The heatwave has passed, and with it, the sizzling Summer Festival has now finished.
We would like to thank all those who came along during July and helped make this year’s Festival the best yet in it’s 45 year history.
We’ve selected a few pictorial highlights below, but we really want to know what you thought of the Festival.
Feedback from festival-goers is highly valuable to us, so please take some time to complete our online survey.
Make sure you follow us on twitter @HarrogateFest and on Facebook to keep up to date with the news!
Once again, thanks to all those who were involved.
 Our glitzy gala opener with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra with John Wilson  The crowds getting behind the Wimbledon men's singles final on our Big Screen  Harrogate International Festivals' first ever mosh-pit thanks to the stunning Paloma Faith  Our Children's Festival PapaKata Tent full to brim with super sleuths, magical music and banana sandwiches!  The beautiful and unique Spiegeltent filled with so many fab acts!  The epic finale orchestra - the Czech National Symphony Orchestra
 Catch the award-winning Brodsky Quartet on Saturday 30 July, 2pm at St John Fisher RC High School palying the divine Debussy, before the Festival’s two Guest Curators – Clare Teal & Soweto Kinch – close the 2011’s arts extravaganza.
The finale weekend certainly is grand, featuring two Yorkshire icons as Sir Michael Parkinson presents Clare Teal and Friends for A Celebration of the Great British Song Book at the Royal Hall at 8pm, Saturday 30 July.
Then it’s the exhilarating Soweto Kinch, the award-winning urban and jazz musician, mentored by Courtney Pine OBE. Soweto will be playing with his nine-piece band on Sunday 31 July at the Harrogate Theatre.
Plus for the finale weekend, the Speigeltent is coming to town..
What else can you expect in a tent of magic mirrors but the chance to see something fantastical?
The unique outdoor arts extravaganza is launched by the Festival with support from the Arts Council England.
 A Spiegeltent is the old European tradition of a large travelling tent that allowed entertainers to take their shows on the road. Constructed from wood, canvas and decorated with mirrors and stained glass, the tents are a feature themselves – rare survivors of history that have appeared at Edinburgh Festival, Melbourne International Arts Festival and now Harrogate.
The magic of the mirrored tent will shroud the town folk from Thursday 28 July for a long weekend of street theatre, Sunday jazz and local bands. The Demon Barbers, winners of the Best Live Act gong at the 2009 BBC Folk Awards, launch the event. Known for their high-energy jamboree of song, dance and musical surprise, they take mainly traditional ballads, strange tales of myth and magic and twist them into stranger, Gothic folk rock.
On Friday there’s an Afternoon Tea Dance in a venue that cries out to be waltzed in, followed by the young local band, Unknown Society, at 6pm. The evening promises charm and romance, as French crooner Benoit Viellefon weaves together sultry swing with nostalgic dance music from the 1930s and 40s at 8pm. With swing, quickstep, maybe even cha-cha and the hint of a rumba, expect feel-good cabaret jazz.
Saturday night features acoustic pop from Ellen and the Escapades, the band that stormed Glastonbury, becoming a favourite of the ultimate culture vulture, Lauren Laverne. Glastonbury organiser Michael Eavis says they’re “better than Joni Mitchell’.
There’ll also be a chance to dance in the tent of mirrors and see if you really do look good on the dance floor with a Silent Disco, where all the family are invited to wear wireless headphones so you can party loud (without upsetting the neighbours).
Tonight, the multiple MOBO and BBC Jazz Award winning jazz and hip hop artist, Soweto Kinch will appear at St John Fisher RC High School. Mentored by Courtney Pine OBE, the crusader of music boldly goes places no jazz musician has gone before.
 Kinch – this year’s Guest Curator at the Festival – plays like a classically brilliant jazz musician – just one that breaks out into tremendous rap. He’s said to arouse ‘curiosity and admiration’ as his music is about the search for art, truth and humanity. In his lecture: Freedom Music: Improvising in Hip Hop and Jazz at 7.30pm tonight, he explores the development of his distinctive sound and asks controversially, does music today reflect the realities of a recession and social exclusion or is it simply the tool of advertising companies and corporations? Kinch will explore race politics in a post-Obama age and the travails of the independent recording artist.
It’s a rare chance to gain an insight into the musician before he performs later in the Festival alongside his nine-piece band, with his new album, The New Emancipation.
