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Milo Harper’s is an acclaimed harpist – thoughtfully curating music from both recognised and underrepresented composers to explore its history and poeticism. He has performed with such prestigious orchestras as the Berlin Staatskapelle, Britten Sinfonia and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Aaron Azunda Akugbo is of Nigerian- Scottish and a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and an ex-principal of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. He cites Louis Armstrong as his biggest musical inspiration and made his London debut at the Royal Festival Hall playing the Haydn Trumpet Concerto with Chineke! in 2020.

Who inspired you to first start performing?

M: My parents are both musicians, so I grew up around a lot of music and it always felt very natural to perform. I also started listening to lots of recordings of harpists on YouTube, many of whom I’ve gone on to cross paths with in one way or another.

A: The first person that I truly loved listening to was Louis Armstrong after my next-door neighbour gave me some CDs he had of trumpet players. 

What is your biggest career achievement so far?

M: I would probably say winning the audition for the Berlin Staatskapelle Academy. It was a lot of repertoire to prepare and a very mentally and physically challenging three-round audition day. I had been hoping to move to Berlin for a long time so it felt really fulfilling to have that opportunity. It has been amazing to perform in the Berlin State Opera pit.

A: A highlight for me was when I got to play as concerto soloist at both the Lucerne Festival and the BBC proms in a week back in 2022.

If you could collaborate with any other artist in history, who would it be and what would you play?

A: Ayanna Witter-Johnson is an artist I’ve really enjoyed listening to and playing her music, but to do a duo with her would be incredible.

M:There are so many composers who I think could have written really beautiful harp pieces, especially concertos. Composers such as Shostakovich, Stravinsky, Elgar and Sibelius all wrote such great harp parts in their orchestral pieces so I would love to imagine what those pieces could have sounded like.

What is your favourite, and least favourite, thing about performing?

M: My favourite moments are when a performance really resonates with, or moves, someone. The harp is quite a mysterious instrument for a lot of people, so if people tell me that it is more versatile than they expected then I know I’ve done my job! My least favourite part is probably moving the harp around – it has to be driven everywhere and it’s pretty heavy, so busy periods in many different venues can be very exhausting.

A: My favourite part is showing audiences the beautiful side of the trumpet – showing it doesn’t just play loud fanfares! My least favourite is how, despite having done it hundreds of times, I always feel like I’ve forgotten something when packing my trumpet case or bag with my concert clothes.

What advice would you have for upcoming artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?

M: Try not to compare yourself to others too much and focus on figuring out what makes you unique. A career in music is very often about the right opportunity coming along at the right time in your life – which means there will inevitably also be many rejections. You have to try and see the positives in things not going to plan and trust that hard work will always pay off.

A: I would say that the most important thing is to always make sure you’re enjoying what it is you’re doing. The music I play now is all stuff that brings me joy, or has important significance to me which makes it all the more rewarding.

What inspired your current programme? Do you feel an infinity to a particular composer or era?

M: There is very little repertoire originally written for Trumpet and Harp, so when choosing rep Aaron and I considered what would transcribe well for this combination. The ideas for transcriptions came from looking at trumpet rep, songs and pieces I’ve played in duos with other instruments. Aaron and I have pretty similar tastes so we haven’t really had any disagreements and have loved exploring all this music. When transcribing piano music for the harp, it is often the pedalling that is the most difficult thing – the harp strings are kind of like the white notes of a piano and the seven pedals turn them into the black notes. I usually prefer to avoid removing or altering notes which can result in some technical challenges, but I find it really satisfying to show a different perspective on how this music can sound.

A: In the same vein, it is full of music that I believe represents me as a musician at the same time as fitting with the goal of giving audiences an enjoyable concert experience. So I would say combining some well-known names like Piazzola and Bizet in new arrangements for trumpet and harp, alongside some songs by Florence Price whose music truly holds a special place in my heart.

How do you see the future of classical music, and do you think it’s still relevant to people today?

