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Festivals
Shortlist For Mcdermid Debut Award 2026 Revealed
Harrogate International Festivals has announced the shortlist for the McDermid Debut Award for new UK and Irish writers. The winner will be revealed on the opening night of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, Thursday 23 July.
P.ublished 21st May 2026
Festivals
Science Meets Royal Scandals At Raworths Salon North!
Dr Lucy Rogers Photo: Karla Gowlett
Raworths Salon North returns with star-studded line-up at The Crown Hotel. The latest instalment of Raworths Salon North – dubbed the "night out for your brain" – comes to The Crown Hotel, Harrogate, on Thursday 4 June, featuring an all-female line-up of award-winning speakers.
P.ublished 19th May 2026
Festivals
Festival Expansion Celebrated At Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 2026
Steph McGovern and Val McDermid Photo: Gerald Binks
Harrogate International Festivals has announced the launch of the Swift Half Stage at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, the world’s largest celebration of criVme fiction, taking place in Harrogate, 23-26 July.
P.ublished 15th May 2026
Festivals
Whitby Lit Fest Start New Charity Chapter As More Authors Announced
Whitby Lit Fest marks a new exciting chapter as it’s been granted charitable status. The festival, which launched last year, was created to celebrate Whitby’s literary heritage, as well as connect readers to contemporary writers and inspire readers and visitors alike. The second Whitby Lit Fest takes place 19 to 22 November.
P.ublished 14th May 2026
Festivals
Bradford Literature Festival Receives Two Awards For Best Civic & Social Organisation Business
Bradford Literature Festival (BLF) has been announced as Best Civic & Social Organisation Business of the Year at both the 2026 SME500 UK and the Global 100 awards. The SME500 UK recognises the UK’s small and medium-sized enterprises driving growth, resilience and innovation. They celebrate organisations that are making a difference in the UK.
P.ublished 7th May 2026
Trentham Live Returns For It’s 5th Year
The Trentham Estate are delighted with the return and complete line-up to their 4-day event TRENTHAM LIVE 2026 taking place in the stunning surroundings at Trentham Gardens in Staffordshire from Thursday 20th August through to Sunday 23rd August. Over four days at the historic gardens and lakeside setting, the event will showcase a strong live music line-up.
P.ublished 6th May 2026
Festivals
Percussionist To “Play The Landscape”
Visitors to this year’s Swaledale Festival can expect to experience the Yorkshire Dales in a whole new way, thanks to support from the National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund. From woodland performances to music shaped by the landscape itself, the Fund is helping the festival connect people more deeply with the Dales’ natural environment.
P.ublished 1st May 2026
Books
Longlist For Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel Of The Year 2026
Harrogate International Festivals today announced the 18 titles longlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award 2026, the UK and Ireland’s most prestigious crime fiction award, now in its twenty second year.
P.ublished 30th April 2026
Britain’s Favourite Clarinettist Heads To Northern Aldborough Festival
Emma Johnson Photo: Frances Marshall©
Almost ten years since her last appearance in Aldborough, the famed clarinettist Emma Johnson MBE is making a much-anticipated return with her star-studded trio. Described by The Times as ‘Britain's favourite clarinettist’, Emma Johnson is one of the few clarinet players to have made a career as a soloist.
P.ublished 30th April 2026
Festivals
Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival Returns For Biggest Year Ever
Harrogate International Festivals has revealed the full programme for the 2026 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, the world’s largest and most prestigious celebration of crime fiction, at a special reception at Hachette, Carmelite House in London. This year marks Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival’s twenty-third year.
P.ublished 15th April 2026
Festivals
Famous Spiegeltent Returns To Harrogate For Summer Extravaganza
The Spiegeltent returns to Harrogate for summer 2026 Photo: Richard Maude
It’s back, and it’s bigger than ever. The much-loved Spiegeltent makes a joyous return to Harrogate this summer with 10 days of non-stop entertainment and unforgettable nights.
P.ublished 9th April 2026
Festivals
Live@tc
Jeremy Williams-Chalmers
Arts Correspondent
When Darren Goulden talks about festivals, there’s a sense that he’s not just producing events—he’s crafting experiences. As the driving force behind The Festival Alchemist, Darren has spent years shaping live entertainment across the UK, earning particular acclaim for Irlam Live, which continues to grow in stature each year.
P.ublished 9th April 2026
Festivals
Salon North Is Back With A Bang And An Exciting New Season
Ever wanted to know more about the hidden world of dreams, the science behind small talk, or the magic of indoor jungles? Well, Raworths Salon North has the answers to all this and a whole lot more.
