Friends of the Festival – Frequently Asked Questions
Becoming a Friend of the Festivals is one of the best ways to enjoy all that the Harrogate International Festivals have to offer, from big name stars, to intimate concerts and hidden gems.
For five decades Harrogate International Festivals has brought international musicians, authors and the wider arts to the region. Acclaimed for its top class performances Harrogate International Festivals continues to develop its vibrant portfolio, which contains some of the country’s most prestigious arts events, featuring the biggest names in the arts world and dramatically increasing the cultural and tourism offer for Harrogate and the North of England.
By becoming a Friend of the Festival you can help by providing financial support which underpins the festival’s continuing development.
Harrogate International Festivals is a registered charity. As an organisation with no regular funding we must actively raise 98% of our funding every year to bring the very best of the live arts to audiences, support young emerging talent and deliver educational programmes.
Your donation will support the production of our internationally acclaimed year round portfolio of activity, including the very best in music and literature as well as the incredible work of our learning and participation programme HIF+.
How can I join to become a Friend of the Festival?
Join online via our website here or call the Festival office on 01423 562303 and a member of the team will assist you.
What benefits will I receive for the Festivals?
There are a variety of benefits available across all the Festivals if you are a Friend. For unreserved events you will have priority access to choose your seat exactly where you want. For tickets you have priority booking, getting both the opportunity to see what’s on as well as book our tickets before anywhere else. You’ll also get discounted offers with our Festival partners, invited to a host of special events, receptions and be able to make use of the Friends Lounge at events.
How do I pay?
You can sign up to become a Friend of the Festivals via Direct Debit. This payment is annual and is non-refundable. You can also pay by credit or with debit card online or over the phone.
When does my Membership expire?
Your Membership lasts for 12 months from the date of purchase.
What happens once I have signed up to become a Friend?
Once you have signed up to become a Friend, you will be posted a welcome letter along with your membership card within 7 days, please ensure you bring your membership card to events to access all your benefits.
How long is Priority Booking?
Priority booking is generally up to one week before tickets go on sale to the general public. Friends will be informed when priority booking opens.
What level of membership do I need to be able to use the priority booking?
All levels of membership are entitled to priority booking.
Am I guaranteed to get the tickets that I want by becoming a Friend?
Although we cannot guarantee availability of tickets, by being a Friend, you will have up to one week ahead of the general public to order your tickets.
Is my Membership refundable?
Membership is non-refundable and non-transferable.
How many tickets can I buy?
Within the priority booking period, an individual membership will allow you to purchase up to 2 tickets. If you have a joint membership, you can book up to 4 tickets. Once the priority booking period is over, you can book as many tickets as you like.
Can I take my friend who doesn’t have a membership, but has come with me to the Festival, into the Friends Lounge / priority seating with me?
Yes. An individual membership will allow you take one friend into the Friends lounge and priority seating. A joint membership will allow you and the person your membership is joint with, along with two more friends.
Can I sign up to become a Friend at an event?
Yes. If you would like to join to become a Friend at an event, please see the Box Office on site or ask a member of the team and we can process this for you. However, please visit the Box Office after an event has finished or when the queues have gone down.
Do I need to have my membership card at events?
Yes. Please ensure you have your membership card at all events to allow you to receive your benefits.
I have lost my membership card, can I get a new one?
Yes. If you have misplaced your membership card, please contact the office on 01423 562303 or email info@harrogate-festival.org.uk and we can make the necessary arrangements.