A: It’s certainly evolving – so much music is now recognised as classical music. You see so many film scores and TV soundtracks with full symphony orchestras behind them. Also it’s become far more fluid with influences coming from all over.

M: I think in a world that’s increasingly technological people will continue to crave more tangible experiences. For example, many people still prefer to read books, even though an e-reader is more portable and space-saving. People will always want to see live music played on real instruments and discovering classical music is in some ways more accessible than ever, with the internet and streaming. I think that prioritising access for children to learn instruments will go a long way to keeping classical music relevant.

How do you hope the Harrogate audience responds to your concert?

A: My goal is always to have the audience say “wow! I didn’t realise the trumpet could sound like that” or “I wasn’t sure about trumpet and harp as a combination but it really works!” When those things are said, it feels like a job well done.

M: I hope that they feel they are hearing an unusual sound combination and repertoire. We have tried to include a range of music, some really beautiful moments alongside playful and energetic music too so hopefully there will be something for everyone!

What’s your favourite use of music in film or tv?

A: Literally any! My dad always speaks about how movies would be nothing without the music. I feel it truly elevates the story and sometimes does the storytelling all by itself.

M: One of my favourite films is Amélie in large part because of the music – Yann Tiersen’s score really enhances the storytelling. In TV it’s probably the Twin Peaks theme, there’s something so eerie about it that perfectly aligns with David Lynch’s world.

Harrogate International Festivals has announced the Special Guests for the 2025 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, the globally renowned celebration of crime fiction taking place 17-20 July 2025.

Lee and Andrew Child, Irvine Welsh, Attica Locke, Kate Atkinson, Paula Hawkins, Kate Mosse, Steph McGovern, Val McDermid and Mark Billingham feature in a stellar line up of crime writing icons, TV talent and reader favourites in a programme curated by 2025 Festival Chair Mick Herron.

Now in its twenty-second year, the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival (17–20 July 2025) is the epicentre of the global crime fiction community, offering readers from around the world an unmissable opportunity to meet the superstar writers of today and discover the bestsellers of tomorrow. Taking place at the Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate, the prestigious Festival offers a packed programme of thrilling panels, talks and inspiring creative workshops.

The Special Guest events include:

• International bestseller Irvine Welsh makes his Festival debut talking about Resolution, the final instalment in his ‘Crime’ trilogy, now a hit TV series, starring Dougray Scott.
• Multi-million copy bestselling writing duo Lee and Andrew Child discuss their latest Jack Reacher thriller In Too Deep – and offer an exclusive preview of Exit Strategy the 30^th Reacher novel ahead of its publication in November.
• Leading US crime writer and former New Blood discovery Attica Locke will make a welcome return to showcase her hard-hitting, topical novel Guide Me Home.
• ‘Queen of Crime’ Val McDermid teams up with TV presenter Steph McGovern, who launches her debut Deadline at the Festival
• Unique Festival double-act, Lee Child interviews literary crime novelist Kate Atkinson about her latest Jackson Brodie novel At the Sign of the Rook, a witty take on a classic murder mystery.
• Fan favourites Mark Billingham, Kate Mosse and Paula Hawkins return to the Festival to introduce their latest bestsellers.
• Hold your horses as Mick Herron, bestselling author of the Slough House spy thrillers, takes the reins for a very special event, to be announced soon.

Mick Herron, bestselling author and 2025 Festival Programming Chair said:

“This year’s Special Guests are an incredible mixture of global bestsellers, familiar friends and writers new to Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, who together guarantee a weekend of thrills, wit and revelations. As ever, though, the Festival will be made by those who attend it: our readers, who constitute the most well-informed and enthusiastic crowds any author could ask for and ensure that every event generates debate, and that the conversation continues long after the panels pack up. It’s a tribute to the Festival’s consistent excellence that so many readers return again and again. I look forward to welcoming them back once more in 2025.”

 The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival is delivered by the north of England’s leading arts Festival organisation, Harrogate International Festivals and forms part of their diverse year-round portfolio of events, which aims to bring immersive cultural experiences to as many people as possible.

