Cultural Events - What's on in Harrogate

From writing workshops to concerts and literature festivals Harrogate has it all! 

Literature 

Harrogate is the home of literature festivals from crime to non-fiction. Why Harrogate I hear you ask? We are close to the Yorkshire Moors which has been the inspiration of many great British writers including the Bronte’s (Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre), the Old Swan Hotel, one our most famous hotels, is rumoured to have been the hiding place of Agatha Christy during her mysterious disappearance. More recently Fountains Abbey has been the inspiration for Antonia Hodgson’s award-winning Crime novel “A Death at Fountains Abbey” . 

We are counting down the days till the return of Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival! Tickets will be going on sale soon for Harrogate 20-23 July 2023, so make sure to book yours in advance before they all disappear!  

Raworths Literature Festival celebrated their 10th Anniversary of their literature festival last year.  They are set to return in October 2023 so watch this space! 

Plus there is the fortnightly meeting of The Harrogate Writers Collective, which is currently taking place above the North Bar, and open to all writers. In Harrogate Library there are various free writing workshops available to all. 

Art 

Fountains Abbey has also been the inspiration of many local artists including our own, who have had their amazing work on display in our cottages- ready for purchase! 

But our cottages are not the only galleries in town.  Since November 2022, a local artist Matthew Wyatt has been exhibiting his work in Harrogate Library. As of January 2023, the exhibition has  moved a short distance to The Mercer Gallery.

Music 

Harrogate also hosts several music festivals and concerts throughout the year.  Over the winter The Old Swan Hotel hosted a series of live performances from classical musicians.  Performers included renowned Japanese Violinist Coco Tomita, Classic FM rising star Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, and renowned pianist and Leeds International Piano Competition prize-winner Ashley Wass. 

On the 7th-12th of April the International music festival is being held at Harrogate Ladies Collage (HLC), a short walk from most of our cottages.  

There are also several renowned musicians and singers visiting Harrogate and Leeds to give live concerts including Alfe Boe, Andre Rieu, George Ezra and Olly Murrs. 

Visit What's On - Harrogate Convention Centre to stay updated. 

Theatre  

Where would Harrogate be without its Theatres? There is always something on at Harrogate Theatre and The Royal Hall. From comedians to the Panto, the Gilbert and Sullivan Festival to local productions, there is something for everyone. Head to the box office to see what’s on and book your tickets today! 

From writing workshops to concerts and literature festivals Harrogate has it all! 

Coming from out of town? Good news all our cottages have been chosen to be within reach of events in Harrogate. Book your stay with us today!