The Harrogate Review | Issue 26 | March/April 2020 by Festival Publications

ISSUE 26 Mar | Apr 2020 FREE

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Editors Note Is it Spring now? What a weather rollercoaster we’ve all been on these last few weeks! Usually it’s around this time of year we have all had enough and our minds turn to making plans for longer (and hopefully warmer) days. Now, that may involve plans to jet off on a plane to a faraway land, but hopefully it will also include some time closer to home. This issue brings you Spring events in and around Harrogate, and we also showcase some of the fantastic businesses and other organisations that make Harrogate such a special place to visit, stay, live and work. See inside for more on the fourth year of the pioneering Harrogate Film Festival, and fabulous local charity Henshaws tell us all about their upcoming season of art, music, family and fundraising events – including the second year of their fab beer festival. Harrogate Beer Festival – another fundraiser - also takes place in March; Harrogate Theatre brings a programme of European performance, up close and personal theatre experiences, and classic comedy drama; Harrogate International Festivals present more Salon North; and DJ Trev tells us about a local indie business he has a particular soft spot for. There’s loads more besides, and hopefully enough to keep you distracted as the weather perks up and the crocuses start to pop. Enjoy! Rachel Auty

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Contents

At a Glance

Victoria Quarter

#myHarrogate

DJ Trev column

Montpellier Quarter

What's on at Henshaws

Kings Quarter

Great Attractions

West Park Quarter

Harrogate Film Festival

Women on Tap

50 2's Company

53 York Open Studios

54 Sunday Series

60 Music Highlights

At a Glance A round up of key events in and around Harrogate in March and April

6-7 March The 30th annual Harrogate Charity Beer Festival takes place at the Crown Hotel with over 70 beers complemented with the best of local live music and more!

15 March Gordon’s alive! Join larger than life actor, writer and presenter Brian Blessed at Royal Hall for an evening not to be missed! Brian is known for his hearty, king-sized portrayals on film and television, including Flash Gordon, Z Cars and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

15 March Harrogate International Festivals' season of coffee concerts returns to the Old Swan Hotel with an international line-up of world-class chamber musicians. The Esmé Quartet, a string quartet formed of four young Korean women have been praised for their warm sound, hyper-sensitive ensemble, and powerful stage presence.

26 March Rest expert Claudia Hammond, science writer and broadcaster Adam Rutherford, and astrobiologist Professor Lewis Dartnell give TED-style talks at the Crown Hotel for the March Berwins Salon North.

28 March Comedian Arthur Smith is at Harrogate Theatre with a brand-new show telling the enthralling story of his father Syd, POW and P.C on night duty in 1950’s London – an extraordinary man who lived through extraordinary times.

7-8 April The new â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;must seeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; musical, inspired by the astonishing true story of Nicholas Saunderson comes to Harrogate Theatre. Set against the contrasting earthiness of Yorkshire and the dreaming spires of Cambridge, No Horizon is a tale of courage, aspiration, passion and achievement in the face of great adversity.

23 April Jay Rayner brings his My Last Supper show to Harrogate Theatre. The Award-winning restaurant critic, MasterChef judge and writer investigates our fascination with last suppers and tells the stories of the killer dishes that would end up on his table.

23 April Harrogate Spring Flower Show welcomes the new growing season with a spectacular celebration of the very best in horticulture at Newby Hall.

2 May 30 April Experience an evening of extraordinary short films from the world's most prestigious mountain film festival. Follow the expeditions of some of today's most incredible adventurers. Taking place at Royal Hall.

Folly! A new contemporary arts installation is coming to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal water garden between MayOctober 2020.

#myHarrogate

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credit: bbateyphotography

#myHarrogate from Visit Harrogate, sharing the real images from visitors to Harrogate and the surrounding area.

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credit: nicomilnes credit: treenietots

Share your Harrogate with #myHarrogate to join in, see the full gallery at www.visitharrogate.co.uk/myHarrogate

The Montpellier Quarter Drink. Tickets are now on sale for Harrogate’s RoundTable Beer Festival, which returns on the first weekend of March. And to mark the festival’s 30th anniversary – which each year raises thousands-of-pounds for charity – Theakston’s have been commissioned to brew an exclusive beer for the two days. Being held at the Crown Hotel on Friday, March 6 and Saturday 7, the weekend will feature a host of craft-conditioned ales, wines, ciders, prosecco and gins, as well as live music and food. This year’s beneficiaries are St Michael’s Hospice, Martin House Children’s Hospice and Carers’ Resource. A pint of real ale that raises money for charity, what could be better?

Eat. A familiar feature on Montpellier Quarter since 1982, “William & Vic’s” is a Harrogate institution. Residing on Cold Bath Road, the restaurant offers an extensive range of fine wines and a delicious Yorkshire menu. Customers can enjoy the welcoming wine bar and bistro-diner downstairs, or the more spacious bar and restaurant upstairs. If it’s hearty food, delicious wine and a bustling atmosphere you are after, then William & Victoria’s is the ideal setting for any occasion. www.williamandvictoria.com

And just up the road from the Crown, at 14 Montpellier Parade, stands the Montpellier Public House. Serving Theakston’s Old Peculiar and Timothy Taylor Landlord, it offers food five days a week. Whilst the front of the pub – once home to iconic DJ, Gyrating Geoff – is laid out for dining, the rear is reserved for drinking. www.harrogatebeerfestival.co.uk

Tim Heaton Westmorland Sheepskins You have a business lunch with a client, where do you take them? Drum & Monkey Local business you admire? Heal Medical & Wellness Spa Favourite place to eat out in Harrogate? Drum & Monkey Most memorable event youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been to in Harrogate? British Trade & Craft Fair Favourite place to shop in Harrogate? On Cold Bath Road and the Montpellier Quarter

Shop. Considered Harrogateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best kept secret, The Montpellier Quarter is the home of the independents. The Montpellier Mews Antiques, at 11 Montpellier Mews, is a hidden gem well worth seeking out. Numerous dealers are located within the centre selling a vast array of quality antiques, from period watches and vintage clothing to jewellery, early English porcelain and glassware.

Best thing about being based in Harrogate? The independent traders

Supported by:

www.montpellierharrogate.com

Supported by:

The Kings Quarter Drink.

The Little Ale House on Cheltenham Crescent is an independent micropub like no other. Opened by country-pub enthusiasts Rich and Danni, the Little Ale House has received a number of accolades, including Harrogate & Ripon's CAMRA Pub of the Year award 2017. Pub-goers can enjoy a beer garden, an everevolving selection of ales, and perhaps most importantly - a warm, rustic atmosphere in which TV and background music is shunned in favour of proper conversation over a pint. www.alehouseharrogate.co.uk

Eat. A new restaurant has helped revive the look and feel of the lower part of Cheltenham Crescent. Taverna, with its impressive olive trees, has moved into the premises vacated by Casa Romana a number of years ago. It is an authentic Greek & Mediterranean style restaurant & grill, priding itself on its food, and warm, welcoming, fun and friendly atmosphere suitable for parties of all sizes. It has quickly gained a reputation for its Lamb Mousaka, Feta Psit. Its Pitta Gyros has become a best-seller. Its early bird menu (two courses for £12.95) is served daily from noon until 6.30pm. It also has a children’s menu priced at £5.95 which includes a drink. www.tavernaharrogate.co.uk

Jeremy Beaumont Rhodes Woods You have a business lunch with a client, where do you take them? William & Vic’s Local business you admire? Woods of Harrogate

Shop. After 176 years in London, iconic country clothing store, Cordings, chose Harrogate’s stylish Westminster Arcade to open its second shop. The company, whose joint MD is English rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, Eric Clapton, has strong connections with Yorkshire as many of its cloths are woven in local mills, and numerous items in the collections are crafted in the county, including caps and waistcoats. The dog-friendly store houses three floors of Cording’s collections, including field and country clothing, city suits and an exclusive ladies’ collection. Adjacent to Cordings is Smithers Menswear. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in the fashion industry, it too sources its cloths from Yorkshire mills. In addition to its own Smithers label of tweed jackets and coats, wool cashmere blend jackets and coats and lamb’s wool and merino knitwear, it also stocks a selection of European brands which include Meyer trousers and Eterna shirts.

Favourite place to eat out in Harrogate? William & Vic’s Most memorable event you’ve been to in Harrogate? Tour de France Grand Depart Favourite place to shop in Harrogate? Woods of Harrogate Best thing about being based in Harrogate? It’s a beautiful town

Supported by:

www.cordings.co.uk www.smithersclothiers.co.uk

The West Park Quarter Drink. If you’re in the mood for a delightfully British evening of gin tasting, then look no further than the Gin Party Experience at the West Park Hotel. At £25 per person, parties of up to 40 can be given a firsthand session in making the perfect gin-and-tonic. If that’s not enough, guests can choose from a wide selection of real Yorkshire ales and an extensive wine and cocktail menu. Further information about the Gin Party Experience can be found on the West Park Hotel website, www.thewestparkhotel.com/gin-party-harrogate

Eat. Slingsby’s Harrogate, on Tower Street, opened its doors only four and a half years ago, but has quickly established itself amongst locals as one of the best independent cafes in the neighbourhood. Offering quality home-cooked food and tasty, locally roasted coffee, the upstairs is available for private hire for breakfast and lunch meetings, whilst the front terrace is perfect for dog walkers and cyclists alike. www.slingsbysharrogate.co.uk

Nikki Silcock The Lingerie Room You have a business lunch with a client, where do you take them? Three’s a Crowd

Shop. 27 West Park Antiques is a veritable treasure trove of fine antiques, luxury vintage items, collectables, and statement piece. It is home to more than 70 dealers from across the UK selling anything from vintage film posters to glassware, ornaments and vinyl records. Whilst Octavia Antiques specialises in the collectible area of decorative art pottery, and stocks pieces by Clarice Cliff, Susie Cooper, Grays, Burleigh Ware, and Shelley, HS Tools restores and sells old working and collectable tools. Owner Heidi Schimmel – who was mentored and guided by Ann Riley of "Grandad's Attic" (Harrogate) fame - takes great pride in keeping old tools out of landfill and back into workshops or on collectable shelves. “B” Vintage sells a wide variety of vintage items, including clothing, handbags, shoes, vinyl records, pictures, and glass. It also sells bespoke, handmade lampshades featuring unusual fabrics.