Jazz Wise magazine said: “Soweto played the saxophone like he was pouring his soul into his instrument and giving himself away. His play went from soaring joyful melodies to proclaiming political commentary…Soweto is a man to believe in…. An awesome talent with a true heart and intellect to match.”
Full Details
This week there’s a smorgasbord of music, theatre and authors up for grabs.
At Wesley Chapel this afternoon, put a frisson of frivolity into your Friday with authors Wendy Holden and Laurie Graham at 2.30pm. Holden’s first novel, Simply Divine, about a lowly hack who writes for a celebrity socialite, is inspired by her own experience writing for Tara Palmer-Tomkinson.
In the evening it’s one of the most eagerly awaited literary events of the Festival for Jackson Brodie fans – An Evening with Kate Atkinson – at the majestic Fountain’s Abbey at 7.30pm.
On Saturday 16 July at West Park Hotel, get the blood pumping at 2.30pm with the extreme marathon man, Robin Harvie. Author of Why We Run: A Story of Obsession, Harvie explores his own journey of obsession, grief and growing into adulthood in the ultimate story of self-discovery.
The Fab Four – the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet and Friends – take you on a musical extravaganza at 8pm on Saturday 16 July that spans continents and decades in the beautiful St Wilfrid’s Church.
For thespian frolics, the Festival’s perennial favourite theatre company Oddsocks, are back with their unique interpretation of Macbeth: Something Wicked This Way Comes! Pack a picnic to RHS: Harlow Carr on Tuesday 19 or Wednesday 20 July for 7.30pm and get ready to giggle.
On Wednesday, 12pm at St Wilfrid’s Church, there’s a chance to see two rising stars as part of the Harrogate Young Musicians’ series. Together international artist, violinist Kokila Gillet, and award-winning soloist, chamber musician and conductor, James Sherlock, are Dua Zingara, promising a stunning and powerful programme.
 Plus, Wendesday see’s Alastair Campbell interviewed by Guest Curator of the literary strand, author and journalist, Henry Sutton at Harrogate Theatre at 8pm.
Power and Responsibility, the third volume of Alastair Campbell’s diaries, is released this July coinciding with this special event for the 2011 Summer Festival Literature programme.
Erica Morris, Literary Festivals Manager, said: “We’re very excited Alastair Campbell is one of our star authors. His insight into the workings of British politics as well as the personal fight with his own demons of alcohol and depression, promises a fascinating talk. It will be intriguing to get an insight into how he influences the media and how people perceive Westminster.”
Alastair Campbell changed British politics. For years he was at the heart of the Blair Government. A former Daily Mirror reporter and political editor, he become one of the most influential people in the country through his work with the Labour party.
 Bleep…bleep…bleep…ever wondered about the miraculous if pesky barcodes when you’re stood at the check-out watching the frozen peas? The identities of millions of products are captured in those optical machine-readable representations of data.
Nearly every aspect of our lives has been completely transformed by the barcode. Shopping, going to the cinema, using a library card, aviation, even scientists tracking different plants and species – it’s all controlled by barcodes.
Discover the intriguing evolution of barcodes with a lecture dedicated to the life changing technology at The Old Swan Hotel today at 2pm. Former Head of the UK delegation to the UN for trade facilitation and e.business, Professor Tom McGuffog MBE, will explain how the barcode has revolutionised our lives.
Full Details
Author Tom Palmer, the ultimate football fan, scores a winning goal at the Children’s Festival this weekend.
 “I got into writing through football really, I think you should write about what you’re passionate about,” Tom said explaining his Foul Play, Dead Ball and the Football Academy Series of books.
His books have the ability to capture boys who may not have an easy time with reading. But, as Tom says, ‘books about football are about more than football’; they’re about magic, ghosts, relationships, bullying, about the things that really matter. Tom prefers to be referred to as a ‘Dad writer’ than a football one.
Tom grew up with three dads as he was adopted. His second parents split up when he was four. His third died when he was 21. Then, when he became a dad, he started writing for children.
“I feel more at ease writing for children. When I’m writing for children it’s just about trying to write a great story.”
Tom, a Leeds United fan, is testament to the fact literacy transforms lives.
“I hated school, I was completely disengaged. I started reading when I was unemployed. It completely changed everything. It made me want to travel around the world, go to university – which I did at 23 – reading opened up everything, it changed my life. It’s not that uncommon a story, reading has a transformative power. If I hadn’t had books things could’ve gone very differently. I was hanging around with these lads and half of them ended up in prison – I’m not saying I’d end up in prison because I had a strong supportive mum but all the opportunities to write, to travel and to watch football all over the world, that wouldn’t have happened.”
