journalistic. He wasn’t taking sides, but responding to what was happening in this horrific situation with civilian deaths. It was a humanitarian move.’ Despite the on-going conflicts, Peter believes we do learn from the past: ‘History is important; it’s not just exciting, thrilling stories of people in past times. Yes, it’s a wonderful way to indulge your enthusiasm for stories and the wider world, but the thing is to learn from the mistakes of the past. The most obvious being the First World War. We drifted into that war. Of course it’s all over our screens at the moment, the terrible way it just happened and people were surrounded by horror and bloodshed. Politicians got things dreadfully wrong all over Europe. ‘Today, it’s terribly important to learn. I’m so sad when people don’t know enough. Read the papers! Watch the BBC and the news, find the real facts. And have a view; make a judgement.’ Snow spent almost 50 years reporting live news and now gains a certain satisfaction from escaping into history. ‘It’s a luxury to look back on the evidence and take a considered view in war and political events,’ he said. ‘It’s very exciting for me, and a hugely satisfying second career. I enjoy it enormously. It makes a lot of sense that a journalist turns to being a historian– but I also hope I’m making a valuable contribution to society.’ Would he ever consider a foray into fiction? ‘I know my place in the world. I’d love to be able to try it, but I’ve been dealing with facts all my life. I think I’ll stick to the facts.’ ■ For tickets and information about Harrogate History Festival, visit harrogateinternationalfestivals.com/history/ or call the box office on 01423 562303.
Make some memories with Harrogate International Festivals Modern Alchemist The Royal Institution, the Royal Society of Chemistry and Harrogate International Festivals bring the Modern Alchemist touring lecture to Harrogate’s Royal Hall October 13th; Harrogate History Festival October 23rd-26th Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate; Salon North Series | Health, Wealth & Happiness November 27th and January 29th Masonic Hall, Harrogate 01423 562303 harrogateinternationalfestivals.com
30 YORKSHIRE LIFE October 2014
Historical fiction is hot
History is hot Historical fiction has shaken off its anorak, says Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals So you thought it was all over? Sure, our headline summer extravaganza may now be a fond memory, but there’s no doubt it’s a festival that will go down as one to remember in our 50 year history. History is something of a theme for us right now as we not only plan for our 50th anniversary celebrations but usher in our second Harrogate History Festival from October 23rd to 26th at the Old Swan Hotel. It’s an incredible line up including Sandi Toksvig, Bernard Cornwell and Peter Snow. From the TV delights of Downton Abbey to the literary heights of Hilary Mantel, we are in a golden age of historical fiction. It’s shaken off its anorak. History is hot. And it looks like a literary festival that will stand the test of time. The summer festival however will linger, not just because of JK Rowling’s appearance, but also our incredible artist in residence, the pianist James Rhodes. One of the things James said during his time at Harrogate has stayed with me. He was talking about the extraordinary difficult lives the great composers lived – poverty, illness, grief. That they died young. ‘But they’re still alive,’ he said, ‘as their music is played all over the world. That’s an incredible story that legacy; they went through hell but were raised to the top. The music is just absolutely extraordinary and there’s a reason we’re still playing and listening to it 200 or 300 years later.’ The arts endure. And if music is the food of love, it’s our duty to play on! Which is why like a dog isn’t just for Christmas, Harrogate International Festivals is about year-round events, for life. Besides, there’s too much
wonder and joy to cram into one month. We’re busy planning the next Sunday Series for January, a blissful series featuring the finest international acts on the classical music scene. Classical music is passionate, reflective, dramatic, tempestuous. We turn to music when words don’t always do, at times of heartbreak and euphoria. Planning events and evaluating festivals can be something of a challenge of classical proportions, and it certainly comes with its own heartbreak and euphoria in the form of the challenge of fundraising and creating a return on investment for both our many supporters and funders. But it’s a necessary challenge to measure the financial and PR impact of our unique festival and events for our sponsors, and to help secure future funding. Great music may endure through history, but it’s our duty to ensure there’s always a platform for it in Harrogate. Of course evaluating the impact on our hearts and minds can never be measured. BBC’s Alan Yentob spent years investigating the amazing power music has on our brains – he underwent brain scans and found his grey matter turned blue, indicating deep emotion, when listening to Strauss. Science has proven music can transport you to the unknown. That’s part of the magic of our festivals – all that planning and organisation to bring you transcendental moments that create enduring memories that we hope become part of your own personal history. We’re passionate that there are many more memories to come. yorkshirelife.co.uk