Local business you admire? Wills & Parker Favourite place to eat out in Harrogate? La Feria Most memorable event you’ve been to in Harrogate? Tour de France Grand Depart Favourite place to shop in Harrogate? Bias Best thing about being based in Harrogate? Loyal, regular customers

Supported by:

27 West Park Antiques also sells freshly ground coffee and boasts free parking to the rear of the shop. www.27westpark.co.uk

The Victoria Quarter Drink. If you are looking for a dog-friendly micropub with a cosy feel and great atmosphere in Harrogate town centre, then The Disappearing Chin on Beulah Street is the bar for you and your pooch. Run by husband and wife team of Jack and Han, it offers three cask and eight keg lines as well as serving wines and cocktails, all at good prices. Open seven days a week.

Eat. In the heart of Harrogate on Princes Square lies the award-winning Italian restaurant, Sasso. Owned and run by Stefano Lancellotti - who is also the head chef - and his wife Sara, it is named after Stefanoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hometown, Sasso Marconi, located just outside Bologna. Ranked amongst the best pasta restaurants across Yorkshire, in 2008, it made its debut in the Good Food Guide, and has featured every year since. In addition to its everpopular dinner menu, it also offers lunchtime and pre-theatre menus and two private dining rooms. Three doors down from Sasso is its little brother, Caffe Marconi, an extremely popular haunt for catching up with friends over morning coffee and afternoon tea. Priding itself on its fresh pizza dough which is made every day, Caffe Marconi also has an extensive lunchtime and evening menu and a dedicated kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menu. www.sassorestaurant.co.uk www.caffemarconi.co.uk

Further information about The Disappearing Chin is available from their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/thedisappearingchin

Gavin Longridge Hugh Rice You have a business lunch with a client, where do you take them? Hak’s Little Royal Baths Chinese Restaurant Local business you admire? Entech Commercial Energy

Shop. When it comes to high street names you can’t get much bigger than Marks & Spencer. Located at 18-20 Cambridge Street, the store (which is closed on Easter Sunday) houses everything you would expect to find in one of the retailer’s flagship stores. Its food hall, also accessible from Oxford Street, continues to prove a popular draw for locals who use it for their weekly shop. And if it’s an Easter bonnet you are looking to purchase this April, then step into Hats on Top. Located at Unit 9, Victoria Shopping Centre, Station Parade, it stocks hundreds of hats for both men and women. And with the wedding – and summer racing season - just around the corner, this is a must-visit milliner.

Favourite place to eat out in Harrogate? Hak’s Little Royal Baths Chinese Restaurant Most memorable event you’ve been to in Harrogate? Tudor Watches event at Cold Bath Brewhouse Favourite place to shop in Harrogate? Hugh Rice Best thing about being based in Harrogate? The support of the local community

Supported by:

www.marksandspencer.com www.facebook.com/hatsontop

More venues More copies More Harrogate! Volume 3 coming Summer 2020 t: 07392 110861 e: info@eatdrinkguides.co.uk www.eatdrinkguides.co.uk

Game changing rail service linking Harrogate with the capital London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is proud to provide six daily Azuma services between Harrogate and London King’s Cross, linking the Yorkshire Spa town with the capital.

produce sourced locally along the East Coast route. They can also enjoy the facilities at LNER’s luxurious First Class Lounge at London King’s Cross.

An extra five services in each direction began in December 2019, providing a daily two-hourly direct service to and from London via Leeds.

The Azuma fleet offers significant environmental benefits. Azuma trains run using overhead electric wires between London and Leeds. The bi-mode Azuma fleet will then operate under diesel power for the 18 miles between Leeds and Harogate.

From the best ever WiFi, plug sockets at every seat and more legroom in Standard to extra space for bags, ergonomically designed seats and an excellent range of refreshments served at seat or from the Cafe Bar, the new Azuma fleet is transforming the journey experience. Customers travelling in First Class are served a complimentary meal on board from a menu created exclusively by LNER’s Hero Chefs, using

LNER is growing its fleet with the introduction of 65 Azuma trains and working with Network Rail to deliver the East Coast Upgrade which, together, will mean further increases in our services in the coming years.

Relocation Relocation Relocation Mama Doreen’s Emporium After a decade on Cold Bath Road, iconic tearoom and cake shop, Mama Doreen’s Emporium, moved into a prime spot at the end of James Street. The business began life in 2009 when Jessica Wyatt and her mother, Justine Hall, started baking cupcakes in their kitchen. Their reputation quickly grew and Mama Doreen’s – named in memory of a family member - began supplying cupcakes and speciality cakes to cafés, restaurants and stores across the region, including ASDA. In 2012, Mama Doreen’s opened a small shop on Cold Bath Road and, a few years later, added a café next door. On a visit to Harrogate, celebrity chef James Martin described a Mama Doreen’s sticky toffee cupcake as “bloody marvellous”. Moving into the five-storey building has given Jessica and Justine the scope to expand Mama Doreen’s offering, including longer opening hours, extended menu, seasonal afternoon teas (Mother’s Day and Easter ), bespoke bakery, shop, cocktail bar, themed evenings and a private function room.

Whilst it was hotelier Conrad Hilton who coined the phrase “location, location, location,” three Harrogate businesses have gone a step further and “relocated, relocated, relocated”

Castle Fine Arts Just across the road from Mama Doreen’s Emporium, in the former GAP store (2-6 James Street), can now be found Castle Fine Art. Formerly located at 40 Parliament Street, the gallery has recently unveiled its Spring Collection, including exciting new pieces from Nigel Humphries, Bob Barker and John Wilson. By order of the Peaky Blinders, Castle Fine Art is displaying a collection of “family portraits” by artist Jon Jones, as well as a number of stunning originals by illustrator and painter, Sam Hencher, who favours both landscapes and cityscapes. He is inspired by the light and mood of the subject than the physical element that is used to convey it. And for those who like their art off the wall, Peter and Jayne Smith’s raucous new “Sex, Drugs ‘n Sausage Rolls” collection - a wry smile at people, coffee, swearing, diets and lots of cats and dogs – is certainly worth a second, or third, look. Situated over two floors, the Harrogate gallery also has limited edition prints by Bob Dylan (yes, THE Bob Dylan!), Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood, and Scottish comic and TV personality, Billy Connolly, not forgetting the iconic Marvel Comic front pages.

Additionally, its new website now allows customers to “build your own cake”, an innovation that will also set it further apart from any other cupcake business in the region.

Whilst Castle Fine Arts has been in situ on James Street for a few months now, it’s holding its official opening on Sunday, March 1, when Teesside artist Steve Simpson will be in attendance.

www.mamadoreensemporium.co.uk

www.castlefineart.com

Furnish & Fettle Finally, independent family-run interior design business Furnish & Fettle is moving around the corner from its current location on Royal Parade, to larger premises next to Hales Bar, at 3-5 Crescent Road – and still within the Montpellier Quarter.

Images: Top to bottom; Mama Doreen's Emporium, Castle Fine Arts, Furnish & Fettle

The business was founded in 2016 when local couple Glyn and Eleanor Goddard bought the long establish James Brindley business, and retained the expert team already in place. Both had successful corporate careers before deciding that enough was enough and it was time to escape the rat race and paddle their own canoe. Alongside their careers, Glyn & Eleanor had enjoyed being involved in property development, and Eleanor had always had a passion for interior design, which she thinks stems from her Saturday job in Laura Ashley in the early 1990s. As its Harrogate business has flourished, it became clear that it needed more space to grow into. The new showroom has much more useable space as well as superb road frontage, and will house inspirational room sets as well as a huge choice of wallpapers and fabrics from all the leading designer brands. There will also be furniture and smaller interior accessories that can be bought there and then. It will also house a paint & colour room, pattern library and design studio. The team say they will miss their Royal Parade home, in particular the beautiful window which allowed them to do some amazing displays – including the one featured in the documentary on Channel 5 Harrogate: A Great Yorkshire Christmas. Furnish & Fettle, which has been in Harrogate for three years, is passionate about helping clients to make their homes look and feel fabulous! Its showrooms are filled with inspiration making it easy to get started on making a dream home – whatever the scale of the project. www. furnishandfettle.co.uk

MOTHER’S DAY CARD Show your mum how much you love her by giving her one of our BID cards, which are accepted at shops across Harrogate