P.ublished 8th April 2026
Interview
Woody Cook At Lakefest
As Lakefest prepares to return to the stunning grounds of Eastnor Castle from 5–9 August, the line-up promises a vibrant mix of nostalgia, dancefloor energy and eclectic talent. Alongside acts including The Charlatans, Bananarama, Soul II Soul, Madness and The Lightning Seeds, DJ and producer Woody Cook is set to bring his infectious, free-flowing energy to the festival crowd.
P.ublished 1st April 2026
Festivals
Small City, Big Landscape: Ripon Theatre Festival At Five
Five years in, Ripon Theatre Festival has grown from promising newcomer to cultural cornerstone — and this year it's bigger, bolder, and more inclusive than ever. There are festivals that happen to a city, and there are festivals that happen with one.
P.ublished 30th March 2026
Festivals
The Shiiine On Weekender
The Shiiine On Weekender heads back to Minehead this November for its 11th year, bringing with it the biggest and most ambitious programme to date. Spanning an entire weekend, the 2026 edition delivers a packed schedule of live music, DJ sets, comedy, exhibitions and special events—promising a standout celebration of indie, dance and alternative culture.
P.ublished 27th March 2026
Festivals
Crime Writer Leads Children’s Storytelling Workshops
Writer Rachael Blok with schoolchildren from one of the Wild Foundations workshops Photo: Richard Maud
Children in six Harrogate and Knaresborough schools are getting the opportunity to hone their storytelling skills thanks to a series of workshops led by crime fiction writer Rachael Blok.
P.ublished 26th March 2026
Festivals
Ripon Theatre Festival 2026: Celebrating Five Years Of Culture, Colour And Community Spirit
Ye Birdz 3 bigger
Ripon Theatre Festival (RTF) launches its 2026 programme on 27 March, promising a summer to look forward to. Firmly established as a key date in the region’s cultural calendar, this year’s festival runs 5-12 July with 8 days and nights of performances and activities.
P.ublished 23rd March 2026
Festivals
Likkle Lit Fest On The Road Heads To Huddersfield
Ansell Broderick, who is appearing at Likkle Lit Fest On The Road in Huddersfield Photo: David Lindsay
Following the success of Likkle Lit Fest, Out of Many People’s first festival of Black literature for children held in Leeds last month, the arts and heritage organisation is delighted to announce that Likkle Lit Fest On The Road is heading to Kirklees.
P.ublished 13th March 2026
Festivals
Open Air Folk Festival
Góbéfest (go-bee-fest), Manchester's original urban folk music and dance festival, is celebrating a decade of love, lutes and lángos this June. The weekend promises an expertly curated outdoor mix of bands and solo artists, folk dance groups, choirs and more.
P.ublished 28th February 2026
Festivals
Nationwide Hunt For 2026 Best Classical Vocal Talent
A nationwide hunt is now on for the best UK classical vocal talent of 2026. Hosted by the prestigious Northern Aldborough Festival in North Yorkshire, the annual New Voices Singing Competition returns for a fourth year. The competition provides a springboard for emerging talent, offering paid performance opportunities for winners, as well as a £7,000 prize fund.
P.ublished 25th February 2026
Festivals
Jane Gregory Bursaries open for inspiring writers’ day at Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 2026
Rebecca Philipson, author of ‘How to Get Away With Murder’ and Creative Thursday attendee: “I took part in Creative Thursday in 2023 and 2024. I was still drafting ‘How to Get Away With Murder’ and the workshops were incredibly helpful.
P.ublished 17th February 2026
Festivals
Corinne Bailey Rae Joins Line-Up For Children’s Literature Festival In The North Celebrating Black Writers And Storytelling
Corinne Bailey Rae has joined the line-up of Likkle Lit Fest – a new festival of Black literature for children and young adult readers in her hometown, Leeds. The Grammy Award-winning musician is appearing at the festival on Saturday, February 14, at Leeds Central Library, when she will read from her debut picture book, Put Your Records On (published by Fox and Ink Books on March 5).
P.ublished 11th February 2026
Interview
“Trumpeter Extraordinaire” Matilda Lloyd Heads To Harrogate
Described by BBC Music Magazine as a “trumpeter extraordinaire, Matilda Lloyd gives the trumpet a starring role taking the audience on a journey through the brilliance of Bach, elegance of Haydn and dynamism of Gershwin.cMatilda is an ECHO Rising Star playing in Europe’s leading venues and Professor of Trumpet at Trinity Laban and has been shortlisted by the Royal Philharmonic S…
P.ublished 31st January 2026
Festivals
Crime Writing Superstars’ And ‘New Faces’ Headline Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival
(L-R)Top row Brenda Blethyn, Chris Brookmyre, Ann Cleves, Jane Harper. Bottom: Anthony Horowitz, Holly Jackson, L J Ross & Chris Whitaker
Harrogate International Festivals has announced the full line up of Special Guest headliners for the 2026 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, the world’s largest and most prestigious celebration of crime fiction, taking place 23-26 July 2026.