Simon Theakston, Chairman of T&R Theakston Ltd, said:

“It continues to be a joy to support the world’s best crime writing Festival for an incredible twenty-second year. Last year’s Festival was the biggest and most successful ever, and 2025 looks set to top that as Mick Herron and the programming team have put together a truly exceptional line up of Special Guests. I cannot wait to be back in Harrogate – the epicentre of the crime community – again this July.”

Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:

“I’m so proud of the incredible programme curated by Mick Herron and the team, with some of the biggest names in crime fiction globally and some firm fan favourites headlining the 2025 Festival. We look forward to sharing the full programme very soon and can’t wait to welcome everyone to Harrogate in the summer – with an especially big welcome to all authors and readers coming to the Festival for the first time this year.” 

Classic Weekend Break Packages are on sale now.  To book tickets, please call +44(0)1423 562 303 or email [email protected]. Author Dinners and tickets for Creative Thursday are on general sale from Tuesday 4 February. More information about tickets and packages can be found here.

Acclaimed trumpet player Aaron Azunda Akugbo and renowned harpist Milo Harper take to the Harrogate stage next month as part of the Harrogate International Sunday Series concerts.

The duo will perform unique arrangements of their favourite duets in a collaboration that has been described as “a revelatory pairing of trumpet and harp” at the Old Swan Hotel on March 2.

Their brilliant and eclectic programme features their take on works by composers from Debussy and Piazzolla to Florence Price and Villa-Lobos.

For more than 30 years, the Harrogate International Sunday Series has delighted audiences by bringing world-class chamber and classical musicians to the heart of North Yorkshire, and Aaron and Milo’s performance is the latest in this year’s exciting programme of uplifting Sunday morning coffee concerts.

Born in Edinburgh and of Nigerian-Scottish descent, Aaron Azunda Akugbo is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and an ex-principal of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. He cites Louis Armstrong as his biggest musical inspiration and made his London debut at the Royal Festival Hall playing the Haydn Trumpet Concerto with Chineke! in 2020.

Aaron said he was looking forward to seeing the audience’s reaction. “My goal is always to have the audience say “wow! I didn’t realise the trumpet could sound like that” or “I wasn’t sure about trumpet and harp as a combination, but it really works. When those things are said, it feels like a job well done.”

Milo Harper’s focus is on celebrating the harp – thoughtfully curating music from both recognised and underrepresented composers to explore its history and poeticism. He has performed with such prestigious orchestras as the Berlin Staatskapelle, Britten Sinfonia and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Speaking ahead of the concert, Milo said: “We have tried to include a range of music, some really beautiful moments alongside playful and energetic music too, so hopefully there will be something for everyone!”

Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals said: “This year’s Harrogate International Sunday Series is already proving to be a big hit with audiences and I am certain this will continue when Aaron and Milo come to town.

“These concerts provide a platform to some of the world’s most gifted young musicians and Aaron and Milo certainly fall into this category. Fans of the trumpet and harp, and fans of musical brilliance in general, will not want to miss this!”

Teenage violin prodigy Leia Zhu makes her Harrogate bow next month when she performs as part of the ever-popular Sunday Series concerts.

The 18-year-old, who made her musical debut at the age of just four with a performance at Newcastle City Hall, will take to the stage at the Old Swan Hotel on February 9.

Leia’s programme, specially created for Harrogate, features Bach’s Toccata and Fugue No 2 in D minor, Prokofiev’s Violin Sonata No 2 in D major, Dvorak’s Sonatina for Violin and Piano in G major, Wieniawski’s Variation on an Original Theme and Rossini’s iconic Figaro from The Barber of Seville.

For more than 30 years, the Harrogate International Sunday Series has delighted audiences by bringing world-class chamber and classical musicians to the heart of North Yorkshire, and Leia’s performance is the latest in this year’s exciting programme of uplifting Sunday morning coffee concerts.

Newcastle-born Leia, who has performed in more than 20 countries, was artist in residence with the London Mozart Players aged just 14 and has appeared as a soloist with the Royal Northern Sinfonia, Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, and National Orchestra of Belgium.

