Patrick Monahan Comes Back to Harrogate!

This astounding funny man returns to Harrogate after his premier appearance at the Sitting Room Comedy Club returns to play HarrogateTheatre for a 1 night performance on Monday night (tickets £13). Having seen Patrick in person I can recommend his brand of humour for all the family and it is a show not to be missed.
 (http://www.patrickmonahan.co.uk/ and http://www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/) 
You may also want to have a look at his new DVD due to be released shortly.

New Harrogate Food Event!

New plans for a Harrogate Food and Drink Festival! take a look at http://www.harrogatefoodanddrink.com/ for more details. The plans are to involve local producers supported by Deliciously Yorkshire http://www.deliciouslyorkshire.co.uk/dy/ and backed up by local cafe's, restaurants and anyone in the industry who wishes to be involved in promoting the special food and drink offering we have in this county!

Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Festival 2012!

www.harrogate-festival.org.uk/crime/ has all the details of the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 2012 the dates are 19th July to the 22nd of July at the Old Swan Hotel which is only a short walk from us (http://www.smallhotelharrogate.co.uk/ 10% discount for booking directly) Some of the big names who have already signed to appear are John Connolly, Mark Billingham, Charlaine Harris and Harlan Coben with more to follow. This event is popular with writers workshops for the budding writer who can gain experience from the source.

Meet Patricia Cornwell! on the 26th November!

An event to be held at the Barcelo Majectic hotel in Harrogate organised by the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival which is held annually in Harrogate (www.harrogate-festival.org.uk/crime/) has arranged this special event with one of the leading ladies of crime writing. Tickets are a bargain at £10 or £7.50 for friends of the festival. Ms Cornwell will be talking to BBC Radio Four's Mark Lawson about her extraordinary life and career and the inside scoop on her new book "Red Mist" which is being released on the 24th of November. Doors open at 7pm and will last approximately 1 hour.

If you are attending this event we are only 5 mins walk away and do a 5% discount for booking directly with us. Take a look at www.smallhotelharrogate.co.uk for more info.

Countryside live in Harrogate 22nd Oct!

Fab weeked out for all the family including Knitting and Crafts where you can have a go and see all sporting events as well for more information take a look at the web site http://www.countrysidelive.co.uk/

Yorkshire Dales connections to Sherlock Holmes

Not many people know that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle spent much of his young life in Yorkshire and many of his characters and locations were drawn from this area as well. For example Masongill Hall which is supposed to be the inspiration for the Hound of the Baskervilles is located here. It was also the estate which owned the cottage rented by Conan-Doyle's mother so it was a location he knew well. Masongill is a small village near Ingleton which was where his originally Scottish mother moved to, to  be near Dr Bryan Waller who had rented a room from them in Edinburgh. Conan Doyle's father was committed to an asylum in 1883/4 for alcoholism and epilepsy which at that time meant his mother not even if she had wanted to divorce him. Therefore it may have been that she had a relationship with Dr Waller and rumours abounded that she was seen crossing the lawns in the early hours, however these are nothing but rumours and local gossip. While Conan Doyle visited his mother in Yorkshire many times and wrote countless letters to his mother over the years describing activities he had done and enjoyed for example he was a keen golfer. He apparently had a tempestuous relationship with Dr Waller as in one letter he talks about how he hit him in a fight though eventually they seem to have put their differences aside as he was best man at Conan Doyle's wedding. It is a well know fact that Conan Doyle married his first wife Louisa Hawkins at the nearby St Oswald's church in Thornton in Lonsdale, in the porch there is a framed copy of the certificate dated 1885 and you can buy copies for 50p.
It is also speculated that the name for his famous detective was inspired by a visit to Ingleton where he played golf at Park Foot Farm the vicar of this parish was T.D. Sherlock this was just prior to his publication of "A Study in Scarlet" in 1877. There is also a plaque in the church marking the death of the vicar's brother who was struck by lightening at Ingleton Station. However on the matter of Sherlock's first name in his letters Conan Doyle often mentions the fact that he never met the physician Oliver Wendell Holmes a man he had a great deal of respect for and so may have immortalised him in his work.
All of these locations are a short drive from Harrogate and can easily be pared with othe literary activities for example visiting the home of the Bronte's in Howarth.
http://www.smallhotelharrogate.co.uk/

Introduction to Printmaking

One Day workshop with Hester Cox whose work is on show and she will guide participants to create painterly prints using the direct method of monoprinting and then develop their understanding of intaglio and relief printmaking you will create a drypoint print and a linocut. The workshop is suitable for beginners and artists wishing to explore a new medium. Cost £22.50 including all materials and refreshments. It will be held at the Mercer art gallery ring 01423 556188 to book.

Unpacking the Vale of York Viking Hoard

This is a study day discovering the historical context ,conservation, science and an artist's reaction to this stunning Viking treasure. It was found in the Harrogate District in 2007 and is on show here for the first time. There will be various speakers telling you all about the hoard. price £25 per person and is to be held at the Mercer Gallery. phone 01423 556188 for details and to book.

