Number 36 buses to turn into mobile librariesTrainspotting author Irvine Welsh among headline names at Harrogate festivalCreator of Apple TV’s ‘Slow Horses’ to chair Theakston crime writing festivalThe Stray Ferret launches 2025 Business AwardsFunding review spells end for Harrogate CarnivalSix books shortlisted for Harrogate crime writing awardEx-Harrogate chamber president Martin Gerrard diesFamous crime author announced for Harrogate writing festival

Harrogate International Festivals has announced its final special guest for the 2024 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival.

Peter James is a globally bestselling author and the creator of the much-loved Detective Superintendent Roy Grace series, now an ITV drama starring John Simm.

He joins authors Chris Carter, Jane Casey, Elly Griffiths, Erin Kelly, Vaseem Khan, Dorothy Koomson, Shari Lapena, Abir Mukherjee, Liz Nugent and Richard Osman in an all-star lineup of special guest headliners.

Mr James will be celebrating his milestone twentieth Roy Grace book at the Festival with an exclusive preview of One Of Us Is Dead, published by Pan Macmillan in September 2024.

He will discuss his new standalone novel, They Thought I Was Dead, with a long-awaited reveal of what happened to Roy Grace’s missing wife Sandy in conversation with TV presenter Louise Minchin.

This will be his eighth appearance, having been a special guest twice before and programming chair in 2016.

Mr James said:

“This year I am celebrating my 20th Roy Grace novel and where better to do this than at Harrogate, the jewel in the crime festival crown. I had a wonderful time as Programming Chair in 2016 and I look forward to returning as a Special Guest this year, spending a delightful summer’s evening with my fans and fellow authors.

“I’ve no doubt a pint or two of Theakston Old Peculier might be involved.”

Returning to Harrogate for its 21st year it offers fans from around the world a unique opportunity to hear from the biggest stars of the genre, discover exciting new talent and enjoy a packed programme of panels, talks and inspiring creative workshops.

Simon Theakston, chairman of T&R Theakston Ltd, said:

“Peter James has been hugely popular with the Festival audience over the years, and we can’t wait to welcome him back to hear more about his twentieth Roy Grace book.

“Peter completes a stellar line up of Special Guests in a stunning programme that truly reflects the strength, breadth and diversity of the genre.”

The three day festival curated by 2024 Festival Chair Ruth Ware, is set to take place July 18-21. The full programme for this year’s Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival will be announced on May 14, 2024.

Tickets are on general release on 15th April. More information about tickets and packages can be found here.

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Harrogate Spiegeltent to return after two years

The Spiegeltent is set to return to Harrogate this summer after a two year break.

Harrogate International Festivals has announced the event will be held in Crescent Gardens between June 28 – July 7.

Drag queen Divina De Campo, who appeared on The Voice and the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, opens the Spiegeltent with an evening of cabaret.

The Gypsy Queens and House of Burlesque will also join this year’s line-up. Also making a return is British jazz singer Jo Harrop and Harrogate’s nightclub, Jimmy’s. There are newcomers to the festival including Punjabi Roots, as well as singer Mica Sefia, and the Maxwell Quartet.

The Spiegeltent is one of the star attractions of this year’s Harrogate Music Festival, which begins June 8.

Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:

“The Spiegeltent was one of the absolute highlights of Harrogate Music Festival in 2022, so it’s wonderful to have it back – there’s just nothing quite like it.

“We passionately believe that art and culture is for us all and should reach as wide an audience as possible – and that’s what this does. Whether you want to dance the night away at the Silent Disco, be entranced by the sound of South Asian drums, or spend the day making new family memories – there really is something for everyone here.

“The Spiegeltent helps make the Festival a truly memorable celebration of music and the arts. So get the dates in your diary for what is, quite simply, the best party in town.”

The 2024 Spiegeltent line-up includes:

The Spiegeltent will also host a Children’s Festival from Saturday, July 6, to Sunday, July 7, with a programme of family-friendly events set to be announced in April.

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Business Breakfast: Titan Private Wealth appoints joint CEO

A Harrogate financial firm has appointed a new joint chief executive.

Matt Beddall has joined Titan Private Wealth as joint chief executive, alongside existing chief executive Mark Puleikis

Mr Beddall joins Titan from Investec Wealth & Investment, where he was divisional director and head of the Sheffield office.

Titan Private Wealth, previously Cardale Asset Management, is an investment management business providing portfolio management to private clients, pension schemes, charities, corporates and intermediaries across the UK.

Mr Beddall said:

“I am thrilled to be joining such a successful and award-winning business as Titan. I look forward to helping lead the business through its next growth phase and continuing the amazing work that has already been put in place.”

Grantley Hall restaurant collaborates with champagne house 

Grantley Hall has unveiled a new Mediterranean-inspired menu at one of its restaurants.

The menu is launched in time for the summer at The Orchard and is in collaboration with Veuve Clicquot.

The Orchard changes with the seasons and is one of five restaurants at Grantley Hall.

Monika Czop, food & beverage manager at Grantley Hall, said:

“I am so very excited that our new concept for The Orchard is now live for our guests to experience this summer.

“Our collaboration with Veuve Clicquot encapsulates the spirit of the summer and we are delighted to be one of only a few locations to be part of its Road to the Sun campaign this year! I can’t wait to welcome you all to experience The Orchard in all its glory – let’s celebrate with Champagne this season.”

Orchard, Grantley Hall

Cedar Court Hotels is the latest sponsor of Harrogate International Festivals

Harrogate International Festivals has announced a new sponsor.

Cedar Court Hotels, which has a hotel in the town, is the latest company to agree sponsorship of the festival.

Cedar Court managing director Wayne Topley said:

“Harrogate is synonymous with world-class art and culture – attracting amazing musicians as well as some of the biggest names in literature. To be a festival sponsor feels like a perfect match.”

Sharon Canavar, Harrogate International Festivals chief executive, said:

“Art and culture go hand in hand with hospitality and the fact that Cedar Court Hotels believe in Harrogate and are prepared to invest in the town makes this partnership all the more rewarding.”

(Left to right) Wayne Topley, Sharon Canavar and Oliver Stott, the hotel manager. Image: Mike Whorley

Nomad Catering opens tasting room 

Nomad Catering, a Harrogate based catering company, moved to Cardale Park on the outskirts of Harrogate in June last year. This week it celebrated finishing its tasting room.

The room provides a modern industrial space for clients to taste their food ahead of booking them for events.

In the past year Nomad Catering has catered for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards at Media City in Salford, the centenary dinner for the Flying Scotsman at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway and provided food for a Michelin three-star chef’s wedding.

Nomad Catering event. Image: Leanne Peacock Photography

Harrogate Bridal Boutiques Named in UK Top 50

Two wedding dress shops in Harrogate have been named among the Top 50 bridal boutiques in the UK, according to one of the leading hen party providers in its annual rundown.

Joana Bridal and Bee Bridal were listed by GoHen.com which compiled its list based on a variety of factors including style, variety, value for money and service.

Fourth award for Ripon photographer 

Ripon photographer Helen Tabor has won her fourth bronze award from the British Institute of Professional Photography for her architectural images.

Her photo of architect Santiago Calatrava’s railway station at Lyon-Saint-Exupéry TGV station won the award in the BIPP’s monthly image competition. Her January entry, of the spiral staircase at Victoria Gate Leeds was also awarded a bronze.

Ms Tabor said:

“My architectural work all stems from my love of interesting buildings and their structure, and I like to bring out the art in their design through careful composition in my photographs.”

Into the unknown by Helen Tabor

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