As well as being named a rising star by BBC Magazine in 2021, Leia was the youngest musician to be included on the list of 30 brilliant young musicians under 30 by Classic FM in 2022.

Speaking ahead of her appearance in Harrogate, Leia said: “The whole programme is a journey through some serious emotions to some lighter ones. My aim is to showcase the violin as a very emotive instrument and to show its lyricism, with some technical fireworks thrown in.”

She added: “It’s my first time performing in Harrogate and I’m really looking forward to it. The organisers are very much involved with running educational workshops in the wider community which is something I really align with as a musician.”

Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals said: “The Harrogate International Sunday Series has been providing a platform to some of the most gifted young musicians of their generation for more than three decades.

“Over the years we have welcomed such renowned artists as BBC Young Musician finalist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason and Leeds Piano Competition winner Alim Beisembayev, and once again this year’s line-up features musicians at the very top of their game.

“None more so than the prodigiously talented Leia Zhu who we are thrilled to welcome to the Harrogate stage for the first time. Our audience is in for a real treat.”

All of the Sunday Series concerts take place at the beautiful Old Swan Hotel, which provides an intimate setting to enjoy a morning coffee and exceptional music with friends.

Junyan Chen was the winner of Second Prize & The Marion Thorpe Silver Medal, the Alexandra Dariescu Award for Work by a Woman Composer and the Yaltah Menuhin Award (Chamber Music Prize) at the Leeds International Piano Competition 2024. We sat down with Junyan to get the behind the scenes details on her life and career as a pianist.

Who inspired you to first start performing? 

My family has always shared a deep passion for music. My mother was actually my very first piano teacher. Throughout my journey to becoming a professional pianist, I’ve been incredibly lucky to have supportive and inspiring people around me—teachers, fellow musicians, and friends. Each of them has played a role in motivating me. I find a lot of energy and ideas in my surroundings, whether it’s from other artists or from composers whose music resonates with me at a deep level.

 What is your biggest achievement from your performance career so far?

I like to think that every achievement in my career is significant, but 2024 was a major milestone. Receiving recognition from my dream competition—the Leeds Piano Competition—and signing with Askonas Holt for representation has really solidified how I approach music. It underscores the importance of the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my craft.

 What is your favourite part about performing? And your least favourite? Why?

I love the thrill and excitement—those nerves before going on stage. They reflect how prepared you are, and they remind me how special it is to share music I adore. Communicating directly with the audience through that music is one of the most wonderful experiences.

My least favorite part is the feeling of isolation that can happen on stage. You’re entirely responsible for everything that happens in your performance, which can create pressure and a certain degree of loneliness.

What advice would you have for upcoming artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Play music that genuinely captivates you. When you’re truly drawn to a piece, you’ll find yourself energized by the long hours of practice because you’re exploring something that speaks to you personally. Always remember to make music, rather than just playing the instrument. It’s a subtle but crucial difference—when you’re authentic in your choices, the result resonates much more deeply with both you and your listeners. Trust your instincts and maintain that artistic integrity.

What inspired your current programme? Do you feel an infinity to a particular composer/era and what draws you to them/it?

I often choose works that make me feel profoundly connected to the composers. I have a particular admiration for 20th-century composers—Bartók and Liszt are so exciting in this programme for their technical intensity and deep emotional range. Their music can be extremely challenging, but there’s tremendous beauty in the process of understanding and interpreting their compositions. Meanwhile, Bach and Beethoven are timeless in how they can be playful, fierce, elegant, and even jazzy at times. Their diversity of style and emotion has kept me enthralled ever since I first started playing their works.

 What is the future of classical music? Do you think it’s still relevant to people today?

I believe classical music remains very much alive and essential. It continues to evolve through new interpretations, modern collaborations, and fresh programming. Audiences still connect with the timeless emotional truths embedded in these works. It’s a living art form, and I’m confident it will stay that way.

How do you hope the Harrogate audience responds to your concert?