A child of 5 could do that!

10th November 2011 at 1pm is "A child of 5 could do that!" a look at Contemporary art and a Tour of the New Lights Exhibition - In conversation with Jane Sellars, Curator of Art, and Annette Petchey Chief Executive of the New Lights Charity supporting young artists in the North of England. Share your opinions on contemporary art and enjoy a tour of the work on show by upcomming artists from the North of England. Cost £5 including a glass of wine. Mercer Art Gallery.

Medieval Woodcarvings at Ripon Cathedral

Talk with local historian Maurice Taylor looking at the work, inspiration and influence of the 15thC Ripon School of Woodcarvers across the North of England followed by refreshments then a tour of the Cathedral including the beautiful woodcarvings there. Cost £7 including refreshments.
Thorpe Prebend House, High St Agnesgate, Ripon, HG4 1QR. Ring 01423 556188 or email museums@harrogate.gov.uk            www.riponcathedral.org.uk/
8th November 2011 at 1.30pm

Gruelling Experiences - The history of the workhouse

Talk by Peter Higginbotham an expert on the topic looking at workhouses in the Harrogate area and focussing on Knaresborough in particular.
Tuesday the 1st of November at 2pm and costs £4.00 at the Mercer Art Gallery
www.harrogate.gov.uk/pages/harrogate-995.aspx

Tour of Conyngham Hall.

http://www.cony-hall.co.uk/ - this is a full tour of this grade 2 listed 18th century building, which was deisgned by John Carr (1723-1807) who was the only provincial member of the London Architechts' Club who also designed Harewood House. This is a free tour. The Tour is to be held on the 25th of October at 1.30pm

X Factor Comes to Harrogate!

http://harrogate.theviperrooms.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89Itemid=95

X factor contestant Amelia will be appearing for a one night performance on the 21st of October you can use the free guest list link provided above to gain priority free entry. There will be a contestant performing at the viper rooms every weekend for the next 10 weeks!

Rock Up and Sing Event!

This is going to be an amazing event helping raise money for Parkinsons tickets avaliable from Harrogate Theatre Box office www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk. Date is 13th November at 7pm and is suitable for all the family. £15-£25 for tickets.

Tour of Harrogate Theatre.

www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk - Ever wondered what it is like back stage at Harrogate Theatre? Join this tour to learn more about what Harrogate Theatre does and how the building has changed over 110 years. Cost £4.

Capes & Shawls!

Talk with Dorothy Newall about shawls, capes and other textile accessories in the Nidderdale Museum's collection followed by Tea and Scones. Cost £5 at the Nidderdale Museum HG3 5LE
www.nidderdalemuseum.com.

The History of Handbags!

Talk and handeling session with Irene Mcnulty of Encompass Workshops using the museum's and her own collection Irene will showcase handbags from their inception to today's designers.
Cost £6 at the Mercer Art Gallery. Thursday 2nd of Feb at 2pm (2012)

Dad's army comes to Harrogate!

This brilliant amatour production of Dad's army the classic show comes to Harrogate from the 5th-8th October tickets can be booked through www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk and we are just 5 mins away should you wish to make a night of it!.

October Sitting Room Comedy Club!

www.sittingroomcomedy.com the line up for October is Hattie Hayridge of Red Dwarf (holly) and Have I got News for You, Stephen Carlin a writer of the Now Show and The News Quiz and finally Dan Antopolski of The World Comedy Series and Out to Lunch. If it is anything like the last two events it will be a sell out so we recommend that you buy your tickets early from the George Hotel Harrogate reception or online from the web site.

Vale of York Hoard!

Talk at the Library on the 13th of October 2011 price is £3.50 time starts at 19.30.

Letters to Charlotte Bronte

www.bronte.info this is a talk with Caeia March who had published a book of the same name "Letters to Charlotte" the venue is Harrogate Library 29th of September 7.30-9pm.
With journal entries, real and fictional letters Caeia charts the intimate relationship between Charlotte Bronte and Ellen Nussey who were lifelong friends. A must for Bronte fans and budding writers. Tickets are £3.50 and ring 0845 0349520.

Harrogate is Blooming Marvelous!

In the Yorkshire in Bloom Harrgate scored a record haul of 11 wins! Harrogate won summer floral and Starbeck won spring floral in an urban community. We would all like to thank the Harrogate in Bloom team for helping pull this victory off and all the people, charities and businesses involved for their support and engagement. Also special mention of Wynnstay House and Murray House who won Spring and Summer B&B cattegories!

Marcus Brigstocke joins Harrogate Operatic!

