Festivals CEO Award Win and Jam-Packed Summer of Events
Sharon Canavar, CEO of Harrogate International Festivals (HIF), was honoured with the President’s Award presented by Sue Kramer at the Harrogate Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting last month.
As Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, Sharon has an accomplished background in the arts, business and special interest tourism. She has supported the expansion and diversification of the ‘arts festival of the year’, which includes a series of world-class festivals and events.
This year’s Festival kicks off in June with internationally renowned Chineke! Orchestra, resident orchestra at the Southbank Centre fresh from their North American tour. Harrogate audiences will have the only opportunity to see the orchestra perform live outside of London before they play BBC Proms in September.
The Festival’s Residency will welcome 12 musicians to the town for ten concerts over four days from 6-9 July, with the live premiere of Mike Lovatt’s Brass Pack, featuring Matt Ford, the following weekend.
The next generation of musical talent will be celebrated with a host of talented Young Musicians, and former Young Musician Julian Llloyd Webber will be returning to host a special concert celebrating Bach by candlelight with Jiaxin Llloyd Webber.
In July, the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival will celebrate its 20th Anniversary with a programme featuring Lee & Andrew Child, Lucy Worsley, Ann Cleeves, Jeffery Deaver and SA Cosby.
Within the summer programme, the Children’s Festival provides family entertainment stretching everything from brains to toes with from ballet, music, yoga and dance, as well as outdoor Shakespeare theatre performances with Oddsocks: Much Ado About Nothing.
The last Sunday in July will see Harrogate Carnival return with a celebration of sights, sounds, colours, costumes and flavours from the four corners of the world. With a spectacular street parade and a series of festivities and activities in the Valley Gardens, Carnival last year brought a combined footfall of over 38,000 to the town.
Sharon expressed her delight at receiving the award, commenting: “I am absolutely delighted to have won this award, it is an honour to work and live in such an amazing place. We are very proud of the Festivals’ success, which is very well supported by the community and its sponsors.”
Kramer praised Sharon’s hard work and dedication, mentioning her rise to CEO in 2010 and the significant changes she has brought to Harrogate. Sharon has played a crucial role in the success of events such as the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival and Berwins Salon North. Sharon is also Co-Chair of the British Arts Festival Association and a Director of Harrogate BID.
Find out more information about Harrogate International Festivals and its programme of summer events here or call the Box Office on 01423 562303.