I would love for them to fall in love with these pieces the way I have. I’m very excited to connect with everyone through the music—and to make new friends in the process.

Created to ensure access to the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, the globally renowned celebration of crime fiction, and to develop opportunities for readers and writers of all backgrounds. The bursaries are centered around our Creative Thursday writing day which has provided the foundations and growth for a range of now successful writers in the genre.

Jane Gregory, who helped co-found the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in 2003 said: “Everyone needs a little help along the way and I sincerely hope that these bursaries will offer some amazing opportunities to aspiring writers. The funding will help to enshttps://harrogateinternationalfesure that anyone, regardless of their situation or background,  can have access to creative writing, whether they plan to write for themselves or if they wish to develop into a literary prize winner and bestseller.”

The three bursaries offer a range of opportunities to attend the annual Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival:

• 1 x Full Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival weekend access | With accommodation:
  • Four-night stay at a Festival hotel, arriving Wednesday 16 July 2025 and departing Sunday 20 July 2025
  • Access for one person to Creative Thursday on 17 July 2025, featuring a full day of panels, workshops, and lunch (event starts at 9am)
  • 1 x Classic Rover Ticket, which includes a guaranteed seat at all 21 events from the main programme throughout the Festival weekend, along with lunch on Friday and Saturday.
  • £50 travel allowance

• 1 x Creative Thursday ticket and 1 x Classic Weekend Rover | Contribution to accommodation of up to £200
  • Access for one person to Creative Thursday on 17 July 2025, featuring a full day of panels, workshops, and lunch (event starts at 9am)
  • 1 x Classic Rover Ticket, which includes a guaranteed seat at all 21 events from the main programme throughout the Festival weekend, along with lunch on Friday and Saturday.
  • Accommodation contribution of up to £200.00 upon presentation of a receipt from your accommodation provider.
  • £50 travel allowance

• 1 x Ticket to attend Creative Thursday, on Thursday 17 July 2025
  • Access for one person to Creative Thursday on 17 July 2025, featuring a full day of panels, workshops, and lunch (event starts at 9am).
  • 20% off tickets for the 2025 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival for up to two people per event (excludes Author Dinners)
  • £50 travel allowance

Applications for the Jane Gregory Bursaries 2025 have now closed.

Berwins Salon North makes a welcome return in 2025 starting on February 13 when three special guests explore the idea of ‘Living Meaningfully’, shedding light on how we can embrace the realities of the modern world to live a better life.

Author and journalist Oliver Burkeman offers a guiding philosophy of life that he calls ‘imperfectionism’. He is joined by renowned beauty tech expert and artist Dr Alex Box who will redefine creativity in make-up, beauty and identity, along with Professor Louise Mullany who will explore how the unseen science of politeness governs everything we do.

Sponsored by Berwins Solicitors, Salon was voted number six in the ‘Top 100 Things to do in the World’ by GQ magazine. Magic FM’s bookworm Natasha Knight brings together three guest speakers, each delivering 25-minute talks on fascinating topics, in a relaxed cabaret-style setting, ideal for catching up with friends and stocking up on dinner party conversation starters.

Oliver Burkeman, author of Meditations for Mortals: Four weeks to embrace your limitations and make time for what counts, explores how in these often anxiety-inducing times we can enjoy a more meaningful life, not by fantasising about an ideal existence but by embracing the world we live in and finding solace and inspiration in it.

As a pioneer of Beauty Futurism, Dr Alex Box unpacks modern concepts of beauty, identity, and technology in her art, pushing back the boundaries and inspiring others to do the same. Box has helped shape cutting-edge art and fashion magazine King Kong, and collaborated with the world’s leading designers, musicians and tech developers, including Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Lady Gaga and Google.

For years, Professor Louise Mullany – author of Polite: The Art of Communication at Home, at Work and in Public, has been examining how politeness rules our day-to-day lives – whether it’s speaking to colleagues about issues at work, dealing with difficult family members or wondering if you should eat the last piece of pie. Prof Mullany will show how a better understanding of the rules and norms of politeness can help us in all aspects of our work, leisure and home lives.