AVAILABLE FROM TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE • HARROGATE THEATRE • HARROGATE BUS STATION

Bob Kennedy: The Jeans Genie Before becoming one of Harrogate’s most familiar retailers, Bob Kennedy was a travelling rep selling security tags for clothes. And whilst visiting clients in cities and towns across the north of England and Scotland, he realised Harrogate lacked something the vast majority had – a jeans shop! In 1993, and at the age of 26 “knowing nothing about business or running a shop”, the entrepreneur opened his first venture, Plantation, on Cheltenham Parade, selling an array of men’s and ladies’ clothes. In 1996 a six-month lease came up on a unit in the Victoria Shopping Centre, which was perfect for Bob’s dream of opening a jeans shop. Whilst thinking of a name, he saw a sign above the back door which read “G23” (shorthand for ground floor unit 23), and the legend was born. Realising there was a demand for a permanent jeans shop, G23 moved to Beulah Street and, consolidating both businesses, Plantation moved into the basement. In 2002, 13 Cambridge Road became vacant, and Bob knew this was where he wanted to take G23 into. “Levis said the perfect locations for their stores was where you could see both a McDonald’s and a record shop and there was both!”, said Bob. Occupying a prime location on one of Harrogate’s busiest thoroughfares, its selection of Levis takes pride of place alongside other well-

known names including Superdry, Fred Perry, Farrah, Adidas Originals, Tommy Hilfiger, Jack Jones and Marc Darcy. Four years later, Bob bought the already established Porters Menswear, which is just around the corner at 35 Oxford Street. “I was chatting to the owner who was developing his property business and said if he ever wanted to sell, we should talk. He was and we did!” A different proposition to G23, and aimed at a different customer base, labels Porters stock include Belstaff, Scotch & Soda, Nudie, Guide London, Gibson and Remus Uomo. Last summer, Bob’s empire expanded with the opening of Porters Ilkley. “Plenty of my customers come from Ilkley and kept asking if I would open one there. Like Harrogate, it is a lovely spa town, has a Betty’s and has great independents.” Bob is ably assisted by right hand men and directors Andy Shuttleworth and Graham Jack. Whilst Andy, who joined the business in 2002 is regarded as the face of Porters Harrogate, Graham, who joined soon after Andy looks after the day to running of G23. And for those looking for a real bargain, the Easter weekend will see Porters staging its “dippy discount” promotion, where customers are invited to “dip” their hand into a container and pick out a ticket offering discounts of between 10 per cent and 70 per cent” off all stock!

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Bus Boost! Pictured are Transdev general manager Frank Stanisauskis, left, and Bob Kennedy, BID board member and owner of G23 and Porters.

Transdev to complete 12 months of Sunday Freeway An initiative that has delivered a major boost to Harrogate’s retail sector has celebrated its first birthday. Thanks to the support of leading town businesses and Harrogate BID (Business Improvement District), Transdev has been able to run the Sunday Freeway, a free service to and from town on its fleet of electric buses. In its first month the Harrogate Electric – 2A, 2B, 3 and 6, which link Bilton, Dene Park, The Knox, Jennyfield and Pannal Ash with the town centre - carried 70 per cent more people than it did in the same month the previous year. Local businesses such as Slingsby and Harrogate Spring Water partnered with Transdev over the following months to keep the Sunday Freeway going. As a result, the transport operator continued to 24

see similar results to the 70 per cent lift achieved through the trial month throughout the year. The BID supported the Sunday Freeway from October to December, giving a much-needed boost to town centre shops before Christmas. During this period Trandsev had its highest figures when, during November, it carried 90 per cent more people than it did during November 2018. Transdev marketing manager Rebecca Burnett said: “We were delighted to partner with the BID again this February, and complete year one of the Sunday Freeway. We’re hoping to announce further partners for the months ahead too. “To bring so many extra people into the town is amazing and shows what we can do when we all work together.” Transdev general manager Frank Stanisauskis said: “It’s a truly amazing increase, with many choosing to leave their cars at home and use our zero emission buses instead. In 2019 over 40,000 people travelled with us on Sundays for free across the year.” Andrea Thornborrow, manager of Harrogate’s Primark store, said: “Sunday Freeway has been a superb initiative and, thanks to Transdev and its sponsors, we have certainly seen footfall in our store increase on Sundays. “I’m certainly hopeful it will continue because it is bringing real benefits not just to us, but to the whole the town centre in general, which can only be good news for the local economy.”

Est. 1988

One of Yorkshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest cheese shops, stocking over 200 types of speciality cheese, hampers and cheese wedding cakes; local, British and Continental cheese. We pride ourselves in stocking only the highest quality, seasonal cheeses. Monday - Saturday: 9.00am - 5.00pm 1 Commercial Street, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 1UB 01423 508837 www.thecheeseboard.net

Harrogate Agency Marks 10 Years 2020 marks the tenth anniversary of Cause UK. The Harrogate-based agency which puts good causes, the arts, and ethical businesses on the agenda, was founded by Clair ChallenorChadwick in 2010; she runs it with fellow director, and sister, Ann. In the past decade, Cause UK has supported major arts organisations as well as running its own events and festivals, such as the Malton Dickensian Festival with actor, Miriam Margolyes, who praised the sisters as: “Two adorable people. Fighters for good.” The agency has provided high level strategic consultancy on PR, marketing and fundraising to major charities including the Archbishop of York Youth Trust, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, and Lord Robert Winston’s Genesis Research Trust. It also works with ethical businesses, from helping to produce an ITV advert and secure case studies for TV documentaries, to hosting Hackathons for a major London fintech company. Clair Challenor-Chadwick, MD of Cause UK, said: “We all have a choice to make a difference, and we’re proud to have raised upwards of £1m for charity, as well as raising awareness of some remarkable people and causes.” In 2019, supporting the Invictus UK Trials opening ceremony in Sheffield with Alfie Boe resulted in a private meet for Clair with Prince Harry to thank her for her work. Last year, she helped para-athlete James Rose, who nearly died after stepping on an IED in Helmand Province, to raise funds for military charities. She secured James on Sky News, Channel 5 News and Good Morning Britain.

James said: “Clair has massively helped us in raising awareness of mental illness to a larger audience and raise extra money for our chosen charities.” Clair said: “My sister Ann has a background as a journalist and editor, and my career has involved working in private banking in London before moving into the Third Sector. Together, we have the skills to make a big impact, with the ability to spot a great story and tell a great story.” Matt Smith, CEO of Key Fund, said Cause UK’s support helped Key Fund build a national profile, “It was something that we had previously struggled with, which helped us to secure awards, attract new clients, bring in different investors and really move on to a new level.” The team has also supported Visit Harrogate and Harrogate BID, and worked with visitor attractions including How Stean Gorge and Stockeld Park. Will Roberts, who runs the Himalayan Gardens and Sculpture Park said they saw ‘an increase in footfall on the back of the national coverage they have generated.’ Cause UK secured a film on The One Show for the business Besbrode Pianos in Leeds, who said of the various media work over the years that it was ‘almost impossible to calculate the good it has done, amazing.’ This year, they are working again with Brian Blessed, securing the actor for an evening with event for Harrogate Film Festival at the Royal Hall in March. For more information visit: wesleycentreharrogate.org.uk/concerts

Highlights 2011 – Veterans Artisan Bakery: From fire power to flour power, Cause UK generated funds to establish the bakery at Catterick Garrison, a working therapeutic bakery for veterans struggling to adjust to Civvy Street, which is still going strong.

2012 - Brian Blessed Raps for Ilkley Moor: The reimagined On Ilkla Moor Bah’tat story featured in the Telegraph, BBC World Service, and BBC One Show, as Cause UK helped reclaim the Yorkshire folk song.

2012 – A Christmas Carol: Clair worked with broadcaster Selina Scott to secure a signed edition of a Christmas Carol from a collector in New York, celebrating Dickens’ links to Malton. The book inspired an annual Dickensian Festival ran by Cause UK.

2014 – Sherlock World Record: Raising funds for the Yorkshire Brain Research Centre, the team enlisted the most famous of all brains. Staging a Sherlock Festival in Leeds, Cause UK organised the Guinness World Record for the most people dressed as Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock writer Steven Moffat sent a video message of support. The story went as far as China, Chile, Japan, Canada and Mexico.

2016 – Hidden Wounds Concert: One of the team’s biggest fundraising challenges, Hidden Wounds raised £60k for Help for Heroes. Event managing the concert for Eliot Kennedy, Gary Barlow starred, and the 700 gala dinner audience were treated to videos of support from Bear Grylls and Donny Osmond; Kensington Palace tweeted their support.

2019 – Invictus UK Trials: Eliot enlisted Cause UK once more to promote the official opening celebrations of 2019’s Invictus Trials hosted at Sheffield Arena. Working with Alfie Boe, Heather Small, Suggs alongside the MoD, Cause UK secured TV news and The One Show, and were invited to meet Prince Harry.

2019 – Go Wild: As part of its work with The Wild Watch at Nidderdale AONB, the team invited Steve Backshall and Chris Packham to the Royal Hall. Both gave inspiring talks raising awareness on the climate crisis, resulting in extensive press coverage on the Wild Watch’s work.

