Harrogate Festivals gets its own Emma Bridgewater mug!

To mark its 50th Anniversary and to raise money for the Future 50 Appeal, Harrogate International Festivals have been working with renowned pottery designer Emma Bridgewater to produce a special limited edition anniversary mug.

The result is an iconic mug and keepsake which is already proving a popular Christmas gift via the Festivals Office on 32 Cheltenham Parade in Harrogate.

But anyone interested better be quick - only 1000 mugs will be produced making them instant collectors’ items.

Each mug sold will generate £10 towards the Future 50 Appeal, helping Harrogate International Festivals to achieve their ambition to create a secure future for the Festivals and to dramatically increase the cultural opportunities for Harrogate and the wider region.

The mug, which is decorated in Emma Bridgewater’s classic pattern Black Toast, features a celebration of aspects of Harrogate International Festivals’ work over the last 50 years.

Emma said: “I’ve always loved Harrogate, from trade years 30 years ago to the joys of Bettys and the tempting ‘Fat Rascal’.

“So Harrogate International Festival is an easy one to say yes to, whether that be to do a talk or to design a mug! I am so pleased this stylish mug is going down a storm.”

Future 50 Appeal Co-ordinator Lizzie Brewster, said: “It’s fitting that for our first 21st century celebration the Harrogate International Festivals turned to Emma Bridgwater Pottery, one of the largest and most sought after creators of ceramics in Britain to create a commemorative mug that is truly a reflection of the development and work of the Festivals over the last 50 years.”

Since the very first event in 1966, the festival has grown into a firm fixture on the national and international stage.

Its portfolio of events include the innovative Berwins Salon North series encompassing science, philosophy and psychology, alongside major literary events including the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, the Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival and Harrogate History Festival.

It is also renowned for delivering world-class international music acts, with the up-coming Sunday Series, which begins in January featuring the finest chamber musicians at work, including pianists John Lill and Benjamin Grosvenor.

Mugs can be purchased from the Festivals Office on 32 Cheltenham Parade in Harrogate, or by calling 01423 562303.