Category: NEWS

The unmistakable sound of brass instruments filled the Spiegeltent thanks to a special music-making project in July.

The Brass Brigade is led by St John Fisher Catholic Academy in Harrogate, working in partnership with the Harrogate Band, Wetherby Silver Band, and Harrogate International Festivals.

The performance, which pulled in a bumper crowd, featured young musicians aged 9–13, all of whom have chosen to pursue a brass instrument further, and will hopefully form part of the next generation of players.

The Brass Brigade, which won the Brass Bands England “Band Project of the Year” award in September 2025, has engaged more than 400 young people across the Harrogate and Wetherby districts over the last two years, by delivering free, brass-playing opportunities without barriers.

Education and community programmes like this are at the heart of Harrogate International Festivals’ ethos, aiming to improve access to the arts and musical participation for children.

Talented quintet Lumas Winds have been awarded the prestigious Dorothy Parkinson Memorial Award for Young British Musicians following their mesmerising performance at the HACS Harrogate Music Festival.

The London-based chamber music stars, who kicked off the popular Young Musicians Series at the Wesley Centre, were presented with the prestigious annual award by Emily Scrope, Dorothy’s granddaughter, after their concert.

The quintet, who have been making waves with their unique take on wind chamber music’s rich repertoire, performed a captivating and wide-ranging programme that included everything from music from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story and early work from Mozart to Sally Beamish’s The Naming of Birds.

Previous winners of the award include Evelyn Glennie, Ben Tarlton, Finzi Trio, Julian Bliss, Jamie Walton, Lucy Parham and Benjamin Grosvenor.

The award itself was inspired by the extraordinary life of Dorothy Parkinson, who had close ties with Harrogate International Festivals. Born in 1909, Dorothy was the third daughter of Lord and Lady Bingley and was brought up with her three sisters at Bramham Park near Wetherby. She went on to study music, which took her to Vienna where she studied with Arnold Rosé, the leader of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

After returning to North Yorkshire she became great friends with Dame Fanny Waterman, founder of the Leeds International Piano Competition, and the pair frequently performed recitals together. Harrogate International Festivals played a big part in Dorothy’s life – she was on its first board of governors following its inception in 1966 and was twice its president, in 1968 and 1978.

In 1981, the year after Dororthy’s death, her friend – the legendary mezzo-soprano Janet Baker – sang at Leeds Civic Hall in her memory, and the following year the Dorothy Parkinson Memorial Award became an integral part of the Festivals’ programme.

Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said: “The Dorothy Parkinson Memorial Award has become an integral part of our classical music programme, and over the past 45 years it has been won by some of the most gifted young musicians of their generation.

“Lumas Winds’ performance at the Wesley Centre was fantastic and they are thoroughly deserving recipients of this prestigious Award. They look destined for a stellar career!”

Harrogate International Festivals is delighted to announce a new partnership with the much-loved Slingsby Gin.

The popular Harrogate-based gin brand, which supported the Festivals’ recent 60th anniversary Chairman’s Reception, has become its official gin partner.

Chris and Asma Williams took over ownership of Slingsby in March, restoring the brand’s online shop after a period of transition.

The company was established in 2014, using local spring water and botanicals, and inspired historically by William Slingsby, who first discovered Harrogate’s mineral-rich Tewit Well in 1571.

Since launching Slingsby London Dry Gin in 2015, Slingsby has received more than 100 industry awards for its products.

Chris Williams, Director of Slingsby Gin, said: “Slingsby is delighted to be the official gin partner of Harrogate International Festivals. This partnership brings together two organisations that share deep roots in Harrogate, along with a commitment to championing the town and celebrating its rich social and cultural fabric.

“We look forward to developing this exciting collaboration over the coming years.”

Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said: “We’re thrilled to have Slingsby Gin, a brand that means so much to people in the town, as one of our key partners.

“Both organisations are passionate about Harrogate, and this is an opportunity to celebrate and promote its unique heritage.”

All signings taking place at the Bookshop

FRIDAY 24 JULY

Author dinner signings at 2pm

• Hannah Brennan
• Sarah Hilary
• Chris McDonald
• K.T. Nguyen
• Lauren North

Author dinner signings at 2.30pm

• Alice Bell
• LM Chilton
• Peter Hanington
• Daniel Hurst
• Daniel Sellers

SATURDAY 25 JULY

Interview Bingo signings at 9.30am

• Abir Mukherjee
• Andi Osho

Author dinner signings at 2pm

• Nina Bhadreshwar
• Arvind Ethan David
• David Tuch
• Bridget Walsh
• Paul Waters
• Sean Watkin

Author dinner signings at 2.30pm

• Emma Christie
• James Ellson
• Fiona Keating
• Nasheema Lennon
• Rupa Mahadevan
• Samantha Dooey-Miles
• Susannah Wise

THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND

THE REACHER ROOM

Rose Room

Visit the Reacher Room to pick up your TransWorld of Crime passport for a chance to win prizes all weekend long! There’ll be plenty of opportunities to collect the all-important passport stamps: put yourself on the cover of a bestseller, join in with celebratory.

