Multi-million pound appeal for future of Harrogate festivals

The arts organisation has hosted a spectacular fundraising ball and silent auction with support from local businesses to raise awareness and funds.

Initiatives to mark the big 50 also include plans for Bettys and Taylors along with Harrogate Borough Council to plant 50 trees to create a festival forest.

Sharon Canavar, CEO of Harrogate International Festivals, said: “We have a world-class reputation in the arts but only two per cent of our income is from public funds. The festival has huge impact on the community we live and work in, and ultimately its economy, driving cultural tourism.

“It’s easy to take for granted 50 years. Like electricity, you only miss it when the lights go off. We need help to keep the lights on. We really hope people will support our Future 50 appeal to ensure the festivals stay alive and thrive.”

Annually, the festivals work with over 5000 disadvantaged young people and communities through music, science and literacy programmes. They host over 300 events each year, attracting more than 90,000 people and have been credited with putting the town on the literary map, hosting the world’s biggest celebration of crime writing.

The next event on its calendar is the Harrogate History Festival on October 20-23 featuring Paddy Ashdown, Philippa Gregory and Antony Beevor.

The Yorkshire Post has also teamed up with Harrogate International Festivals for a Literary Lunch featuring broadcaster and author Jonathan Dimbleby. The event is on October 20 at the Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate.

To donate to the Harrogate International Festivals’ Future 50 Appeal, contact Sharon Canavar on 01423 562 303.

To book tickets visit www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com or call the box office on 01423 562 303.