The main thing about his event at Harrogate is for ‘everyone to have fun’ but he also laments the fact sports writing isn’t revered here as it is in America.
“All the human emotions – they’re all there with football. Writing football stories is writing about different things – it’s not just ‘Jimmy scores a goal’.”
Tom’s session will be interactive combining literacy with football, culminating in a penalty shoot-out.
“I’d say to any parent, go to your bookstore and library, and get children reading through their passion.”
Don’t miss Tom at the Children’s Festival, Sunday July 10, 10am in our gigantic play-den!
Paloma Faith, the alternative soul star and actress, has been described as ‘like someone out of a fairy tale’.
Paloma Faith’s meteoric rise to fame certainly has the quirks and fantasy of a Brother’s Grimm story. She began her career singing in burlesque clubs and at one time was being sawn in half nightly as a magician’s assistant, before casting her spell on the pop world with her enchanting debut album, Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful. Renowned for her flamboyance, what can Harrogate audiences expect at her headline gig this July?
 “Well I’m kind of mid album so I’m free to creatively let loose this time. I’ll always put on a big show and I’m planning something quite exciting for this. Expect the unexpected!” Paloma said.
Faith also put herself through college – a BA at Leeds University in contemporary dance, and an MA in drama at Central Saint Martins – by working in her spare time selling lingerie at Agent Provocateur – and famously built her name on the burlesque circuit, should Harrogate brace itself for something a little risqué?
“No, I sang in those clubs but never stripped! I’m the daughter of a feminist. I don’t take my clothes off or anything,” she laughed. “But I think it’s important to have an element of surprise in a performance so I’d rather not say what I’m going to do because it would ruin that surprise.”
The singer’s jazz, blues and soul inflections have drawn comparisons with Amy Winehouse and Duffy, with musical influences as diverse as Billie Holliday, PJ Harvey and Nina Simone, but Faith is distinctly her own artist.
“I don’t have strategies, I just do me,” Paloma said. “I don’t think there’s much calculation going on with me. I’m just myself. You do what you do.”
Paloma is a more alternative act for the Festival which has built its reputation over the years delivering the finest in classical, jazz and world music. How does she feel her sound will fit with this tradition?
“Well my band is very musical – we’re not a mainstream pop act – everyone’s a brilliant musician and I ensure I show them off as they’re so talented. We’re very musical but different I guess to what Harrogate is used to but I’m a hundred per cent sure people will have a nice time and a bit of a dance. I’ll be showcasing new songs from my forthcoming album which is out in January (depending on how fast I write it!) and I’ll try some new bits out at Harrogate – maybe I’ll be bringing more of a party atmosphere!”
Paloma has been photographed by David Bailey for Vogue, headlined on Later with Jools Holland and featured in movies, including the 2007 remake of St Trinian’s and Terry Gilliam’s cult hit – Heath Ledger’s final film – The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.
“I love cult cinema myself so I always said that’s what I’d like to do as an actor. I’m shooting a horror movie in October, so you can’t get more cult than that.”
She also recently released a charity single with Elton John – a cover of rapper Plan B’s track, ‘Hard Times’ – to help raise funds for the victims of last year’s floods in Pakistan. Does she think music can change the world for the better?
“I just think we make music and that’s all we can do to help. I’m not sure if I could make such a confident statement saying music can change the world but it’s always had a massive influence politically and on how people look at current affairs. It’s important in amongst the success that you do your bit to help the bigger picture.”
Faith has performed at high profile festivals including T4 on the Beach, she once joked about slumming it at festivals saying, ‘anywhere you can’t wear stilettos just isn’t worth going’ – she must be chuffed she’s coming to Harrogate with its boutique shops and quaint tea rooms?
“I’m really looking forward to it,” she laughed. “I used to live in Leeds so hopefully some old friends will be coming along. The Turkish Baths sound nice, but we’re usually pretty in and out after a gig but I hope to have a dance to some of the other performers at the Festival. I just think I’m excited to come and show you my wares! I think it will be a very fun thing and a very alternative gig…you can expect a bit more theatre!”
Paloma Faith, Thursday 14 July, Harrogate International Centre, 8pm.
Book Now!
