Cape Verdean singer Mayra Andrade brings a sensual sophistication to her energised take on Cuban music. She is arguably the front-runner of the many talents that have emerged from Cape Verde in recent years.
On Monday 26 July, she’ll be sharing the stage of the Royal Hall with Krystle Warren…
 How does your music reflect your world [...]

Lucy Parham is acknowledged as one of Britain’s finest pianists. And Harrogate is in for a very special treat as she brings her latest show, Nocturne: the Romantic Life of Frederic Chopin straight from her sell out appearance at the prestigious Wigmore Hall…

It’s been said that if you can’t play the piano, Chopin is [...]

New Music New Venues is a weekend of laid back world and contemporary music in a PapaKåta style tent in Crescent Gardens. Muntu Valdo is the headline act on Saturday 17 July…
Can you explain the character behind the Sawa blues for audiences unfamiliar with the music?
Sawa Blues is a concept which aims to enlighten the [...]

Can’t bear to drag yourself away from the box? Not even for some of the world’s most inspirational artists, musicians and writers? Well the Harrogate International Festival is offering all of you square eyes something really special – a giant movie screen at the bottom of Montpellier Hill.
It’s a chance to watch some absolute classic [...]

Steve Blaylock is blasting out music in his farm outbuilding-turned-studio while he keeps fit on his multi gym. A magpie sits by the door in an open cage and sends out an alarming squawk. Quirky doorbell.
The sculptor has joined forces with the Harrogate International Festival to create bespoke sculptures to present to the arts charity’s [...]

Raise your coat collar, hide behind your shades and fix a trilby on your head. Dr Mark Baldwin is exposing the secret world of smuggled intelligence and espionage in an intriguing talk: Codebreakers, The Story of Enigma.
Break the code, unlock the mystery and win the day – it’s the stuff of thriller novels! The ingenuity [...]

Last year, audiences had the chance to dance, dance, dance the night away as the floor of the Royal Hall was liberated of its formal theatre seats for a special Strictly Dancing event, sweeping Harrogate off its feet with Camilla Dallerup and Ian White. Check out the pictures!
This year, dance fever is back in the [...]

Check out these exclusive preview tracks recorded by Ayanna with her trio during her residency at Dartington. These are brand new and unreleased!
No Excuse (Edit) _by Ayanna
In Time_by Ayanna
Awakened_by Ayanna

If you’re not familiar with some of the musicians headed to Harrogate, have no fear – YouTube is here! Just click on the images below to get your ears acquainted with some terrific tunes…     
     
 
    
 
 
 
      
 
     
 
        
     
     

News just in that Ayanna Witter-Johnson has sold out Darlington and London dates already. Make sure you don’t miss your chance to catch the captivating star in Harrogate. Ayanna is a composer, jazz vocalist, cellist and pianist who has developed musically from a diverse background of mixed cultures. Her compositional versatility includes writing for symphony [...]