Harrogate Music Festival has a rich tradition of attracting a diverse array of talented musicians – from Julian Lloyd Webber to Amy Winehouse.

Nowhere is this better embodied than in the line-up for the magical Spiegeltent which is making a welcome return to the town (June 28 to July 7) after two years. Crescent Gardens is once again the backdrop for this bespoke programme of music, cabaret, jazz and folk, with plenty for all the family.

A Spiegeltent is a traditional Belgium travelling hall that grew in popularity in the early part of the 20th century, and for many people summer in Harrogate just isn’t the same without this spectacular-looking giant tent and its mirrored walls, red velvet booths and lamped lighting.

Over the years acts like Kitten and The Hip and Django a la Creole have graced its stage, along with firm favourites like The Gypsy Queens and House of Burlesque, both of whom are returning this year.

Also appearing in the Spiegeltent this year is the acclaimed Maxwell Quartet, widely regarded as one of Britain’s finest young string quartets, who will be tapping into their folk heritage to wow the audience with their unique sound, following in the footsteps of folk icons Bellowhead, Unthanks and The Demon Barbers, who have all dazzled on the Harrogate stage over the last decade.

Set up in 2010, the Maxwell Quartet consists of four close friends who grew up playing folk and classical music together in youth orchestras and music schools across Scotland.

The group, hailed as “brilliantly fresh, unexpected and exhilarating,” by The Scottish Herald, were double prize winners at the Trondheim International Chamber Music Competition in 2017.

As well as enjoying residencies at Oxford University, Perth Concert Hall and numerous chamber music festivals across the UK, the Quartet has toured across Europe and the United States and performed in such fabled venues as London’s Wigmore Hall and Queen’s Hall Edinburgh.

They are bringing an exciting programme of folk music, with a smattering of classical favourites, perfect for relaxing on the final Sunday of the Spiegeltent.

Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said: “There’s just nothing quite like the Spiegeltent. It helps make the Festival a truly memorable celebration of music and the arts.”

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