Brought to you by Transworld.

THE GRAND ALPINE GONDOLA

The Bookshop

To celebrate the first Marple novel in 50 years, alight the red gondola for a photo opp that could win you a Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel proof!

Brought to you by Harper. 

HQ AT HARROGATE

Drinking Detective Tent

Don’t miss HQ in the main tent for giveaways and competition to win proofs and discover your next read! See you there!

Brought to you by HQ.

FRIDAY 24 JULY

BITTER FRUIT

12.30pm – 2pm: Watch out for a taste of BITTER FRUIT: Hodder are offering a taste of 2027’s most hypnotic debut novel from searing new voice in crime fiction, Tempest Black.

Brought to you by Hodder and Stoughton.

JOHN MARRS MADE ME DO IT

Bookshop

Celebrate the #MarrsMadeMeDoIt moments with giveaways, content creation and photo ops.

12pm – Flash game & giveaway: John Marrs Villains’ Hangman
5pm – Flash game & giveaway: F*ck. Chapter 39 by John Marrs

Brought to you by Amazon Publishing.

DEAD GIVEAWAYS

Front Lawn Dead Giveaways Tent

Free ticketed events but pop in on the day to see if there is a space for you.

11.30am: Beyond the 9-5 with Fiona Cummins, Claire Parkin and Barnaby Martin.
2.30pm: What Would Sherlock Do? Vaseem Khan interviews Robert Hutton.
3.30pm: Iced Coffee & SA Cosby

Brought to you by Pan Macmillan.

THE REACHER ROOM

Reacher Room

9.30am: Be first in the queue to get a Chain Reaction proof.
11am: Win a prize on the Tess Gerritsen wheel.
1pm: Share your Reacher love for a Chain Reaction proof.
3pm: Enjoy delicious cake to rejoice in our Noble Selves by Kate Atkinson’s.

Brought to you by Transworld. 

CANELO MEET THE AUTHORS

Bowling Green Tent

5.15pm – 6pm: A chance to meet Canelo and Hera authors and enter the popular Canelo lucky dip to raise funds for the National Year of Reading.

Brought to you by Canelo.

ZAFFRE BOOKS: THE HOME OF CRIME FICTION

Red Lounge

Browse our bookshelves, complete puzzles, meet authors, win goodies and get the lowdown on all your most-anticipated Zaffre releases coming this year and beyond.

All day: Vaseem Khan: Get your thinking cap on at our Q Mysteries pop-up
All day: At Home with Zaffre: Put your feet up in our reading lounge, with flash proof giveaways, signings and bookish goodies
All day: Lynda La Plante: Dive into a world of gripping thrillers full of mystery, intrigue and iconic characters
10am – 12pm: New for 2027 – Be among the first to experience our blazing hot 2027 thriller, White Smoke
12.45pm – 1.15pm: Susie Dent Proof Giveaway
3.30pm – 6.00pm: Celebrate 10 years of T.M. Logan

Brought to you by Bonnier Zaffre.

SATURDAY 25 JULY

CENTURY & MICHAEL JOSEPH STAND

Bookshop

Head to the Century and Michael Joseph stand for exclusive proofs from Amanda Cassidy, Lucinda Berry and Andy Callahan!

9am – 11.30am: Be the first to get your hands on a proof for a major 2027 launch, this book will be everywhere!

11.30am – 2pm: Discover some of MJ’s leading 2027 crime thrillers before anyone else!

Brought to you by Century & Michael Joseph. 

JOHN MARRS MADE ME DO IT

Bookshop

Celebrate the #MarrsMadeMeDoIt moments with giveaways, content creation and photo ops.

12pm – Flash game & giveaway: John Marrs Villains’ Hangman
5pm – Flash game & giveaway: F*ck. Chapter 39 by John Marrs

Brought to you by Amazon Publishing.

BOOKOUTURE STAND

Bookshop

9am – 12pm: Interrogate the Bookouture team! Aimed at writers, agents and those working within the publishing world. They’re the masterminds
behind some of the most notorious names in crime fiction – and they’re ready to be quizzed! Ask your killer questions and sharpen your deadliest plots with Bookouture’s expert editorial team.
2pm – 6pm: Meet Bookouture’s Most Wanted! Come face-to-face with the bestselling authors behind your sleepless nights! Dive into discussions about your favourite characters, ask them your burning questions, win bundles of books, and uncover your next obsession.

Brought to you by Bookouture.

DEAD GIVEAWAYS

Front Lawn Dead Giveaways Tent

Free ticketed events but pop in on the day to see if there is a space for you.

