Spiegeltent and Children’s Festival

Harrogate | home of engagement

Sadly 2017 will not see the return of the Spiegeltent to Harrogate. As a charity we must deliver our programme within budget and occasionally if there is not enough support from ticket sales and sponsors we are not able to deliver some of our favourite events.

However, there are some other great events on our programme this year which you might like to attend, Tim Garland Electric Quartet, Oddsocks: Romeo & Juliet. And of course a Festival Favourite House of Burlesque & Silent Disco…tickets will be on sale soon!

Roll up, roll up! The magic of the mirrored tent returned in September 2016, as HIF’s 50th Anniversary Spiegeltent programme cast its spell over Harrogate with a smorgasbord of sensational acts under its exquisitely exotic canvas, including Guest Curator Jay Phelps. Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show, House of Burlesque, My Darling Clementine and a Silent Disco.

History, Science and Art came alive in the Children’s Festival featuring the UK’s finest entertainers and authors, with a series of captivating shows, as the Festival brought the UK’s most sought after authors, museum experiences and attractions. Taking place in the magical world of the Spiegeltent – Europe’s oldest travelling tent –we invited audiences to enter the mirrored walls to uncover the mystery of those subjects children have an enduring fascination for: sword fighting, bears and fairy-tales!

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Jay Phelps - Guest Curator

Being asked to curate at the 2016 Harrogate Festival has been such an honour. As this is my first time as a curator, I wanted to show a wide variety of fantastic artists, some whose music is new to me and some whom I know very well. ESKA, is an artist like no other and a definite Festival highlight, I’ve known her amazing music for many years and it’s a privilege to be able to include her. Supporting the Festival’s Young Musicians programme is something I’m proud to be associated with, and I’m very much looking forward to hearing the set from the wonderful young talent Vanessa Rani. Her beautifully fused music is deeply-routed in India’s rich musical culture and effortlessly blended with sounds from around the globe. I’m intrigued to hear what journey she’ll take the Harrogate listeners on.

I have also brought two of my own projects. I’ll be performing original material from my upcoming seconf release with the Jay Phelps Quartet, whilst the Projections of Miles programme is a night dedicated to the life and spirit of the great Miles Davis, performing Davis’ music, from classics to rare.

I’m very privileged to present such an array of talented artists, I hope you enjoy! – Jay

Where is the Spiegeltent?

The Spiegeltent will be situated on Crescent Gardens, opposite the Council Offices.

What is a Spiegeltent?

Spiegeltents are from an ancient theatrical tradition, which took entertainers and shows on the road across Europe. It boasts wooden floors, mirrored walls and stained glass complete with luscious red velvet seating booths and lamped lighting, complete with dancefloor and bottle bar.