Associate Director of Berwins Solicitors, Martin Whincup, said: “We are proud to be associated with the brilliant Salon North talks that bring together such a diverse array of talented special guests to our town.

“It’s great to see a new season get underway and we look forward to many more memorable evenings.”

Sharon Canavar, Harrogate International Festivals Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back Berwins Salon North for what promises to be another fantastic season of inspiring speakers and lively, thought-provoking talks.

“These hugely popular Salon events have become Harrogate’s go-to night out for the post-clubbing generation, a fun and exciting way to learn something new about the world around us.

“Once again, I would like to thank our headline sponsor, Berwins Solicitors, for their continued support in enhancing Harrogate’s reputation as a dynamic northern hub for arts and culture. Without them these wonderful events simply wouldn’t be possible.”

Harrogate International Festivals has announced highly acclaimed, internationally bestselling thriller writer Mick Herron as Programming Chair for the 2025 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, the world’s largest and most prestigious celebration of crime fiction.

Mick Herron is the Sunday Times bestselling author of the Slough House thrillers which are the basis of the award-winning TV series, ‘Slow Horses,’ starring Gary Oldman. He has been shortlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year six times and won the award in 2022 for Slough House. Previous Programming Chairs include Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Elly Griffiths, Denise Mina, Lee Child, Vaseem Khan and Ruth Ware.

Mick Herron said:

“The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival is an annual highlight for crime writers the world over, a collegiate gathering where the callous and cosy genres meet, and their practitioners discover they have more in common than might have been expected. I attended my first Harrogate weekend ten years ago, and each one since has provided a wealth of happy memories. So, it’s an honour and a thrill to be invited to work alongside a brilliant, dedicated committee, with an eye to producing a Festival that will continue to promote the wide-ranging talents of our community and offer new treats alongside familiar pleasures.”

Building on the success of the 2024 Festival, which saw over 18,000 tickets sold, the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival returns to Harrogate 17-20 July 2025, offering fans from around the world a unique opportunity to hear from the genre’s biggest stars, discover thrilling new talent and enjoy a packed programme of panels, talks and creative workshops. The Festival Special Guests will be announced in February 2025, with the full programme revealed in Spring 2025.

Simon Theakston, Chairman of T&R Theakston Ltd, said:

“As a long-time admirer of Mick Herron’s work, I am delighted that such an internationally renowned writer – and former Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year winner – is taking on this important role. I’m intrigued to find out which crime and thriller writers will feature on Mick’s programme and look forward to another showstopping celebration of the world’s best loved genre next summer.”

Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:

“Mick Herron is so popular with crime fiction fans around the world, and we are truly honoured that he has agreed to be Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival’s 2025 Programme Chair. Mick and the programming committee have been hard at work curating a thrilling line-up that truly showcases the breadth and brilliance of crime and thriller writing. We can’t wait to reveal all and welcome everyone back to the Festival in July.”

The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival is delivered by the north of England’s leading arts Festival organisation, Harrogate International Festivals and forms part of their diverse year-round portfolio of events, which aims to bring immersive cultural experiences to as many people as possible.

Weekend Break Packages go on general sale on Wednesday 13 November from 10am. To book, please call the Festivals team on +44(0)1423 562 303 or email [email protected]. Rover tickets and individual event tickets go on sale in Spring 2025. More information about tickets and packages can be found here.

The Harrogate branch of the North Pole Post Office has returned for the fifth year, well in time for children to post their letters to Father Christmas before the big day.

The all-important post box, located at the Harrogate International Festivals office on Cheltenham Parade, is open for business from now until Tuesday, December 24.

Funded by Harrogate BID and produced by Harrogate International Festivals, the North Pole Post Office has become a popular part of the town’s festive celebrations and thousands of letters are received each year.

Visitors can post their letter to Father Christmas in a magical festive setting complete with fairy lights, snow flurries and Christmas music. They can also download a special letter from Father Christmas via the Harrogate International Festivals website or by scanning the QR code located next to the post box when they drop off their letters.