Banana sandwiches, Kit Kats, barcodes and sex – it can only be Harrogate’s ultimate science fest!
 Blame it on the Cox effect but science is officially sexy. The particle physicist Dr Brian Cox has gaggles of teenage girls asking for his autograph at his science talks. And this year, the Harrogate International Festival is definitely on trend with a brand new science strand headed by the Godfather of science himself, Lord Robert Winston.
Lord Winston may not have the pop boy looks, but he has a charm and accessibility that energises TV audiences and creates intrigue and fascination around biology and DNA, asking the big questions – what it is that makes us uniquely human. He has changed the fabric of medicine dissecting sex and reproduction in science. Truly no ordinary man of our time.
Sharon Canavar, CEO at Harrogate International Festival, said: “We’re incredibly honoured to have Lord Winston heading our science strand. Science is an exciting field to be in and we know his lecture will bring his trademark insight and passion. As his TV work shows, if anyone can fascinate, intrigue and captivate audiences exploring the big questions in life, it’s Lord Winston.”
An Audience with Lord Robert Winston, Thursday 7 July, Old Swan Hotel, 7.30pm.
To see the full programme of science lectures and events, click here
46th Harrogate International Festival: 30 June – 3 July 2011
Nestled amongst the four weeks of live music that is the 2011 Harrogate International Festival, you’ll find some of the finest international and UK names raising the roof on the Royal Hall and other spots round town! There’s more than ever to celebrate this year:
Launching the Festival with sounds and styles Fred Astaire and his leading ladies, The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (Thursday 30 June) conducted by John Wilson is guaranteed to be as big and technicolour as the great MGM musicals whose music they regularly play.
Continuing the Festival tradition of bringing the best in world music to the region each summer, the Harrogate Theatre will be transformed into a summer night in Andalusia as Pepa Molina & Company take to the stage on Friday 1st July. Presenting an evening of pure flamenco – featuring the traditional styles of Tangos, Bulerias, Alegrias and Soleas – this acclaimed troupe of dancers, singers and musicians  present a stunning show that pushes at the traditional boundaries of the art while staying true to its roots.
The opening weekend is truly full of international superstars & with Abdullah Ibrahim described as “one of the giants still to walk the earth” with Harrogate granted the exclusive UK performance. A symbol of South Africa’s rich musical heritage, Abdullah Ibrahim has created a distinctive sound, combining the rich harmonies and traditions of South Africa’s township music with the exciting creativity of jazz. From luminous, gospel-like anthems to hypnotic rhythmic vamps, his music is approachable and compelling. In this one-off performance, the great pianist brings his seven piece band to Yorkshire.
A legend of global stature, pianist Abdullah Ibrahim is “the humble high priest of international jazz“, says The Guardian.
Classical music is always a highlight of the annual Harrogate International Festival and 2011 is no exception. Looking back on over 45 years of music making, this summer’s Festival welcomes BBC Radio 3’s New Generation Artists; the Esch er Quartet (1 July) establishing an exciting new venue in the Festival fold – Wesley Chapel – with the quartet performing a bold programme of Haydn, Dean & Sibelius.
Finally, the Festival has welcomed back an exciting literature strand with talks & lectures sprinkled over the opening weekend featuring award-winning authors Sadie Jones & Douglas Kennedy, Robert Sackville-West discussing the fascinating history of his family and their house with Michael Prodger, literary editor of the Sunday Telegraph, whilst for the sports fans, the opportunity to meet the founders of Machester’s FC United interviewed by Juilian Coman from The Observer.
Book now for all events by calling the ticket hotline on 01423 502116 book online at www.harrogate-festival.org.uk or in person at the Harrogate Theatre Box Office, Harrogate
Harrogate Festival this year is going to be the biggest and best it’s ever been and the Fringe is its rock’n’roll edge
GRAHAM Chalmers knew the re-launched Harrogate Fringe was on the right track last year.
“There was a moment that made it all worthwhile and made me want to do it all again,” he says.
“Esteemed music critic David Stubbs, who writes for Wire magazine, which I admire a lot, attended The Rest Is Noise event where we had classical music treated as a rave night with 3D glasses.
“It was a daft idea but bizarrely it was brilliant, and David said ‘Right now, this is the coolest place to be in Britain’.”
Read the full article here
Harrogate International Festival Fringe runs from 1 July through to 31 July.
To see the full programme of events, click here
|
|
