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Festivals
Whitby Lit Fest Unveils Star-Studded Programme
John Boyne, Ann Cleeves, Si King, Joanne Harris, Mark Billingham, Greta Scacchi, Corinne Bailey Rae and Dr Sian Williams are heading to Whitby The town that inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula and has fired the imaginations of generations of writers is preparing to welcome some of the biggest names in books for the 2026 Whitby Lit Fest.
P.ublished 14th August 2026
Review
Something For Everyone: Lakefest Hits Its Stride At 15
Jeremy Williams
Arts Correspondent
Lakefest all photos Jeremy Williams
There are festivals that are built around one particular genre, one particular demographic or one particular headline act. Then there is Lakefest — a festival that seems determined to offer something for everyone.
P.ublished 12th August 2026
Festivals
‘Iconic’ Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival Celebrates Record Visitor Numbers
Lee Child and Lisa Jewell Photo: Richard Maude©
The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival celebrated significant audience growth with record numbers of crime fiction fans from across the UK, Europe, the US and beyond flocking to the Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate to enjoy more than 34 events with 140 authors over four days, 23-26 July.
P.ublished 7th August 2026
Festivals
A Stunning Conclusion: Romeo and Juliet Brings The Curtain Down On Ripon Theatre Festival 2026
Andrew Palmer
Group Editor
The Duke's Theatre Company Romeo & -Juliet The Duke's Theatre Company Romeo & -Juliet
Andrew Palmer, Group Editor, on how The Duke's Theatre Company concluded this year's festival at Ripon Racecourse with a Romeo and Juliet that showcased wit, precision, and considerable heart – a fitting finale!
P.ublished 25th July 2026
Festivals
Rich Pickings And Rueful Choices: Lisa Jewell On Building Harrogate's Biggest Festival Yet
Fresh from a morning of interviews and still buzzing between events, this year's Festival Programming Chair, Lisa Jewell, talks to Andrew Palmer at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival about omissions, instinct, and the coercive-control novel taking shape for 2027. The deckchairs are out on the lawn of the Old Swan Hotel, the sun is doing exactly wha…
P.ublished 25th July 2026
Festivals
Robbie Williams To Headline Lytham Festival 2027
ternational pop megastar Robbie Williams is heading to the North West in 2027 to headline the region’s largest live music festival. The 18 time BRIT Award winning pop giant will headline Lancashire’s Lytham Festival on Saturday July 3 – his only headlining show in mainland UK next summer.
P.ublished 24th July 2026
Festivals
Elly Griffiths Crowned Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel Of The Year For The Frozen People
Sussex novelist Elly Griffiths has won the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2026 — the most coveted prize in British and Irish crime writing — for The Frozen People, a genre-bending mystery that sends a modern-day cold case detective back to the ice-bound streets of Victorian London.
P.ublished 24th July 2026
Opinion
No Town Of Culture Title, But Ripon Already Knows What It's Worth
Ripon's theatre festival has earned more than applause — it has earned investment writes Andrew Palmer, Group Editor Somewhere between the deckchairs on the Market Place and this Friday's season finale — the Duke's Theatre Company's touring Romeo & Juliet at Ripon Racecourse, still to come — it has become clear that this year's Ripon Theatre Festival is no…
P.ublished 22nd July 2026
Festivals
Voice In The Dark
Andrew Palmer
Group Editor
Genie Chance (Ellie Jay Cooper) & Dom (Robert Merriam) Photo: Helen Tabor © https://www.helentaborphotography.com/
Ripon Theatre Festival continues to unearth stories that deserve a wider audience, and Down to Chance is one of its finest discoveries yet.
P.ublished 13th July 2026
Festivals
Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival Returns With All-Star Programme For Biggest Year Ever
Steph McGovern & Val McDermid Photo: Gerard Binks©
The 2026 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, the world’s largest and most prestigious celebration of crime fiction, returns to the Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate 23-26 July with an all-star line-up of bestselling authors and crime fiction names.
P.ublished 10th July 2026
Festivals
Riot Women, Meet Your Match: Batty! Brings Menopausal Rebellion To Ripon
Andrew Palmer
Group Editor
Front to back: Victoria Firth & Kathryn Hanke Photo: Helen Tabor © https://www.helentaborphotography.com/
Part witch, part wood nymph, wholly herself – Firth's Batty! turns midlife and menopause into a riotous, tender celebration of women who refuse to be tamed.