This year’s free festive fun includes special offers and discounts from the Festivals’ North Pole partners, including Starling Cafe, The Crown Hotel, The Four Leaf, Jespers, Primark and Althams Travel, available when people download the QR code.

Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID Manager, said: “Christmas is such a wonderful time of year in Harrogate, and we are delighted to be sponsoring the North Pole Post Office once again.

“It brings countless families into the town centre during the festive season and for many of them it has already become an annual tradition.

“This really taps into the spirit of Christmas, not only bringing families together but also local businesses and organisations who work so hard to create something memorable.”

Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive at Harrogate International Festivals said: “The North Pole Post Office started out during lockdown to create a bit of festive magic for children, so the fact that it continues to be one of our most popular community events really warms my heart.

“Free for all the family to join in, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the lights, snow and festive music and a chance to create some special Christmas memories.”

The Harrogate International Sunday Series returns early next year with an exciting new programme of concerts featuring some of the best young talent in classical music.

For more than 30 years, the series has delighted audiences by bringing world-class classical musicians to the heart of Yorkshire, and now the hugely popular Sunday morning coffee concerts are back with more virtuoso performers.

This year’s five concerts, which run from January to April 2025, feature pianist Junyan Chen, violinist Leia Zhu, trumpet and harp duo Aaron Azunda Akugbo and Milo Harper, pianist Amiri Harewood and the renowned Fibonacci Quartet.

Opening the 2025 season on Sunday, January 26 is Junyan Chen, who won the silver medal at the 2024 Leeds International Piano Competition and is one of the fastest rising stars in the piano world. Chen will perform a programme featuring pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Bartók and Liszt.

On February 9, 18-year-old violin prodigy Leia Zhu will take to the Old Swan stage for her Harrogate debut. Zhu, who made her first appearance at Newcastle City Hall at the age of just four, was the youngest musician to be included on the 2022 list of 30 brilliant young musicians under the age of 30 by Classic FM.

Aaron Azunda Akugbo and Milo Harper will bring a “revelatory pairing of trumpet and harp” when they perform on March 2. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, trumpet player Akugbo made his debut at the Royal Festival Hall with Chineke! He’s joined by Harper, who has performed with the likes of the Berlin Staatskapelle and London Philharmonic Orchestra, to create a unique collaboration that blends music both past and present.

Harrogate Music Festival Young Musician and winner of the Dorothy Parkinson Memorial Award for Young British Artists 2024, Amiri Harewood returns to Harrogate by popular demand on March 23, when he will perform a new programme including Brahms’ Piano Sonata No. 3 in F minor, Op.5 alongside works by Prokofiev and Shostakovich, among others.

Bringing the 2025 programme to a close on April 6 with a grand finale is the Fibonacci Quartet. Widely regarded as one of Europe’s leading young string quartets, the Fibonacci Quartet are the only ever ensemble to win both first and audience prizes at the Premio Paolo Borciani International String Quartet Competition in Italy (2024). The multi-prize-winning quartet will perform works by Haydn, Smetana and Beethoven.

Sharon Canavar, Harrogate International Festivals Chief Executive, said: “We’re thrilled to announce the programme for Harrogate International Sunday Series 2025, which once again brings some of the world’s most talented classical and chamber musicians to Yorkshire.

“This year’s incredible line-up includes award-winning young performers and offers audiences the opportunity to see some of the classical music superstars of the future – all in the beautiful setting of the historic Old Swan Hotel. I can’t wait for what promises to be another memorable concert series!”

All of the Sunday Series concerts take place at Harrogate’s Old Swan Hotel which provides an intimate setting to enjoy a morning coffee and exceptional music with friends.

A discount of 10% is available to those booking a series subscription for all five concerts.

Author and trade union media and political director Douglas Beattie is a former Labour councillor and stood for Parliament as the Scottish Labour candidate in the 2017 General Election. His new book, How Labour Wins, examines the party’s successes and failures in the 33 general elections since 1900, including the recent Labour landslide.