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A Starling success When on one street alone in a relatively prosperous town like Harrogate you see well known brands such as Ladbrokes closed, the Early Learning Centre closed, and ...the rest... it brings home how difficult it is for businesses to survive on the High Street these days. Logic suggests if established names can't survive, it must be even harder for independents. Before I start, it's worth pointing out, despite my moustache and rolled up jeans, I am not so hipster that I think everything should be independent. Chains provide a great deal of jobs, and add to the range of options on the High Street. If I'm in another town and haven't the time to scour 43 menus before choosing somewhere, I'll often go to a default chain, and there are two chains in particular that I regularly go to in Harrogate for nothing other than that age old reason – I like them. But a High Street consisting of only chains would be a dull affair; ideally I like to see huge corporate chains filling massive units no one else can touch, and the gaps between filled with individual, pioneering independents. Because make no mistake, to be a successful indie, you need to be a pioneer. Nationally recognised brands can, to a certain degree, just open their doors and people know what they are doing; independents need to do something more. Starling Bar, Cafe & Kitchen does lots more. The venue itself serves as a multi level unit – cosy coffee shop downstairs, deli-bistro for a meal or business meeting on the first floor, and family friendly cafe with toys for kids - on what I believe is called the mezzanine floor - in between. Three venues in one, THEN add in the regular nights they run:

credit: Rainbow Rice Photography

By DJ Trev

The Thursday Quiz is a constant success – as someone who runs quizzes in town I know that's no mean feat – and they've built up a regular following with it. Regular vinyl appreciation nights focus on a classic album, playing them through top end equipment and discussing the works in question. In a lovely touch these have no ticket price, but there is a suggested donation of £5, which goes to The Neo-Monitor Charity appeal. They have regular DJ nights in the peak season (before you think “Oh, here it comes, I bet he's Djing there and this is a long winded stealth advert, if I wanted that I'd read his instagram posts @djtrevuk” I did play a private party there once and it definitely works as a venue for that too, but it's my mate Rory Hoy who told me he really rates it, and that's good enough for me.) There's even a whisky tasting evening coming up; all of which makes Starling much more than “just a coffee house”. I mean, don't get me wrong - I wouldn't write an article about a coffee house if the coffee wasn't excellent. It really is; and the food menu

is beyond even that, with vegetarian options from healthy meals to indulgent treats, a full menu of contemporary meat dishes, breakfasts and snacks; but Starling brings so much more to the table, that you go in for breakfast, and end up making plans for the next month. The genius moment for the venue was, in my opinion, The UCI World Cycle Championships. Obviously, that event was contentious for a lot of places but every business I have spoken to that actually got on board with the event and was proactive did really well. On the several days I went into town – yes, there were quiet venues – but as far as I could see, those venues had put absolutely no effort into getting people in. Meanwhile Starling was running a different menu, operating as a pop-up outlet for a major bike company, and featured special events

every single night of the championship. That it's surprising to anyone that Starling did really well by engaging with the event is surprising to me. It's this kind of thing that sets Starling apart; they never sit on their hands and expect people to just come to them - the menu changes, the staff are always engaging, and in a town that has lots of great independent and chain operators, Starling really stands out as one of the very best! Dj Trev DJ's The Foundry Project in Harrogate every Saturday. You can also see him play at Bangface Weekender, Blind Jack's, 6 Poor Folk, FEVA Festival, Bedfest, Northallerton Custom 2020, Montey's, Tap on Tower Street, Party in the Castle 2020 and “many more” but please check with the venues in advance to guarantee disappointment. 29

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.what’s on spring/summer 2020

This season’s art, music & children’s events in Knaresborough

Open weekdays 9am - 4pm

Sundays

10am - 4pm

Permanent - Art Maker Showcases and Exhibitions Open daily during centre opening times. Explore our unique window displays in each workshop as you walk around the centre. It’s a fantastic creative space which showcases the skills and achievements of our talented Art Makers. Textiles, ceramics, canvases, jewellery and more are available to buy, with all proceeds going to Henshaws to support people living with disabilities. We change our showcases with the seasons so there’s always something new to see.

REGULAR EVENTS Disco Fever 2nd Thursday of every month 6pm – 9pm Dates:- Thu 13th Feb, Thu 12th Mar, Thu 9th Apr, Thu 14th May, Thu 11th June, Thu 9th July Dinner and disco night for adults with learning disabilities. This event is open to any adults in the community with learning disabilities. It’s a highlight of our events calendar for many of our Art Makers who attend regularly to catch up with friends over a bit of a dance and some tasty food. A hot meal is included in the £6 ticket price, advanced tickets only. Drinks are available to buy from our fully licensed bar. Cost: £6 for dinner and disco from 6pm or £4 for disco only from 7pm. You can purchase your tickets at the centre behind the counter in the cafe or online at henshawsarts.org.uk Advance tickets only.

The Friday Night Mix Last Friday of every month 7:30 – 11:00pm Dates for Feb-July – Fri 28th Feb, 20th March, Fri 24th April, Fri 29th May, Fri 26th June Live music night showcasing some of the best local acts. Licensed bar. Cost: Free entry See website/facebook for details of each event. No need to book, just turn up on the night and have some fun.

Make and Take Craft Fairs Last Sunday of every month A fabulous way to spend a lazy Sunday, come buy from local crafters at our handmade marketplace and eat freshly prepared scrumptious food, cakes and drinks in our Café. Free entry. Craft activities from £2. All details are correct at the time of printing but we reserve the right to amend the published programme if necessary.

henshaws arts & crafts centre

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Sun 19th April, 12 noon – 3pm

Sat 16th May, 12 noon – 5pm and 6pm – 11pm

Easter Fun Day / Bunny Hunt – Craft Stalls

Henshaws Beer Fest

Henshaws Beer Festival will take place on Saturday 16th May 2020 at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre in Knaresborough. Local breweries are joining forces to create what promises to be a fantastic event! Henshaws offers a unique outdoor setting for the festival in the centre’s courtyard which has a large stage area and undercover spaces. The event will feature an enticing mix of beer, street food, family activities and music from lllllllllllllllllll acclaimed local artists throughout the Thu 14th May, 11am – 3pm day and into the night. Gourmet Call My Bluff All proceeds from the event will help A competitive wine tasting with a Henshaws to support disabled people difference! This year our popular event in the area. will make its home at the beautiful Sun Pavilion in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens. Tickets are £180 per team of 4 and includes 6 wines, glass of fizz henshawsarts.org.uk and nibbles. Painting Pots presents The Great Knaresborough Bunny Hunt 2020 from the 4th-19th April. To bring the hunt to a close please join us on Sunday 19th April from 12-3pm for painting pots, craft stalls, face painting, musical and dance workshops, biscuit decorating and more! Please visit ‘The Great Knaresborough Bunny Hunt’ on Facebook for more info.

may

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Sun 19th April, 12 noon – 3pm

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D Pots E Spresents I G The N Great E R A Henshaws G E NBeer CFestival Y will take place Painting on WOMENSWEAR Saturday 16th May| 2020 at Knaresborough Bunny Hunt| 2020 PRE-OWNED | NEW LUXURY LABEL ACCESSORIES Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre in from the 4th-19th April. To bring the hunt to a close please join us on Sunday Knaresborough. Local breweries are joining forces to create what 19th April from 12-3pm for painting promises to be a fantastic event! pots, craft stalls, face painting, musical and dance workshops, biscuit Henshaws offers a unique outdoor decorating and more! Please visit setting for the festival in the centre’s ‘The Great Knaresborough Bunny Hunt’ courtyard which has a large stage area on Facebook for more info. and undercover spaces. The event will BUY FROM US / SELL WITH US feature an enticing mix of beer, street food, family activities and music from lllllllllllllllllll acclaimed local artists throughout the Thu 14th May, 11am – 3pm day and into the night. Gourmet Call My Bluff All proceeds from the event will help A competitive wine tasting with a Henshaws to support disabled people difference! This year our popular event in the area. will make its home at the beautiful Sun Pavilion Harrogate’s Valley VIOLET, 1 4in CHELTENH AM M OU N T, HA RROGATE, HG1 1 D L T: 0142Tickets 3 568307areW: W W W. VI OLteam ETSTORE. Gardens. £180 per ofU K V IOL ETSTOREH ARROG ATE @VI OL ETSTOREHGTE 4 and includes 6 wines, glass of fizz henshawsarts.org.uk and nibbles.

may

Great Attractions Explore just a few of our great attractions in the heart of Yorkshire, get out this March and April and discover something new. From adventure to art, natural wonder to intense relaxation, the Harrogate District has something for everyone.

Turkish Baths Forget the chills of winter and early spring and enjoy the stunningly decorated Victorian Turkish baths for which Harrogate is so well known. Lovingly restored to their original glory you can enjoy Turkish Baths Harrogate not only as a spa experience but also through an informative guided tour given by one of the team. The baths are open daily and the 45minute informational tour takes place at 9am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday.

Stockeld Park Nestled in a woodland within 30 minutes of Leeds, York and Harrogate, Stockeld Park is the home of adventures and original family fun. Each adventure seasons boasts many fun activities including themed adventure playgrounds, climbing nets, covered roller blading rink (which becomes an ice rink in winter), big yew tree maze, Enchanted Forest, large picnic area, amazing gift shop and cafĂŠ. The Easter Adventure runs from Saturday 4th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunday 19th April: 10am - 6pm.

How Stean Gorge This geological wonder has the benefit of being somewhere you can explore and enjoy from inside! This is all thanks to How Stean Gorge's magnificent cafĂŠ and visitor centre that overhang the gorge with glass walls and a glass floor. Those who want to venture through the limestone chasm can get adventurous while those who do not, can enjoy some delicious home baked goodies and watch from above.

