
Meanwhile, HIF said its digital material has gained a worldwide following since lockdown began. More than 6,000 hours of podcasts, featuring top musicians, authors and inspirational speakers, have been listened to by audiences around the world, including Finland, Australia and New Zealand.
HIFAtHome combines archive recordings with resources for families, giving a virtual festival experience with highlights from previous live events.
HIF chief executive Sharon Canavar said:
“Since our first Festival in 1966, our mission has been to promote the arts – and despite the cancellation of our entire summer programme, 2020 won’t be an exception!
“With HIFAtHome we are able to continue with our goal to deliver the very best in the arts. Instead of simply shutting down, or bemoaning our festival position and lack of income, we have harnessed the creativity and agility we are famed for.
“We have spun on a pin to ensure that we can still create and deliver both with artists and for audiences, and the result has been to bring Harrogate International Festivals to life, digitally. At the click of a mouse button, you can now access new commissions and exciting projects, together with looking back at some of the highlights of the last few years.
“The arts is worldwide and people are craving the arts to help make sense of the world right now.”
HIF is now preparing for four days of music performances and star interviews from Thursday, July 23. It will begin with the announcement of the winner of the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel on the Year – usually the popular opening ceremony to the crime writing festival, which draws authors and fans from around the world.
