Harrogate Bid
Harrogate Bid
BID fully supports return of festive fun to Harrogate over Christmas period
From Ferris wheels to the Candy Cane Express, Harrogate BID is fully supporting the return of festive fun to the North Yorkshire town over the Christmas period.
The Business Improvement District leads on funding every single Christmas light across the town centre, so the team are excited that the festive spirit is coming back for another year.
North Yorkshire Council announced the 2024 Christmas plans for Harrogate last month, following a successful year in 2023.
The popular Harrogate Christmas Fayre will return from Friday, November 28th to Monday, December 14th – featuring a range of traders with up to 50 stalls on offer from not only across the UK, but overseas too.
It has also been revealed that other festive favourites – including a 33-foot-tall Ferris wheel and the Candy Cane Express – will make a return to the North Yorkshire town for Christmas. As well as this, a special Little Bird Market will be held on the three weekends leading up to Christmas, featuring stalls from local business.
Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID Manager, said: “We’ve been keen supporters of the Christmas plans in Harrogate ever since they were first staged three years ago, so we can’t wait for this year’s fun to come to light!
“Christmas is an important time of year for so many people, so it’s a fantastic way to help drive footfall and spend into our town’s business community – all while offering entertainment through additional elements including the Ferris wheel and road train.
“We’ve also got new displays for our town’s Christmas lights this year, so watch this space…”
The North Pole Post Office, organised by Harrogate International Festivals and sponsored by Harrogate BID, will return to the town centre this year – offering the chance for children to post their Christmas gift wish lift to Santa and his elves!
The street entertainment team will be back in Harrogate to help celebrate all things Christmas with special themed performances, helping to create a vibrant atmosphere to get the town centre into the Christmas spirit.
It has also been confirmed that there is not support from BID levy paying businesses for a Christmas lights switch on in Harrogate for 2024. The BID team have carried out extensive research with local businesses, with 60% saying they feel switch on events do not benefit them through increases in footfall within their business and spend. Feedback suggests that business owners would rather see the money spent elsewhere, for example in additional festive animation such as the Candy Cane Express or Ferris Wheel. It’s hoped, as in many other towns across the UK, a future Harrogate Town Council may pick up this community event.
Plans for the Christmas Shop Window competition will be announced by the BID over the coming weeks. The competition offers the chance to local businesses to get into the festive spirit and dress their stores with all things Christmas!
The Harrogate Gift Card acts as that perfect present for your loved ones over the Christmas period. Available for use in almost 100 businesses in Harrogate, from national chains to independent retailers, the cards can be preloaded with value up to £500. The scheme is backed by a range of restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, hairdressers and other businesses located around the town centre.
Picture caption: Pictures from the Christmas period in Harrogate last year.
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Pumpkin Time
The Harrogate BID team is thrilled to unveil a brand-new Halloween event this year, bringing an exciting pop-up pumpkin experience to the heart of the town centre.
In partnership with Odin Events, the BID will transform Harrogate’s Library Gardens into a spooktacular Halloween haven, perfect for all ages. Running on October 29th and 30th, this unique event will feature a traditional pumpkin patch right in the town centre, offering easy access for both residents and visitors alike.
With an abundance of pumpkins, charming straw furrows, rustic picket fencing, and decorative hay bales, the event promises to create an authentic autumn atmosphere, blending the charm of a countryside pumpkin patch with the convenience of a town-centre location. It’s sure to be a fun-filled, family-friendly experience that will add a seasonal spark to Harrogate’s festive calendar.
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Full line-up of live music and events revealed for Harrogate Music Weekender
The full line-up for this year’s Harrogate Music Weekender has been revealed, featuring a range of live music, tribute acts and exciting events.
The three-day town wide schedule of musical fun, organised by Harrogate BID, returns to Harrogate on Friday October 11th, with a series of events running until the Sunday (October 13th). More than 15 venues across the town centre are preparing to host over 30 different acts and events, from an Oompah Band to an exclusive bottle share vinyl breakfast!
A range of live music from artists and bands feature on the bill over the course of the event, from the Azurals playing at The Den on the Friday to Velvet Tuxedo closing the weekender at Blues Bar on the Sunday.
A Taylor Swift tribute performance is set to take over Mama Doreen’s for a unique evening of tea and tunes, while the St Robert’s Club will host an open mic night for any budding singers to show off their voice.
The headline show will see the popular Singo Bingo return for a special one-off show at the Cedar Court Hotel. This exciting event will feature a similar card-based set up with a twist, ticking off songs from a special musical playlist while singing your heart out to some classic anthems.
The BID team are also delighted to promote a special offer on the Friday, as anyone that registers for one of the numerous events can claim a voucher for a free drink to be redeemed at any of the venues hosting a show on the day.
Bethany Allen, Operations and Projects Executive at Harrogate BID, said: “We’re thrilled to reveal the final line-up for this year’s Harrogate Music Weekender. We’re anticipating an even bigger and better schedule than last year.