P.ublished 28th January 2026
Festivals
New Children’s Literature Festival In The North Celebrates Black Writers And Storytelling
Likkle Lit Fest in Leeds is a celebration of Black stories and storytelling for children Photo: David Lindsay
Out of Many People has announced its first festival of Black literature for children and young adult readers in Yorkshire.
P.ublished 26th January 2026
Festivals
Soul Power Weekender – A Bracing Experience In Skegness
Graham Clark
Music Correspondent
Central Line All photos: Graham Clark
Anyone who associates Butlins with the 'Hi-De-Hi' phrase and the traditional Redcoats might change their opinion after experiencing the music weekends that the holiday company has recognised as a major attraction for music fans.
P.ublished 20th January 2026
Discovery Festival Heads To Darlington For 2026
It will be time this summer to dig out those leg warmers and neon accessories because the Discovery Festival that celebrates the best of 80’s music is heading to Darlington. Taking place on Saturday 8th August 2026 at Mowden Park artists include jazz funk powerhouses Level 42, synth pop legend Marc Almond and Sheffield synth pioneers Heaven 17.
P.ublished 8th January 2026
Festivals
Kendal Calling Announces 2026 Line-Up
Kendal Calling has announced its 2026 line-up with mainstage headliners Two Door Cinema Club, Biffy Clyro, Wolf Alice and The Kooks leading a bill of musical legends and rising stars alike.
P.ublished 16th December 2025
Festivals
Northern Aldborough Festival Announces 2026 Line-Up
One of Yorkshire’s classical music festivals has announced its 2026 line-up. Now in its 32nd year, the Northern Aldborough Festival puts the North Yorkshire village at the epicentre of classical music for ten days, from 18 to 27 June, 2026.
P.ublished 9th December 2025
Festivals
Alanis Morissette Announced As Last Headliner At Lytham Festival.
Seven-time GRAMMY Award winning artist Alanis Morissette is revealed as the fifth and final headliner for Lancashire’s Lytham Festival 2026. After this summer saw her headline show on the Fylde coast cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, the Canadian/American musician will return to TK Maxx presents Lytham Festival on Thursday July 2 for one of only five UK performances next summer.
P.ublished 8th December 2025
Festivals
Veterinary Specialist Dental Practice Becomes Latest Harrogate International Festivals Sponsor
One of the UK’s only dedicated specialist-led small animal veterinary dental practices is the latest big-name sponsor of Harrogate International Festivals. VetDentist, based in a superbly equipped, purpose-built state of the art facility in Harrogate, has become one of the Festival’s Platinum Partners.
P.ublished 27th November 2025
Festivals
Redefining WHO We Are – Past, Present And Pixelated
Adam Farrer Photo: Simon Buckley
The latest Berwins Salon North series – the evening that gets everybody talking – draws to a close this month as three exciting guest speakers explore ideas of identity and how we shape who we are – from awkward teenage bedrooms to forgotten corners of history and digital dreamscapes.
P.ublished 11th November 2025
Books
Whitby Gets Ready For Inaugural Book Festival
Whitby is getting behind its inaugural literature festival which begins Thursday 6 November in venues across the coastal town. Schools, hotels, shops, and restaurants are getting behind the four-day celebration of Whitby as a literary destination.
P.ublished 31st October 2025
Books
This Week’s Highlights At Ilkley Literature Festival
Working Class Library - Richard and Claire Photo: Dan Haworth-Salter©
Ilkley Literature Festival enters its final week with highlights including Hugh Bonneville, Sir Tony Robinson, and Jay Rayner. Several upcoming acts are sold out including Lady Hale, Wild Swans author Jung Chang, Irvine Welsh, and Michael Palin.
P.ublished 13th October 2025
Festivals
Nick Clegg To Open Ilkley Literature Festival
Ilkley Literature Festival opens this Friday 3 October with Nick Clegg and his latest book, How to Save the Internet.
P.ublished 2nd October 2025
Festivals
Raworths Solicitors Confirm Big Names For 2025 Literature Festival
Raworths Solicitors are delighted to announce the full programme for this year’s Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival, featuring bestselling authors and some of the biggest names in politics, sport, comedy and broadcasting. The Festival, which runs from October 9-19, is sponsored by Raworths Solicitors and one of the biggest dates in the literary calendar.
