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Bringing spectacular outdoor arts and spectacle to our region
As a leading force in outdoor arts, spectacle, and large-scale installation, we have redefined Harrogate’s cultural landscape – transforming its most iconic public spaces into spectacular arenas of creativity. Our world-class events bring together artists and companies from across the globe, captivating audiences and elevating the town’s cultural identity.
Across the year
Enriching the community and shaping a dynamic sense of place
About our work
We are a driving force behind Harrogate’s cultural renaissance. Our work not only enriches the local community, shaping a dynamic sense of place, but also positions Harrogate as a must-visit destination. By attracting new visitors and broadening the town’s artistic scope, we amplify the region’s status on the national and international stage.
With a track record of delivering landmark cultural moments – including as the chosen partner for the UCI World Cycling Championships and the flagship producer of the Yorkshire Festival—we challenge traditional arts delivery, pioneering innovative approaches that engage and inspire. Our extensive commissioning expertise spans everything from light festivals to carnival, pushing the boundaries of public art.
Harrogate and the wider Yorkshire region provide the perfect backdrop for our ambitious installations and immersive experiences. Committed to accessibility, we work with a range of invested partners to heavily subsidise our work to keep ticket prices low, ensuring culture is available to all. Through bold vision, exceptional talent development, and groundbreaking artistic collaborations, we continue to shape the future of cultural engagement – solidifying our place as a powerhouse in the arts.
BEAM | March 2024
Harrogate’s first light festival was created to celebrate Harrogate best loved landmarks with ten spectacular illuminations in partnership with Element 3 Design | Attracted 70,000 people
Pop Ups | Year Round
From short story dispensers to spectacular theatre in outdoor spaces, HIF has delivered a huge range of events with community at the heart of our work. Small scale bespoke pieces to crowd pleasing giants and commissioned big screens and Spiegeltents all feature.
Carnival | July 2019 – 2023
A regular commission from Harrogate Borough Council this one-day spectacular celebrated diversity, costumes, colours, sounds and flavours from the four corners of the world. With global music and dance stages, themed food zones, craft workshops and street theatre this family friendly day was a true party including a huge street parade through the town centre | Attracted 100,000 people
Fire & Light Experience | March 2022
A trail of discovery to reimagine the natural world with a magical feast for the sense that transformed the town centre with all the elements of nature in a spectacle of brilliance and blaze | Attracted 10,000 people
The Waters That Made Us | October 2021
A temporary attraction celebrating the 450th anniversary of the discovery of the spring waters in Harrogate – ‘the waters that made us’ – working with artists Dan Fox and James Bawn. The Soundscape was composed entirely of water sounds recorded from the deep underground source to the well head these authentic recordings formed the basis of the soundscape with bespoke lighting celebrating the unique architecture of the area bringing light and imagination to forgotten dark spaces | Attracted 5,000 people
In Memoriam | June 2021
Luke Jerram’s ceremonial art installation was created as a memorial to those we lost in the COVID-19 pandemic. A temporary memorial this artwork was a space for reflection, remembrance and recognition. The flags were created from NHS bed sheets and arranged in the form of a medical logo, referencing those people who have been in hospital and care homes during this crisis | Attracted 5,000 people
Harrogate 1571 | September 2019
Created as part of the UCI World Cycling Championships HIF created a series of lighting installations that lit up the sky across Harrogate celebrating Harrogate’s spa heritage, from the 36 wells within the Bogs Field area of the Valley Gardens to the iconic Harrogate landmark situated at Harrogate’s highest point – the Harlow Hill water tower | Attracted 5,000 people
Harrogate Spa Installation | September 2019
A bespoke artwork from artist Eddie X and James Bawn, this piece celebrates the spa history of the town and is a legacy infrastructure post the UCI World Cycling Championships where Harrogate welcomed the world.
Luminarium | Summer 2018
A beautiful luminarium structure with interiors reminiscent of cathedrals of colour. Featuring a soundscape throughout the labyrinth of tunnels, this event was a crowd pleaser and an accessible event for all | Attracted 10,000 people
Museum of the Moon | Summer 2018
Marking the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, this touring artwork from Luke Jerram was hosted as part of the summer season. A 7m in diameter moon was installed featuring NASA imagery of the lunar surface | Attracted 6,725 people
Carabosse | June 2016
A commission to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Festivals, we transformed the Valley Gardens into a fiery spectacle of sculpture and installations. From flaming flower pots to cast iron inventions, this was storytelling through fire | Attracted 25,000 people
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