Coldstones Cut The highest sculpture in Yorkshire, Coldstones Cut offers a view of Yorkshire unlike any other. Perched atop the edge of the last working quarry in Nidderdale, the apron of Coldstones Cut looks down into the quarry pit where machinery and vehicles busily work away processing limestone. From the two minarets, you can view Nidderdale and much of Yorkshire beyond. A crisp spring day can often offer the clearest view and at night, the lights of the Teeside are visible, along with the transmitting tower of Bilsdale near Helmsley and the glow of Leeds and Bradford.

Mercer Art Gallery This spring Harrogateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mercer Art Gallery is hosting an exhibition of works by William Turner. Northern Exposure is a collection of works by one of the most influential British artists, celebrating his sketching tour of the North of England in 1797. These eight weeks began the journey exploring the interaction of light and natural elements that would define his career. Northern Exposure is accompanied by an exclusive exhibition by Yorkshire artists whose work shows how Turners legacy is still evident today, over 220 years later.

Brimham Rocks The rock formations of Brimham are open to explore all year round and make an impressive backdrop to a spring walk. These seemingly unlikely shapes of millstone grit are popular subjects for photographers with a choice of backdrops, stunning views and prolific lichens which offer powerful contrast in black and white. Brimham Rocks is also very dog friendly and part of the National Trust.

Ripon Walled Garden This garden project to the north of Ripon is well worth a visit on a spring morning. Ripon Walled Garden is home to a garden nursery with cafe and shop and a historic orchard with rare fruit varieties that dates back to when the garden was part of the Bishops Palace. The shop sells a number of craft products and preserves produced locally and all the profits from the café and shop go back into the garden. The Ripon Walled Garden supports adults and young people with learning disabilities in the local area.

Ripon Cathedral This impressive Grade I listed church was built in the English Gothic style. For the full impact head into the city centre and approach the Ripon Cathedral along the eclectic shopping street of Kirkgate. The woodcarvings of Ripon Cathedral choir stalls are thought to be the inspirations for Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. The author spent much time among the pews in the Cathedral where his father was canon. The Crypt of St Wilfrid’s original church built in 672AD is still intact and in use to this day, making it the oldest church building in continuous usage in the UK.

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Harrogate Film Festival returns with bumper line-up Harrogate Film Festival have announced a bumper line up including an evening with Brian Blessed as the popular event returns for its fourth year. The now 10-day festival has expanded, with five new venues, the first ever film escape room of its kind and nine new screenings to add to its programme which takes place across 6th – 15th March 2020. Students from the Northern Film School at Leeds Beckett University will also get the opportunity to showcase the latest in innovation across the industry. Annabelle Pangborn, Head of Subject, Northern Film School, said: “The Harrogate Film Festival has an incredibly rich and diverse programme of events. “The festival is known for championing unique stories which shows that we are well suited with similar creative approaches to our work. “It will give our students the perfect opportunity to showcase their best work in drama, documentary and experimental film as well as network with industry professionals. “Excitement is building as the film festival draws closer and students here at the Northern Film School at Leeds Beckett University can’t wait to show off their skillset.” The festival has expanded due to rapid growth and popularity surrounding the event with new events and ideas. More than 500 entries from countries around the world have been submitted to the popular independent filmmakers short film competition which is part of the festival.

Five new venues around the town such as RedHouse Originals and House of Harrogate will also be used during the 10-day event. Workshops are also back, along with local storyboard artist from shows such as Shaun the Sheep and Dennis and Gnasher, David Bunting. Adam Chandler, Managing Director at the festival, said: “I can’t wait! It’s going to be bigger and better with some truly unique and innovative events. “I’m also delighted to welcome back our existing partners along with new ones. “Leeds Beckett University’s Northern Film School, who I’m really excited to have on board, is one of the country’s most exciting and fastest growing film schools which will only help us in our mission of delivering quality film experiences and education.” Zoe Robinson, managing partner, Raworths who have supported the Festival since its inauguration added: "The Harrogate Film Festival has rapidly grown in size and quality since it began, and we are thrilled to be part of its exciting journey. "Raworths are committed supporters of the arts and the long-term benefits these can bring to our community. "The success and attention this young festival has achieved, both at home and overseas is impressive and a further step towards making Harrogate a truly cultural destination." “We are looking forward to enjoying the line-up of 2020's event.”

Harrogate Film Festival welcomes Ken Loach Ken Loach, one of Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most acclaimed film directors, is making an exclusive appearance at the Harrogate Film Festival. Loach will host an audience Q&A directly after a screening of his latest film, Sorry We Missed You. Taking place at The Wesley Centre, Oxford Street in Harrogate on Monday March 9, the screening is from 2-3.45pm; Ken Loach will talk directly after from 3.45-4.45pm. Britain's foremost political filmmaker, few directors have been as consistent in their themes and their filmic style, or as principled in their politics, as Loach. Born in 1936 in Nuneaton, after a brief spell in the theatre, Loach was recruited by the BBC in 1963 as a television director. This launched a long career directing films for television and the cinema, from Cathy Come Home and Kes in the sixties to Land and Freedom, Sweet Sixteen and The Wind That Shakes the Barley. His film I, Daniel Blake won the 2016 Palme dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Or and the 2017 BAFTA for Outstanding British Film. Screening of Sorry We Missed You: 2pm3.45pm. Ken Loach will then take part in an audience Q&A directly after the screening: 3.45-4.45pm. The event takes place at The Wesley Centre, Harrogate, on Monday 9 March. Audiences are encouraged to donate to the Harrogate Homeless Project, which operates from, and is supported by, The Wesley Centre. Tickets at www.harrogatefilm.co.uk/ events/ken-loach-09-03-2020

FIVE RISE RECORDS PRESENT

HARROGATE RECORD FAIR

Wesley Centre

WESLEY CENTRE CONCERTS at the Wesley Centre, Oxford St, Harrogate HG1 1PP www.wesleycentreharrogate.org.uk April 6 2020 at 1pm

(Formerly Wesley Chapel)

DANIEL TONG (piano)

Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 1PP

Piano Sonata No 3 in F minor Op 5 And Three Intermezzi Op 117: J. Brahms Tickets £8 on the door

2020 SAT 4 TH APRIL • SAT 6 TH JUNE SAT 3 RD OCTOBER 10 AM - 4 PM • FREE ENTRY NEW SELLERS ALWAYS WELCOME Call 07854 148773 for booking details or e-mail recordfairs@fiveriserecords.co.uk www.fiveriserecords.co.uk

May 11 2020 at 1pm

ASHLEY RICHES (bass-baritone) and JOSEPH MIDDLETON (piano) take a tour round A Musical Zoo Tickets £8 on the door

May 16 2020 at 7.30pm

CLARE HAMMOND (piano) plays music by Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Albeniz, Lili Boulanger, Fauré, Gershwin and Earl Wild Tickets £16 (age 26 and under £8) on the door. For reservations, please contact below. For further information, please contact the Wesley Centre Office, 01423509917 admin@wesleycentreharrogate.org.uk or Andrew Hitchen 01423883618/a.hitchen81@gmail.com

The

Gardener’s Friend

Learn to garden this spring. Garden Coaching with you in your garden. Contact Esther

on 01423 317 929 or visit www.thegardenersfriend.co.uk

Speciality Coffee, Loose-leaf Tea & Single Origin Hot Chocolate Breakfast | Lunch | All Day Treats Open 7 Days | 14 Commercial Street, Harrogate, HG1 1TY

Public invited to create spectacular poppy sculpture Yorkshire’s award-winning Himalayan Gardens and Sculpture Park is inviting the public to create its largest public sculpture from 600 ceramic poppies. The free sculpture project, led by artist Anna Whitehouse, will result in 600 clay Himalayan blue poppies that will form a permanent installation in the gardens. Visitors are invited to ‘Make a Meconopsis’ – best known as blue poppies - with a series of drop-in workshops led by Anna at the gardens. The distinct poppies, famed for growing in the Himalayas, flower just once in the summer. The 45-acre gardens, positioned in a valley, provides a microclimate that makes it fertile ground for the rare blue poppy. The idea for the sculpture was partly inspired by the VE Day 75th anniversary this year on 8 May. Operations Manager at the gardens, Naomi Hutchinson, said: “Poppies of course are associated with commemorating both world wars. As the blue poppy is associated with the Himalayas, we felt it was a unique opportunity to commemorate the Gurkhas at neighbouring Catterick garrison.” The Gurkhas have fought loyally for the British Army for over 200 years, and more than 200,000 fought in the two world wars; 43,000 lost their lives. In 2019, Catterick Garrison saw the largest intake of Gurkhas ever trained at the garrison, with 400 selected for the British Army. Anna Whitehouse, a Harrogate-based sculpture artist, is known for her works inspired by the natural world and love of the Yorkshire

landscape. Anna said: “The Tower of London poppies were very well received, but the public weren't able to physically join in. I wanted to give visitors an opportunity to be part of a major art installation. The workshops I have designed are open to all ages and abilities. It's about enabling people to be part of something creative and be proud of their role in it.” With three lakes and an arboretum, the gardens feature the north’s largest collection of rhododendrons with over 1,400 varieties. It’s home to an internationally recognised art collection with more than 80 striking contemporary sculptures in the landscape. Naomi Hutchinson, said: “One of the unique and very exciting things about the Himalayan Gardens is you’ll find very rare plants you won’t find elsewhere, thanks to the specialised conditions of sheltered woodlands on acid soil.” The gardens in Grewelthorpe near Ripon were donated in 2012 to a Charitable Trust, The Hutts Foundation, by Peter and Caroline Roberts. The charity aims to advance the arts, horticulture and the environment, including the cultivation of rare and endangered plants. In recent years, the attraction has won national acclaim. Shortlisted for the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2020, the gardens featured on BBC Countryfile’s autumn special last year, and were winners of the Yorkshire in Bloom Tourist Attraction Award in 2018 and 2019. Last year, Joanna Lumley, a passionate advocator of the Gurkha’s plight, became patron

of the charity, describing the gardens as a “slice of heaven.” Led by Anna, and assisted by three MA students from Harrogate College, the public can attend six free workshops in the gardens from April through to September to make a poppy out of clay. The flowers will be then taken for glazing. The public will then have the opportunity to watch the installation take shape over the summer. Anna said: “Creating the flower is simple and they will be inclusive, family friendly workshops open to all ages and abilities. Although it’s a chance for the gardens to commemorate the Gurkhas, the flowers can be open to interpretation for those who make them and can symbolise something more personal to them. Each will be unique to the hands that make them. There’s a pot in the British Museum that’s thousands of years old, and you can still see the thumbprint of the maker. There’s something very powerful about that idea.”