“We’ve got a fantastic, diverse range of artists set to take to the various stages over the weekend, covering all genres!
“Tickets are selling fast for the Singo Bingo, so be sure to grab them while you can and don’t miss out.”
The BID has also provided match-funding to venues introducing a new or additional event or service to its usual offering during the Music Weekender.
The full line-up, along with further details on tickets, can be viewed on the Harrogate BID website here.
To sign up for a drink voucher for Friday, October 11th, please click here.
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Harrogate BID Team Triumphs with Triple Gold Victory at Yorkshire in Bloom Awards
The Harrogate BID (Business Improvement District) team has emerged as a proud triple gold winner at this year’s prestigious Yorkshire in Bloom awards, recognizing their invaluable contribution to maintaining Harrogate’s status as a premier floral destination.
Their Floral Summer of Celebration event earned a gold award, following the success of the “Friendship” themed trail, which dazzled visitors with ten breathtaking floral displays in the heart of Harrogate. This event drew thousands of visitors to the town centre, further enhancing its reputation for horticultural excellence.
The judges praised the BID team for their warm hospitality on the trail’s launch day, noting that the floral displays added a “friendly, unique” charm to the town during the summer months. The support from local businesses was also highlighted as a vital component of the event’s success.
Additionally, the BID team secured another Gold and was named the Category Winner for the BID/Town/City Centre award. The judges lauded the team’s efforts, particularly their work in organizing the annual Floral Shop Window Competition and coordinating hanging and barrier baskets throughout the town. These efforts have cemented Harrogate’s standing as a key floral destination in the region.
The celebration continued as both Harrogate BID and Harrogate in Bloom claimed the 2024 Yorkshire Rose Discretionary Prize for Best Entry Supporting Tourism. Judges were impressed by the town’s “outstanding” horticultural standards and praised the people and communities dedicated to enhancing Harrogate’s green spaces. The synergy between Harrogate BID, North Yorkshire Council, The North of England Horticultural Society, and Harrogate in Bloom was recognized as a major contributor to the town’s well-earned positive reputation.
Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID Manager, expressed his delight over the triple victory:
“We are absolutely thrilled to win these three prestigious awards. It is a true reflection of the challenging work that goes into preserving our town’s floral heritage. Our Floral Summer of Celebration, now in its third year, was another resounding success, attracting over 500,000 visitors to the BID area during the trail.”
He continued: “Harrogate’s reputation as a horticultural haven is something we take immense pride in, and we continue to support this through floral-themed campaigns, hanging baskets, and other initiatives. We are deeply grateful to all the organizations that supported our Yorkshire in Bloom entry and our overall floral offering in 2024. Being recognized on a regional level is an incredible honour.”
Plans for next year’s Floral Summer of Celebration are already underway, with hopes to make it even bigger and more impressive. Following the trail’s gold award at the Britain in Bloom competition in 2023, the BID team is setting its sights on reclaiming the top prize in future years.
Harrogate’s winning streak extended beyond the BID team, with Gold and Platinum accolades also going to notable local organizations including Harrogate in Bloom, Horti cap, Rudding Park, Goldsborough Hall, Valley Gardens, Starbeck in Bloom, and North Yorkshire Council.
Picture Captions:
Harrogate BID Manager Matthew Chapman and Operations and Projects Executive Bethany Allen, proudly displaying their awards.
Representatives from Harrogate BID, Valley Gardens, Horti cap, Harrogate in Bloom, Starbeck in Bloom, and Rudding Park at the Yorkshire in Bloom awards ceremony.
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BID team working in collaboration to form special brand identities for individual areas of Harrogate
Harrogate BID are excited to announce details of a brand-new project they are working in collaboration with key partners on to promote the North Yorkshire town as a fantastic destination.
This new campaign, created by the BID, Up the Anti and Visit North Yorkshire, will look to create special brand identities for specified, individual areas of Harrogate to showcase what the town has to offer, promote it as a must-visit destination for all, maintain residents’ love and pride for their town and highlight its historic heritage, tradition and aspiration.
It will aim to capture the attention of new audiences, as well as encouraging residents to make the most of the different areas of this wonderful town.
The project will focus on different objectives and a number of key associators with Harrogate, from ‘Spa Heritage and Wellness’ to ‘Independent Shopping and Boutique Culture’.
A series of comprehensive videos will be filmed to convey a ‘Lifetime of Harrogate’ and convey the town’s essence to different audiences.
Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID Manager, said: “We’re so pleased to launch this new project in our town and we can’t wait to work alongside the fantastic teams at North Yorkshire Council and Up the Anti.
“During the consultation for our second term, our members told us they wanted the BID to celebrate and promote the many individual and unique offerings within our area – so this is the start of doing just that!
“It’s important to remember that we’re not trying to re-brand Harrogate here, but create identities for key areas within the town.