9.30am: Breakfast with Jeffrey Boakye
11.00am: Bestseller Book Bingo
2.45pm: The Next Chapter: with Julia Chapman, DV Bishop and Lin Anderson.
3.30pm: A Life of Crime with Ann Cleeves.
5.00pm: Twisters with a Twist.

Brought to you by Pan Macmillan.

THE REACHER ROOM

Reacher Room

10.30am: Put yourself on the cover of one of our crime thriller bestsellers
12pm: Have your questions ready for expert witness, Sue Black
1pm: Take part in the Reacher Quiz to win a chain reaction proof!
3.30pm: Win a limited-edition mug by playing the How To Get Away With Murder quiz

Brought to you by Transworld.

EXPLORE THE WORLD OF FREIDA MCFADDEN

Red Lounge

Head to The Red Lounge for an immersive Freida McFadden experience complete with games, prizes, photo opps and the chance to pick up exclusive merch and proofs!

10am – 4pm: Freida McFadden themed activities in a relaxed and welcoming space with free bookmarks, stickers and tote bags to take home
10am: Proof Drop: The Housewife by Freida favourite, Natalie Barell
11am: Blind Date with a Book: Pick up your next summer read
12pm: Want to Know a Secret red knife brownie giveaway
2-3pm: Dear Debbie Murder Mystery Party – drinks tokens and signed editions available to win!
4pm: Proof Drop: Buried in the Woods Below by Daniel G. Miller

Brought to you by DK & Source Books

CAN YOU BEAT THE LIE-DETECTOR?

Drinking Detective Tent

10.30am – 5pm: Celebrate Clare Mackintosh’s It’s Not What You Think with an exclusive lie-detector test!

Brought to you by Harper.

PENGUIN GENERAL’S CRIME CLUB

Library

Penguin General Takes Over The Library: Calling all crime fans! Visit The Library for exclusive proofs, treats, giveaways and special Harrogate activities.

9.45am – 10.30am and 10.45am – 11.30am: We Chase Shadows Personality Quiz: Are you Amy, Rosie or Steve? Take Richard Osman’s personality quiz and claim your bespoke character badge.
12pm – 1pm: Penguin General Coffee and Crime Morning: Meet the authors, collect bespoke stamps, get your card signed and enter our Coffee and Crime Morning prize draw.
2.30pm: Robin Stevens and Ross Montgomery in Conversation: Tea, biscuits and murder with Robin Stevens and Ross Montgomery, discussing their brilliant new crime novels for adults.

Brought to you by Penguin Random House. 

FESTIVAL PARTNERS EVENTS
All partner activities and giveaways are available on a first come, first served basis, so be sure to arrive early to avoid missing out. Please note that attendance at each event is limited by venue capacity.

And lots more! Keep your eyes open this #TheakstonsCrime as there are lots of exciting moments happening.

Don’t forget to check our social media channels over the weekend for special announcements.

Luminarium – a giant walk-through art installation – will bring colour, calm and sensory bliss to The Stray in Harrogate this summer.

Created by the world-renowned Architects of Air and designed by Artistic Director Alan Parkinson, this monumental inflatable structure, designed to be gentle, inclusive and open to everyone, will transform West Park Stray from 11 to 14 June. Luminarium offers a dazzling maze of winding paths and soaring domes filled with radiant colour as light filters through the translucent fabric, creating an ever-changing, immersive experience.

Luminarium is the first event in Harrogate International Festivals’ Harrogate Unlocked project – marking the Festivals’ 60th anniversary – which is among the beneficiaries of funding from York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority aimed at boosting the region’s high streets.

Supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority as part of the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund, this unique programme of outdoor cultural events is aimed at bringing people together and strengthening the local economy and long-term resilience of the town’s high streets.

York and North Yorkshire Mayor, David Skaith said: “Our high streets are where our communities come together. That’s why I’m backing creative ideas from the people who know their area best with my High Street Fund.

“Harrogate International Festivals know how to put on a show, so we’re backing a strong team with a big vision to bring the culture and footfall to the town centre with Harrogate Unlocked.

Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said: “Harrogate Unlocked will bring ambitious cultural experiences into the heart of the town, creating new reasons for people to visit, spend time and support local businesses. We are delighted that this funding recognises the important role culture can play in driving footfall and supporting the future vitality of our high street.”

She added: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Architects of Air’s Luminarium to Harrogate. This amazing space is somewhere you can wander, look and enjoy the atmosphere. So whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or simply taking a quiet moment for yourself, Luminarium offers a wonderful opportunity to experience art from the inside out.”

The Luminarium is sponsored by Harrogate BID and supported by the HIF@60 Fund.

Luminarium – Architects of Air – by Alan Parkinson, is at The Stray, Harrogate, from 11 to 14 June. Tickets are £7 each, or £24 for 4. For tickets visit the Harrogate International Festivals website at harrogateinternationalfestivals.com or call the Box Office on 01423 562 303.