Make a Meconoposis Workshop dates: Sessions at 10am-12pm and 1.30pm-4pm on the following dates: 17th April 8th May 20th June 23rd July 13th Aug 12th Sept No booking needed. Visitors can wander round gardens and drop by when suits, in an informal and relaxed setting. The final installation will be revealed in September.

The Himalayan Gardens open from 10 April until 1 November. The monthly workshops are free and no booking is required. For details visit www. himalayangarden.com.

Cheers! To the fourth year of Women On Tap Women On Tap is a year-round celebration of women and beer, including WOTFest - a major annual beer & arts festival rooted in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

In 2019 Women On Tap was also a Finalist of the British Guild of Beer Writers Corporate Communications award alongside Verdant and Ei Group.

The team behind the certified social enterprise are huge believers in the beer, hospitality and creative talent of the north and they unashamedly shout about it across their established national and international networks.

For 2020 the fourth Women On Tap Festival will take place from 6-10 May. The festival will span the special bank holiday weekend of VE Day celebrations, and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talk of events around wartime influences on women and beer. In addition, the programme will feature Beer School for those who want to learn more about beer, flavours and the brewing process; talks on fascinating subjects from experts; performance including live music, theatre, and comedy; and a day of wellness to focus on mindful drinking, self-care, and a look at how beer has a positive influence on communities, our lives, and the bigger challenges of modern society. For the fourth year the team will also brew four ambitious collaborative beers with some of their favourite local breweries including Brew York, Roosters, and Nomadic.

Founded in 2017 Women On Tap has now invented new concepts and delivered more than 50 events and three major festivals, all showcasing incredible women alongside the joys of great beer and hospitality. As a certified Social Enterprise, all of the profits are reinvested in the core work and social aims. The 2019 Women On Tap Festival attracted sponsorship from some of the leading UK breweries and presented 25 events over 5 days across 13 venues in 4 towns. An estimated 650 people got involved, and visitors traveled to Harrogate from across the UK including London, Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Keep up to date on Twitter @wotfest or at womenontap.co.uk

A Sense of Place By Rachel Auty

Alison Wheat is Outreach Librarian at Harrogate Library. She is passionate about the role of libraries in communities and insists that it’s about much more than just books. I caught up with Alison to find out more.

What do you enjoy most about what you do? No one day is ever the same! There’s so much going on in Harrogate and the opportunities for partnership working and promoting the library offer are endless. It’s great working alongside such a committed team of staff and volunteers.

What role do libraries have today? Libraries have a huge role to play in the community – promoting reading, learning, digital, health & wellbeing and information to the communities they serve. They can provide a wide range of literature in a variety of formats (including audio on CD,

large print, e-audio, e-books) aimed at all ages and abilities along with supporting activities that promote reading such as reading groups, author talks and children’s story times. For those who are unable to get to the library we have a Home Library Service where items are delivered to people in their own homes. Along with hosting lots of activities for people to participate in, the library also offers volunteering opportunities. This not only allows people to develop new skills it also gives people the opportunity to meet new people and develop new friendships. People often assume that everyone who needs to be online is online. This is not the case and the library can offer support with digital skills. Volunteers run regular 1-2-1 sessions where customers can learn on their own devices or the PCs at the library. This help may include basic Internet searching, job search help or help accessing e-resources from the library.

What do you say to people who think libraries are just about books or have 'had their day'? Across North Yorkshire there were over 2 million visits to libraries last year. Over 2 million books were borrowed and over 100,000 e-books were checked out. Over 20,000 individuals were supported to use IT, and over 40,000 doors were knocked on by the Home Library Service. Nearly 10,000 children participated in the Summer

Reading Challenge. Whilst statistics can quantify the service, we must also think of the qualitative impact of libraries - they are about so much more than books. They offer a sense of place to people in their community. How many places can you go to where you can sit for as long as you want and not need to spend any money? The library offer includes space to meet, assistance with digital services, activities to combat social isolation and loneliness, as well as access to a wealth of local history resources. We welcome visits from local schools to promote reading but also our other resources, including local history, to give children a sense of the community in which they are growing up. Our regular clubs including Coffee & Conversation, Board Games and the Craft group help to alleviate loneliness and offer people the chance to meet within a safe space, and targeted events such as the Deaf Café also help to bring people together for support and friendship. We also host an English conversation class, regular story times, and a breastfeeding clinic. Our regular code clubs for children are very popular and we are the home of North Yorkshire’s first Coderdojo – an opportunity for young people to work on their own coding projects with support from the members of the local digital community. If people choose to read e-books, we have a collection of over 10,000 e-books that people can access with a library card. The e-books are free and can’t go overdue so there is the benefit of no fines. We want people to see the library as a place where they can get the opportunity to try something new. In the last year, events we have hosted include yoga, meditation, flag & bone dancers, choirs, crochet, family history talks, art demonstrations, storytelling for adults and robotics. This is all offered at free or low cost in a central, accessible venue. We have just launched movie screenings for older people with memory problems, and relaxed screenings for families

Why should people use their local libraries? From a reading perspective, the library has a collection of reading opportunities greater than

anyone could ever physically fit in their own home. It is an opportunity to read your favourite author or try something new without the need for financial outlay or the need to find a permanent space on your bookshelf! Aside from reading, the library holds a wealth of information about what is happening in the local community, and organisations often hold advice and information sessions here. It is also home to some unique historical resources including photographs, electoral rolls, street directories and historic maps. A library card also allows free access (within the library building) to Ancestry.com, Find My Past and The British Newspaper Archive. There are meeting rooms to hire, groups to join, volunteering opportunities, study space, free Wi-Fi and computing facilities and a whole host of free online resources.

What do you think the future of libraries looks like? Research has shown that libraries are places for raising aspirations, stimulating enjoyment of culture and helping people live independent lives. Libraries must continue to develop to be at the heart of their community, owned and shaped by them, and be able to respond to changing demands and needs. Libraries will be a place to exchange, share, learn and create ideas. They will be first choice for people wanting to find out, learn, enjoy and read - with skilled teams to support their ambition. As a focal point for communities, libraries will support and develop literacy skills, reading, creativity and innovation to help people, of all ages, to realise their potential. They will support the improvement of health and wellbeing in their locality and will provide people with the resources, skills and support to be digitally connected. This will be achieved by working in partnership with other organisations, constantly reviewing the resources we offer and keeping up-to-date with community need. Harrogate Library, Victoria Avenue, Harrogate, HG1 1EG Find them on Facebook @harrogatelibrary For more visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/libraries

2’S COMPANY For the 10th year running Harrogate Theatre is hosting a unique ‘festival of small’ which allows you to get up close and personal to the shows and performers. With three very different performances lined up for 2020, you’ll be taken out of the theatre and put at the heart of the action for an experience that’s far more thrilling than an ordinary night in the stalls!

I am Echoborg 18th April 2020, Harrogate Library I am Echoborg is a funny, thought-provoking show created afresh each time by the audience in conversation with an artificial intelligence. The host sets the audience a challenge; to discover the best possible outcome for the relationship between humans and intelligent machines. But the AI has another agenda. The content, tone and ending of each show are different each time depending on the conversations that unfold. This is a pioneering use of AI as a tool to offer audiences genuine agency in an experiential exploration of the impacts of automation on what it is to be human. www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/I-am-Echoborg

Up Down & Beyond 18th April 2020, Meet at Harrogate Theatre Take a walk around Harrogate with award-winning performer Laura Mugridge. Stories drawn from five current residents of Harrogate will unfold around you while you walk, culminating in a silent disco! Along the way there will be music, comedy, stories and whichever weather Harrogate chooses on the day.

15th & 16th April 2020, St Wilfridâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church

This piece involves the audience meeting at Harrogate Theatre and walking for around 80 minutes with Laura & up to twenty other audience members.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it like to write a piece of music or have a piece of music written just for you?

www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/whatson/Up-Down-and-Beyond

Solo

Inspired by Maurice Ravel's extraordinary violin piece, Tzigane, Solo is a poetic, poignant 10-minute experience for two people at a time. You play the role of a violinist and a composer as you enact a true story of how this piece of music came to be, from a blank score to the curtain call. You meet the violinist in a Soho restaurant and share cocktails and awkward silences. You visit the composer in his garden in Paris struggling to compose, surrounded by fallen leaves. You stand on stage in 1924 after the premiere, flowers at your feet. This is an immersive story about the power of music told using old and new technology. You follow the story using headphones and are guided around St Wilfirds Church Hall by Michael Pinchbeck and Ollie Smith. www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/Solo

Images: Alex Brenner

Best of BE Festival Each year, BE FESTIVAL (shortened from Birmingham European Festival) packages up three of their favourite shows from their international festival and sends them on a tour of the UK.