P.ublished 10th July 2026
Festivals
Winner Announced In Hunt For Uk’s Best Classical Vocal Talent
Jack Redman (piano) with Tom Lilburn (counter-tenor) Photo: Ann Chadwick
The 2026 winners of the Northern Aldborough Festival New Voices Singing Competition have been crowned as countertenor Tom Lilburn and his accompanist Jack Redman. Now in its fourth year, the nationwide search spanning concert halls and conservatoires has become a showcase of the hottest rising stars, with a £7,000 prize fund.
P.ublished 25th June 2026
Festivals
Lytham Festival Guide
Music fans are preparing for the biggest week in the North West music calendar as TK Maxx presents Lytham Festival gets ready to kick off for 2026. Over five nights from Wednesday July 1 to Sunday 5 huge international icons will top the bill as more than 100,000 people descend on the Fylde coast town for the 15th Lytham Festival.
P.ublished 22nd June 2026
Festivals
Camilla George Leads Exciting Spiegeltent Jazz Programme
Award-winning saxophonist, composer and bandleader Camilla George brings a thrilling jazz programme to Harrogate this summer. The acclaimed musician, winner of Best Jazz Act at the Urban Music Awards in 2023, is Guest Curator of this year’s Spiegeltent, which returns this month.
P.ublished 22nd June 2026
Festivals
‘Ambitious’ And ‘Highly Entertaining’ Storytelling Showcased As Shortlist For Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel Of The Year 2026
Harrogate International Festivals today announced the shortlist for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award 2026, the UK and Ireland’s most prestigious crime fiction award. The winner will be revealed on the opening night of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, Thursday 23 July.
P.ublished 18th June 2026
Review
Download Festival - Metalheads Unite In The Spiritual Home Of Metal
Regarded by many as the headbangers' Glastonbury, the 23rd Download Festival returned to Donington Park for three days filled with raw energy, featuring denim, distortion, and dangerously sore ears, all while offering the ultimate in rock music.
P.ublished 17th June 2026
Festivals
Writers In Live Bid For Publication At York Festival
Scores of writers will share their stories and poems aloud at Merchant Taylors Hall on Thursday June 25, as part of this year’s York Mystery Plays Festival and Fringe.
P.ublished 17th June 2026
Festivals
All Singing, All Dancing, All Amber
Andrew Palmer
Group Editor
She's the cabaret siren, bringing a blaze of Broadway glamour, old Hollywood shimmer and flame-haired icons to Ripon – and she cannot, she insists, do a show without funny bones. There is a particular kind of performer who walks into a room and instantly rearranges its atmosphere. Amber Topaz is one of those.
P.ublished 13th June 2026
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
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
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
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
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
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
(L-R) Dave Green, Jonny Balchandani and Dr Gillian Sandstrom.
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
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
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
Interview
“Trumpeter Extraordinaire” Matilda Lloyd Heads To Harrogate
Photo: Geoffroy Schied
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
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
Michael Buble Added To Lytham Festival
International multi-award-winning superstar Michael Bublé is heading to Lancashire’s Lytham Festival next summer. One of the top touring artists of all time and known for his world-class showmanship and spectacular concert production, Michael will headline the Friday night of the five-day TK Maxx presents Lytham Festival on July 3 as one of only three mainland UK performances in 2026.
P.ublished 1st December 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
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
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
Books
Whitby Lit Fest Announce Inaugural Programme
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
Books
Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival Celebrates Most Successful Event Ever
The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival celebrates its most successful event ever after record numbers of crime fiction fans from around the world flocked to the Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate to enjoy more than 30 events with 120 authors over four days, 17-20 July.
P.ublished 31st July 2025
Books
Topical Thrillers Triumph At Theakston Awards
Abir Mukherjee and Simon Theakston Photo: Mike Whorley
Hunted by Abir Mukherjee has been announced as the winner of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2025, the UK and Ireland’s most prestigious crime fiction award, presented by Harrogate International Festivals at a special ceremony on the opening night of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival.
P.ublished 21st July 2025
Festivals
Feast Of Blues, Jazz And Razzmatazz For Festival Milestone Birthday
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Leisure Editor
Festival founder Simon Cunliffe-Lister (centre) Images by Steve Hare
In 2007, Simon Cuncliffe-Lister, the owner of Burton Agnes Hall and passionate saxophonist opened the doors of his stately family manor home and hosted a jazz and blues festival. Fast forward eighteen years, and Burton Agnes Jazz & Blue’s Festival is hailed as a premier, talent packed Northeast event which pulsates with energy and fun.
P.ublished 14th July 2025
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