Why did you want to write How Labour Wins?

After Labour lost heavily in 2019, I began reflecting on the history of the Labour Party. Who they were and where they had come from and what they were trying to do to shape Britain, and where the successes and failures had come from. I felt the best way I could look at that was through a different kind of political history that looked at each election in which Labour had taken part since 1900. What came out of this was not just a history of the Labour Party but also a reflection of Britain during this period right up to the present day. Younger people and people generally have a sense of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, but they know little about people like Neil Kinnock, Jim Callaghan, Harold Wilson and even less of Clement Atlee and women like Barbara Castle, but they all shaped modern Britain in ways that are still with us today. And yet their stories have kind of been forgotten and I think it’s important to revive these stories.

What were the most important things you learned while writing your book?

There have always been tensions within the Labour Party. They elected Keir Hardie as the first leader in 1906 by about one vote, so the tensions are historic. The first and second world wars were major turning points for the whole country. Out of the First World War came a long depression with millions unemployed which led to the Beveridge Report of 1942 and the Labour government in 1945. This is a huge moment in the country where we have the Welfare State, NHS and nationalised industry coming along in a very short period of time. People need hope in their lives. They need to feel they can live good lives in strong communities where they can put food on the table. The 1945 Labour manifesto said, ‘the nation wants food, work and homes.’ I don’t think it’s very different today.

You examine Labour’s successes and failures over the years. Can you pick out a couple of key moments?

In 1931, Ramsay MacDonald the Labour prime minister decided the best way forward in the face of a financial crisis was to form a national government with the Conservatives and the Liberals led by him. He didn’t consult his Labour cabinet which refused to implement huge cuts that would have hit the unemployed. MacDonald was kicked out of the party and there was this huge historic split and Labour fell out of power and didn’t return until 1945. You cannot implement austerity measures if you’re the Labour Party so that was an obvious failure. A success is clearly in 1945 when they defeat Churchill, who has just won a war, and create a totally different Britain. People believed that the Labour Party was best set to implement the great changes necessary after the Second World War.

What were the key reasons behind Labour’s landslide victory in the recent general election?

The Conservative government under Boris Johnson was seen as quite unstable and then you had covid, Partygate and the fallout over his leadership. Then there’s Liz Truss and if you crash the economy you destroy your chances of being re-elected. What Keir Starmer and Labour did was retain their credibility because in comparison they were seen as competent. The anti-Tory mood in the country was already set and it was almost impossible for Rishi Sunak to break through that prism. So Labour would have been pretty confident going into the election. The only question mark is they only won with 34 per cent of the vote in a relatively low turnout.

Politics used to be very tribal but is that still true today?

I think people are less tribal, but we have to be careful with that notion. Yes, 2024 tells us people are more willing to listen to fringe groups but in 2017 and again in 2019 you could say we returned to something approaching two party politics again. Personally, I don’t think people are as tribal as they used to be but if Labour and the Conservatives are able to clearly define who they are then they are still the two dominant political blocks.

Does the popularity of the Left and Right come in cycles?

Politics is driven by ideas. If you have new ideas that people support, they will get behind you. It becomes cyclical when governments run out of ideas. In 1964, Harold Wilson came in with this brilliant idea of the ‘white hot heat’ of scientific revolution. By then the Conservatives had been in power since 1951, and they had their time. Beyond ten years governments have often run their course, the leadership has been there too long and usually the opposition has something new and fresh to offer the electorate.

What do you hope people take away from your book?

I hope they don’t just read it as a history of the Labour Party but also as a reflection of Britain over the last 125 years and how key Labour has been to every progressive step forward.

What are you looking forward to most about coming to Harrogate?

I’m hoping to go and see some of the other speakers at the Festival. I haven’t been to Harrogate before, but I’ve heard many good things about the town. I got a postcard from a friend of mine who proposed to his girlfriend there in the early 90s, and I remember looking at the postcard and thinking it looked like an enchanting place so I’m really looking forward to seeing it for myself.