Hungarian dance-artist Anna Biczók mixes memories, imagination and shifting perspectives to explore the phenomena of an ‘experience’ in her solo dance lecture Precedents To A Potential Future.

BE FESTIVAL takes place annually in July at The Birmingham Repertory Theatre and turns the notion of conventional theatre upside down. It crosses borders, creative disciplines and blurs the boundary between audience and artist.

In The Sensemaker, Woman’s Move contrast music and spoken word in a chopped-andspliced soundtrack to create a story of managing expectations.

For 2020, three companies from Belgium, Hungary and Switzerland will showcase snapshots of storytelling, dance, physical theatre, in three, 30-minute shows all in one exhilarating evening. Part of the ethos of BE is ‘community’, and as part of this ticket buyers have the option to upgrade their ticket and join fellow audience members for a tasty supper during the interval.

Levitations by Belgium’s Hannah De Meyer is a dark, funny and surreal trip around Hannah’s universe. She effortlessly crafts together movement and poetry where hope and despair, being and not being, sexuality, love and death rub shoulders. 20th March, Harrogate Theatre www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/Bestof-BE-Festival-2020

York Open Studios 2020 Representing some of the best artists living or working within a ten-mile radius of the city, each year York Open Studios provides an opportunity for the public to visit artists' studios and exhibitions. See art in the place where it’s made and discover spaces rarely open to the public, from town houses and cottage workshops to rustic garden sheds. In all of them you will find the makers themselves ready to show you their work in person. Discover hidden parts of York, from historic streets, to leafy suburbs and country cottages whilst tracking down studios of all shapes and sizes packed full of pottery, paintings, prints, textiles, jewellery, furniture and much more! Add personality to your interior with a piece of ceramics, sculpture or artwork which you can buy directly from the artist. Commission a piece of jewellery or try your hand at something new with many opportunities to ‘have a go’. This is the first year that designer Kayti Peschke is taking part, her colourful ceramics are all made with practicality in mind, from that perfect mug that makes every brew feel extra special, to homewares that are a treat for the eyes. Also new to the event is Joanna Lisowiec, a freelance illustrator who works in a variety of mediums and is inspired by nature, British landscapes and birds.

Shared artist spaces such as the Pica Studios, set within a historic 18th Century printworks offers the chance to meet a variety of artists working side by side, discover jewellery, textiles, illustrators, painters and printmakers. It’s also worth paying a visit to The Arnup Studios a newly-opened artist complex with a fabulous selection of artists and makers to explore. York is home to some of Britain’s most eminent studio potters, take a closer look at the work of ceramicist Ruth King and Isa Denyer whose pots are the result of a lifetime of skill. Discover the beauty of wood through Marcus Jacka’s stunning handcrafted furniture and Dave Atkin’s lovingly carved spoons. Treat yourself to a bespoke item of jewellery, with a wide range of contemporary designers taking part such as Charmian Ottaway whose fine jewellery in high carat gold, platinum and silver are inspired by ancient techniques and Jo Bagshaw whose designs embody simple lines and shapes. Painters include Fiona Kemp who depicts unusual perspectives of northern cities, Sarah Raphael- Balme whose richly patterned figurative work is about interiors, gardens, portraits and decorative motifs, and Lauren Terry who will be exhibiting her vibrant acrylic cow paintings, prints and homeware in her new studio space overlooking Micklegate Bar. www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk

Harrogate International Sunday Series What finer way can you think of spending your Sunday morning than sat relaxing with a freshly brewed coffee or pot of tea in a famed Harrogate hotel, whilst listening to soothing classical music? Thanks to Harrogate International Festivals, and their ever-popular International Sunday Series, this is exactly what you can do – well for another three Sundays that is. Now in its 27th year, the concerts held in the Old Swan Hotel, have gained a loyal following thanks to its international line-up of world-class chamber musicians, many of whom are in their early twenties. Sunday, March 1, it’s the turn of the Ashwell Trio to entertain. The trio – Callum Smart (violin), Ben Goldscheider (horn), and Richard Uttley (piano), came together formally three years ago when they performed their first concert in Ben’s hometown of Ashwell, hence their name. They will be treating their Yorkshire audience to works by Haydn, Brahms, Mozart and, fittingly for St David’s Day, one from Welsh composer Huw Watkins.

Two weeks later (Sunday, March 15), the Esme Quartet – a string quartet formed of four young Korean women - will be making their Yorkshire debut. Violinists Wonhee Bae and Yuna Ha, cellist Ye-eun Heo and viola player Jiwon Kim will be putting their unique perspective on pieces by Ligeti, Mendelssohn and Beethoven. The final performance of the current season, taking place on Sunday, April 5, is by pianist Joseph Moog, whose programme includes Liszt, Schubert, Faure and Ravel. If you’ve never been to a classical concert before, put the Sunday roast on a low light, and check out what you have been missing all these years. Open your ears and these young performers will certainly open your eyes to a new musical world. For further information about the Harrogate International Sunday Series 2020, and to book tickets, which are priced at £18 and £20, please visit the Harrogate International Festivals website on www. harrogateinternationalfestivals.com

Turner: Northern Exposure The Mercer Art Gallery is the final destination of “Northern Exposure”, the extraordinary touring exhibition which is following in the footsteps of JMW Turner's own tour of the North of England in 1797. Some of the most critically acclaimed and rarely seen masterpieces of the visionary painter - described by art critic, John Ruskin as 'the greatest of the age' – are on display. In 1797 and 22 years of age, Joseph Mallord William Turner set out on an eight-week sketching tour of the North of England; a journey that transformed him from an architectural draughtsman to a poet of the landscape sublime.

Northern Exposure illustrates his journey, taking in three galleries in the areas he visited on his northern tour, with the final destination being the Mercer Art Gallery, which is hosting 13 stunning colour studies on loan from the Turner bequest at Tate, alongside two of Turner's sketchbooks, which he carried with him throughout this journey. Further details about The Mercer Gallery can be found at www.harrogate.gov.uk

Berwins Salon North Two scientists and an award-winning broadcaster are to add their names to the distinguished and growing list of Berwins Salon North speakers. Claudia Hammond, Lewis Dartnell and Adam Rutherford are appearing at the second evening of the 2020 season - being held on Thursday, March 26, at Harrogate’s Crown Hotel. And those attending March’s Unwind & Evolve event are in for another treat, as it is being hosted by Helen Bagnall - best-known as an award-winning writer, curator, and director of the Salon London series, who launched Berwins Salon North with Harrogate International Festivals. The thought-provoking sessions consist of a cabaret-style night of the most stimulating ideas in art, science and psychology, with the opportunity to learn a little bit more about yourself and the world around you. Taking to the Berwins Salon North stage first is Claudia Hammond, who will explain why rest matters and why we should start taking rest seriously. Drawing on ground-breaking research into rest, Ms Hammond will also examine the science

behind the results to establish what really works whilst offering a roadmap for a new, more restful and balanced life. Lewis Dartnell, professor of Science Communication at the University of Westminster will tell the ultimate origin story, and how our geography determined our destiny from the very beginning. From the first crops to the founding of modern nations, our Earth has an awesome impact on the shape of human civilisations. And finally, sit back, listen and let scientist and broadcaster Adam Rutherford give you the tools against the misuse of science to justify bigotry. The author of the “How to Argue With A Racist”, Adam will discusses how, in a period of fake news and divided politics, the appeal for science to strengthen racist ideology is on the rise, despite it holding no scientific credibility. Priced at £16, tickets for Berwins Salon North: Unwind & Evolve are available from the box office on 01423 562303 or from the website www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com

BEST OF BE 2020 FRI 20 MAR, 7.30PM TICKETS £15 OR £20 INCLUDING SUPPER BOX OFFICE 01423 502116 WWW.HARROGATETHEATRE.CO.UK

Images by Alex Brenner

SEE 3 SHOWS FROM 3 COUNTRIES IN 1 BRILLIANT EVENING

TUE 31 MAR – SAT 4 APR TICKETS £22 BOX OFFICE 01423 502116 WWW.HARROGATETHEATRE.CO.UK

The Glee Club Coming to Harrogate Theatre in April is a brilliant, raucous comedy set in the summer of 1962 that tells the story of The Glee Club - made up of six hard-working, harddrinking miners - as they prepare for the local gala. Though they’re established in the working men’s clubs, they aren’t exactly at the vanguard of a musical revolution. Britain and music are about to change, so too are the lives of these six men. Will anything ever be the same again? Bill Ward plays Bant in the show. It’s highly likely you will have watched Bill in something on telly. He’s been in Casualty, Holby City, The Bill, Silent Witness, Doctors, Corrie (as Charlie Stubbs), Emmerdale (as James Barton), and Ward appeared in two episodes of EastEnders at the start of his career. But while TV has made Ward a household name, the theatre retains a special place in his heart “A live audience is magnificent, you get instant feedback every night.” Ward has a theatre CV as long as his TV one. The Glee Club follows six miners, in 1962 in Edlington Colliery, near Doncaster. By day they’re half-a-mile underground, and by night they’re singing close harmony and barber shop songs to unwind and amuse themselves. The play follows them as they begin to rehearse for the

annual village gala, and we follow them as they face some seismic moments in their lives. Ward adds “My character is a career miner and a loose cannon. He’s funny, he’s violent, he’s a bit of a law unto himself. He’s a very kind man, he’s got a heart of gold, but that heart is often covered up by his temper and his willingness to get into fights and trouble of any kind.” “The play is a very rare thing, it’s very funny, with great music, but with a real emotional heart,” says Ward. “You care for every single one of the characters in the play.” Asked about the downside of touring, you get the impression he’s so enamoured of his work that the negatives are few and far between. This may be down to the fact that he came to the profession late – he turned his back on a successful career in advertising to study acting aged 30. Advertising’s loss was drama’s gain, as audiences all over the country – including those right here in Harrogate - are about to discover. 31st March to 4th April 2020, Harrogate Theatre www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/TheGlee-Club

Music Highlights

The Jive Aces

24 April, Harrogate Threatre Britain's Got Talent semi-finalists The Jive Aces explode onto the stage in their trademark yellow suits and vintage style for their "Big Beat Revue" show. Featuring special guest musicians and singers the show is an exciting mix of hot jive, swinging' rhythm and blues and and classic rock â&#x20AC;&#x2122;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; roll.