P.ublished 2nd October 2025
Festivals
Fun For All The Family At Raworths Children’s Festival
The Children’s Festival (October 18-19) is back by popular demand as part of this year’s Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival with a two-day programme of exciting events that promise fun for all the family.
P.ublished 1st October 2025
Festivals
Miriam Margolyes And Ace Bhatti Join Whitby’s Diaries Of Note
Whitby Lit Fest has announced actors Miriam Margolyes and Ace Bhatti as special guests joining author Shaun Usher on stage in Diaries of Note. Diaries of Note 366 Lives, One Day at a Time has been praised as an engrossing collection of the most remarkable diary writing – curated by Usher.
P.ublished 26th September 2025
Books
Doncaster Author Colwill Brown Shortlisted For BBC National Shortstory Award 2025
The 2025 BBC National Short Story Award with Cambridge University (BBC NSSA) shortlist was announced on the evening of Thursday 11 September 2025 on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row. The prestigious award os celebrating its 20th anniversary.
P.ublished 18th September 2025
Festivals
A Major New Music Festival Has Been Announced For Roundhay Park In Leeds By AEG Presents.
:Photo: Graham Clark
American Express presents Roundhay Festival debuts in summer 2026 at Leeds' historic Roundhay Park. The festival features world-class artists plus a midweek programme of free activities. Roundhay Park has previously hosted Madonna, the Rolling Stones, U2, and Ed Sheeran.
P.ublished 12th September 2025
Books
Connecting Communities With Crime Fiction The Big Read 2025 Tour Announced
Harrogate International Festivals, a registered arts charity with a mission to bring accessible arts, literature, community and education projects to Yorkshire and beyond is taking The Big Read on tour for a series of free events in libraries across Yorkshire and the North of England on 22-24 September.
P.ublished 8th September 2025
Festivals
Janet Devlin Steals The Show As British Country Festival Celebrates Genre Diversity
Jeremy Williams-Chalmers
Arts Correspondent
Janet Devlin All Photos: Jeremy Williams-Chalmers
It's been a few years since British country music really exploded onto the charts with the dominance of Ward Thomas and The Shires on the airwaves and in the album charts. In the time since, country festivals have really exploded across the UK, and Blackpool's response, The British Country Music Festival, has grown each year, and it is now in its sixth year.
P.ublished 2nd September 2025
Review
Small But Mighty: Krankenhaus Festival Proves Size Isn't Everything
Ian Street
Gigs Correspondent
Sea Power
Summer is festival season, and while many seem to be trying to get ever bigger, Krankenhaus is very much the tiny kid brother. It may be small in size (just 1,500 people), but it’s mighty in scope and ambition.
P.ublished 30th August 2025
Festivals
Leeds Festival - Chappell Becomes The New Queen Of Pop, And Rock Broadens Its Horizons
Normally considered a milestone event for teenagers following their exam results, the Leeds Festival continues to draw one of the country's youngest festival audiences.
P.ublished 25th August 2025
Festivals
Join Crime Writing Superstar Elly Griffiths For Brunch At Cedar Court Hotel
Harrogate International Festivals and Yorkshire’s largest independent hotel group, Cedar Court Hotels, are launching a new literary series this autumn, starting with bestselling crime novelist Elly Griffiths.
P.ublished 20th August 2025
Festivals
Hardwick Festival Shines Yet Again
This year’s event, set in the palatial grounds of Hardwick Hall, is fast becoming the Northeast’s biggest family music festival and featured a stellar lineup of big headliners over three days, including Scissor Sisters, Pet Shop Boys, and Olly Murs.
P.ublished 19th August 2025
Books
2025 Ilkley Literature Festival Programme Announced
The north’s longest-running literary festival, Ilkley Literature Festival, has announced its 2025 line-up. A host of household names including politicians, national treasures, journalists, novelists, historians, comedians, and academics head to the spa town across 17 packed days from Friday 3 to Sunday 19 October.
P.ublished 15th August 2025
Festivals
Big Names Coming To Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival
Nicola Sturgeon Photo: Charlotte Hadden & Jeremy Hunt Photo: Johnny Pip
The renowned Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival is back with a bang this autumn with a stellar line-up of acclaimed writers and journalists, TV presenters, politicians and sport stars.
P.ublished 6th August 2025
Books
Whitby Lit Fest Announce Inaugural Programme
Whitby Abbey Photo: Whiby Lit Fest
A celebrated playwright, a national treasure, and a host of bestselling authors and household names take part in the first ever Whitby Lit Fest. More than 50 authors will take part in venues across the coastal town from Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 November.
P.ublished 5th August 2025
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