“Harrogate has so much to offer to visitors, businesses and residents and we want to highlight this to help people further discover the town’s unique charm.”
The BID are delighted to once again work with Up the Anti to bring another exciting project to the North Yorkshire town.
Beth Bevis, of Up the Anti, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Harrogate BID, North Yorkshire Council and the incredible businesses that make up the town of Harrogate to promote the town as a must-visit destination and highlight all it has to offer.
“We can’t wait to go on this journey!”
If you’d like to get involved with the project, or if you have any questions, please email the Harrogate BID team on info@harrogatebid.co.uk
Picture caption: Harrogate BID Manager Matthew Chapman (centre) with Madeleine Quinlan-Beer (left) and Beth Bevis (right) of Up The Anti.
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Harrogate BID Unveils Stunning New Street Art Installation to Enhance Town Centre
Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID) continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing the town’s public spaces with the completion of a striking new street art installation. The latest creative project has transformed a once blank wall on Albert Street, next to Hotel Du Vin, into a vibrant mural that celebrates Harrogate’s unique character.
Harrogate BID collaborated with professional artist Sarah Marsh to bring this vision to life, using her distinctive designs to create a work of art that adds charm and energy to the town. The mural not only serves as a visual attraction but also reinforces Harrogate’s reputation as a must-visit destination.
Harrogate BID Manager, Matthew Chapman, expressed his excitement about the project, saying: “We fund initiatives like this to continue taking ‘Pride in Our Town’ and to achieve our broader objectives. What was once a bare, underutilized wall now features a stunning new display, brightening the street and catching the attention of both locals and visitors. Sarah has done an incredible job, and we believe this piece will contribute significantly to the appeal of Albert Street. We’re also grateful to Hotel Du Vin for their support in making this possible.”
Chapman emphasized the broader goal of making the town centre a welcoming and enjoyable space for businesses, visitors, and residents alike: “Harrogate is renowned for its warm welcome, and projects like these help ensure our town stands out. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements in the months ahead.”
Artist Sarah Marsh has received widespread praise from the community during the project’s completion. She shared her gratitude, saying: “I’ve had so many lovely interactions with people as I worked on the mural. Everyone has been so positive, commenting on how much the artwork has brightened the area. I’m truly grateful for all the support.”
Harrogate BID plans to roll out more public art installations and public realm campaigns in 2025, as part of their ongoing effort to keep the town clean, safe, and inviting. These initiatives are central to the BID’s Business Plan, aimed at strengthening the environment for businesses, residents, and visitors.
For more information on Harrogate BID’s public realm projects or other campaigns, please contact the team at info@harrogatebid.co.uk or visit their website.
Picture caption: Artist Sarah Marsh and Harrogate BID Manager Matthew Chapman proudly stand in front of the newly completed mural.
Harrogate Bid
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Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID) was launched in 2019 to work on improvements for the town centre’s business community.
Now in its second term in the North Yorkshire town, it’s become a vital part of taking the town forward and helping to ensure it’s a safe, clean and welcoming place to work, live and visit.
The BID is funded by its Members, who pay a levy on an annual basis to enable the team to carry out its important work to ensure the town continues to thrive as the jewel in Yorkshire’s crown.
Through their Term 2 Business Plan, which will run until 2028, the team aim to take pride in the vibrant town of Harrogate, while helping to share the voice of businesses along with their vision.
Harrogate BID currently has its largest team since it was formed over five years ago. This includes:
- Matthew Chapman – BID Manager,
- Bethany Allen – Operations and Projects Executive,
- Ed Horner – PR & Communications Officer,
- Kiam Taylor – Town Centre Support Officer,
- Samuel Ashby – Street Ranger,
- Darren Jevons – Street Ranger.
The team are answerable to a Board of Directors, made up of representatives from the different sectors within Harrogate’s business community. Monthly meetings are held with the BID team and the Directors to discuss plans moving forward and approve any new thoughts and ideas.
Set out in the Term 2 Business Plan, the team work hard towards achieving their three objectives:
- Pride in Our Town – We all want a clean, safe and attractive town centre. The BID’s aim is to ensure these elements are delivered by partners and the pride in the town shines through additional projects to strengthen the environment for businesses, residents and visitors.
- A Vibrant Town – This includes creating events and campaigns that promote the town in a multitude of ways, to ensure that visitors travel to Harrogate from far and wide and that residents love where they live that little bit more.
- Voice & Vision – Harrogate BID acts as the glue that brings everyone together, while not being afraid to raise its collective voice for the good of the town. The team will work on businesses’ behalf to make sure opinions are heard and aspirations are delivered.
If you have any questions surrounding Harrogate BID, you can email the team on info@harrogatebid.co.uk
To read the full Business Plan, or to find out more about the work the team do, visit the Harrogate BID website at: www.harrogatebid.co.uk