Stoney Broke 8 March, Blues Bar

Solo multi instrumentalist, singersongwriter Stoney Broke is a prolific performer with a high song writing pedigree, and performances packed full of loop, slide, and stomp. High quality performances, commanding stage presence, and a reputation as a hard working performer, has seen Stoney Broke receive critical acclaim, and the respect of fellow artists.

Into the Groove 14 March, Royal Hall

Celebrate the incredible 35-year career of the best-selling female artist of all time. This dazzling and colourful production recreates highlights from her breathtaking live tours, paying tribute to the classic songs, spectacular costumes and iconic dance routines that have earned Madonna the title Queen of Pop.

60 60

Citing influences such as Frankie Miller, Ben Harper, Otis Redding, Chris Stapleton, and Jeff Healey, Stoney Broke has a strong lyrical range, layered upon a driving guitar style, drawing the listener into hook laden tracks. www.bluesbar.co.uk

01423 566881 www.bluesbar.co.uk

Live Music SUNDAY 1 MARCH VINTAGE WILSON THE MATT GOLDBERG BAND MONDAY 2 MARCH JAM NIGHT TUESDAY 3 MARCH ACOUSTIC SESSIONS WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH THE PAUL MIDDLETON ANGST BAND THURSDAY 5 MARCH THE BREEZE FRIDAY 6 MARCH THE RICHARD KITSON BAND SATURDAY 7 MARCH SATURDAY SHAKEDOWN PURPLE JIMI SUNDAY 8 MARCH GO YOUR OWN WAY STONEY BROKE THE ASHLEY REAKS BAND MONDAY 9 MARCH JAM NIGHT TUESDAY 10 MARCH ACOUSTIC SESSIONS WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH THE PAUL MIDDLETON ANGST BAND THURSDAY 12 MARCH THE RESONATORS FRIDAY 13 MARCH THE RACKETEERS SATURDAY 14 MARCH SATURDAY SHAKEDOWN THE JED THOMAS BLUES BAND SUNDAY 15 MARCH THE EMPRESS ROCK BAND JO CARLEY AND THE OLD DRY SKULLS DORI AND THE OUTLAWS

MONDAY 16 MARCH JAM NIGHT

TUESDAY 31 MARCH ACOUSTIC SESSIONS

THURSDAY 16 APRIL SCAPEGOAT KELLY

TUESDAY 17 MARCH ACOUSTIC SESSIONS

WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL THE PAUL MIDDLETON ANGST BAND

FRIDAY 17 APRIL MOTOR CITY BLUE

WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH PAUL MIDDLETON ANGST BAND

THURSDAY 2 APRIL THE BREEZE

THURSDAY 19 MARCH SCAPEGOAT KELLY

FRIDAY 3 APRIL LEEDS CITY STOMPERS

SATURDAY 18 APRIL JED THOMAS BLUES BAND SATURDAY SHAKEDOWN

FRIDAY 20 MARCH THE REVELATOR BAND

SATURDAY 4 APRIL SATURDAY SHAKEDOWN JED THOMAS

SATURDAY 21 MARCH JUNKHOUSE DOG SATURDAY SHAKEDOWN

SUNDAY 19 APRIL MIRAGE CARDBOARD COWBOY ASHLEY REAKS MONDAY 20 APRIL JAM NIGHT

SUNDAY 5 APRIL THE ADDICTION BACKWATER ROLL THE MG BAND

TUESDAY 21 APRIL ACOUSTIC SESSIONS

MONDAY 6 APRIL JAM NIGHT

WEDNESDAY 22 APRIL PAUL MIDDLETON ANGST BAND

MONDAY 23 MARCH JAM NIGHT

TUESDAY 7 APRIL ACOUSTIC SESSIONS

THURSDAY 23 APRIL FRANK BOUGH’S CARDIGAN

TUESDAY 24 MARCH ACOUSTIC SESSIONS

WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL THE PAUL MIDDLETON ANGST BAND

FRIDAY 24 APRIL BLUES DEPOT

WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH PAUL MIDDLETON ANGST BAND

THURSDAY 9 APRIL THE RESONATORS

THURSDAY 26 MARCH NOT THE HOUSE BAND

FRIDAY 10 APRIL THE MIKE ZITO’S BLUES BAND

SATURDAY 25 APRIL SATURDAY SHAKEDOWN JED THOMAS

FRIDAY 27 MARCH THE DAVE HANSON BAND

SATURDAY 11 APRIL SATURDAY SHAKEDOWN THE NICK MANTOAN BAND

SUNDAY 22 MARCH SLEEPKICK BAND DOUG NISSLEY ROB REYNOLDS

SATURDAY 28 MARCH SATURDAY SHAKEDOWN THE KEITH THOMPSON BAND

SUNDAY 12 APRIL THE YUM BLIND JACK JOANOVARC

SUNDAY 29 MARCH THE SILENTS WHEN RIVERS MEET THE WAY MORE

MONDAY 13 APRIL JAM NIGHT

MONDAY 30 MARCH JAM NIGHT

TUESDAY 14 APRIL ACOUSTIC SESSIONS

TUESDAY 31 MARCH ACOUSTIC SESSIONS

WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL PAUL MIDDLETON ANGST BAND

SUNDAY 26 APRIL THE LOWELLS DAVE MCKENDRICK AND THE STRAY NOTES HEAVY MACHINES MONDAY 27 APRIL JAM NIGHT TUESDAY 28 APRIL ACOUSTIC SESSIONS WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL PAUL MIDDLETON ANGST BAND THURSDAY 30 APRIL STAX

The Blues Cafe Bar, 4 Montpellier Parade, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 2TJ

Film Review with Henry Thompson

In the wake of the Oscar and BAFTA award ceremonies, the cinemas will inevitably be giving significant screen time in March for the main winners. Foremost amongst those is, of course, the Oscar best-picture winner Parasite, from Korean director Bong Joon-ho. The film- a carefully observed satire on wealth and inequality in present day South Korea- is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it confirms the steady progression of Bong himself as a filmmaker. From early successes like Memories of Murder (2003) and The Host (2006) to the acclaimed English-language Snowpiercer (2013) Bong had already established himself as an auteur on the international festival circuit. Secondly, the awards success of the film will ensure that more mainstream audiences are introduced to the undoubted vibrancy and sure-footedness of Korean cinema. More attentive film lovers might reasonably ask- what’s new? After all, Park Chan-wook won best foreign language BAFTA in 2018 for The Handmaiden, his sumptuous reimagining of Sarah Waters’ Victorian crime novel Fingersmith. Parasite’s clean-up at the Oscars will however give it and Korean cinema more generally, a deserved new prominence amongst more mainstream audiences. Watching Parasite and The Handmaiden side by side it is hard to escape the impression of a national film industry that is both far more willing to take risks and more confident in its production and story-telling than its mainstream UK and US counterparts. Bong gave a nod to Martin Scorsese at the Oscars and elsewhere he has spoken with admiration

for Quentin Tarantino and Ken Loach. This is not affectation- Bong is in the same league and Parasite confirms that fact. Amid the headline awards screenings, Harrogate Film Festival will also swing into action in early March. At the core of the Festival is the excellent short film competition. This year the competition attracted some 500 entries from 50 countries, covering nine categories including comedy, crime and documentary. The shorts screenings will be complemented with family audience events and animation workshops together with ‘big name’ appearances, including the above-mentioned Ken Loach, music documentary filmmaker Tony Palmer and actor and writer Brian Blessed. The Ken Loach event will include a screening of Sorry We Missed You (2019) while the Tony Palmer event will include a rare screening of his Beatles documentary Mighty Big (1977). Elsewhere there are screenings of Lucrecia Martel’s visually stunning Zama (2017) and Alexander Payne’s Sideways (2004)- some wine-tasting is part of that deal! For fans of horror, there is a screening of Mary Harron’s American Psycho (2000) and – for hard-core horror fans- a rare screening of Lars von Trier’s The House that Jack Built (2018). Beyond the Festival, several independent releases are noteworthy, including Aniara and End of the Century. Perhaps most notable, however, is Céline Sciamma’s period tale of obsessive love, Portrait of a Lady on Fire – not to be missed! Henry Thompson is Research Fellow in film at the University of Manchester. His acclaimed book on Oliver Stone (co-authored with Ian Scott) was released in 2016.

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