Harrogate Operatic players are presenting a caberet-style combination of acts from many of the big musicals. This will be called Serenade and will be in the Sun Pavilion from October 17th-22nd with evening performances from 7.30pm There will be songs from Sister Act, hairspray, Elton John and Queen. For tickets please call 01423 819811

New Lights Art in the North at the Mercer Art Gallery

This showcases the work of exceptional but as yet unrecognised young artistic talent in the North of England. The benefit for the artist who wins this coveted prize is financial but also they are nurtured through exhibitions and business mentoring. The showing runs from 24 September 2011-8 January 2012 a the Mercer Art Gallery on Swan road -www.harrogate.gov.uk/museums or for more information on the Valeria Sykes prize and competition take a look at http://www.newlights.org.uk/

Hester Cox Exhibition comes to the Mercer Gallery Harrogate

Hester Cox and Artists Impression. This is an artists response to the Vale of York Viking Hoard. The exhibit runs from 10th September to 15th January 2012 at the Mercer Gallery in Harrogate www.harrogate.gov.uk/museums for more information.

Father Ted at Joe Rigatoni in Harrogate

www.joerigatoni.co.uk are doing a Father Ted evening at the price of £32.50 per person for a 4 course meal and 2 hour entertainment. Phone 01423 500071 and we recommend early booking due to the popular nature of these events. The evening starts at 7.30-10pm. Should you wish to make an evening of it we are only a 5 minute walk from the restaurant at www.smallhotelharrogate.co.uk

Fawlty Towers Event at Joe Rigatoni!

www.joerigaton.com - Evening with 3 course dinner at £29.95 on the 23rd of September starts at 7.30 with a 2 hour show ring 01423 500071 to book this event. The group which is one of the premier Fawlty Towers impersonators in the country were very well received when they visited Harrogate Earlier in the year and due to high demand for tickets I would recommend booking early.

14th August 2011 Volkswagen Festival at Harewood House

See thousands of VW's of all ages on display for a lively motoring event. There will be Live Graffiti and Airbrushing artists at work, show and shine compeition, childrens fun fair and face painting, live music & entertainment, club displays and stands and a beer tent and food stalls.
Should you have an old VW you can have it graffitied by professionals made into a work of art. visit www.vwfestival.co.uk for tickets or www.harewood.org/whats-on/events/1/669

Harewood house launches a book shop with a difference

www.harewood.org/whats-on/news/1/765
The new read and recycle book shop opens 1st of August 2011 proceeds from the book shop will be put back into the trust maintaining all of the Harewood estate. The book shop is currently looking for volunteers to run the shop from 11am to 3pm every day and they are appealing for stock (DVD's, books and CD's) and these can be dropped off at the visitor reception at the main gate. for more information on joining the team ring Personel Manager Sarah Irwin-Jones on 0113 218 1039.

James McCreet book signing in Harrogate

30th of July 2011 at Waterstones on James Street the event is free and starts at 11am.

Everyday Delicious 10th August Bettys Cookery School

mouthwatering flavours from the Mediterranean learn to prepare whole roast chicken with Lemon & Rosemary and a feta. Main course Greek Lamb koftas and for desert Tunisian orange cake and rose water mascarpone. www.bettys.co.uk - www.smallhotelharrogate.co.uk

Betty's cookery School Trade Secrets

20th August & 5th October 2011 - hone your culinary skills and learn the tricks of the trade and make smoked haddock, leek & Gruyere twice baked souffles, duck leg confit and finish with a trio of deserts and how to put on those vital finishing touches. www.bettys.co.uk. (www.smallhotelharrogate.co.uk)

Betty's cookery School 6th August Sur La Table

Simple, tasty provincial dishes - French cuisine at its best. traditional soup a L'oignon (onion soup) pate de Campagne (country pate) cassoulet (a hearty chicken dish) etc. www.bettys.co.uk

Light Entertaining Bettys Cookery School

Thursday 11th of August - you don't need to compromise on flavour to create a lighter meal. It includes Ham Hock terrine, cauliflower & toasted almond soup and coconut rice pudding. www.bettys.co.uk - and stay at www.smallhotelharrogate.co.uk

betty's cookery school Inspirational Entertaining

www.bettys.co.uk - prepare an inspiring and delicious four course meal dishes comprise of crab and saffron tarts, pan-seared duck breast with a sour cherry glaze; potatoe galette. There will also be tips on stylish presentation tips to impress your guests.
www.smallhotelharrogate.co.uk

Inspirational Entertaining Bettys Cookery School

Effortless Entertaining with Bettys Cookery School

Make Smoked Salmon & Wasabi Mousse on poppy seed crisps; goats cheese, roasted beetroot & red onion filo tartlets; chicken saltimbocca with a lemon & sage butter; roasted garlic mash; and chocolate espresso pots with chocolate & nut biscotti. Dates avaliable 13th August www.bettys.co.uk and book with www.smallhotelharrogate.co.uk for a comfortable stay.

Easy Entertaining with Bettys Cookery School

Learn how to create Olive & Rosemary palmiers, thai-style fish cakes, beef olives with brandy cream, fondant potatoes and chocolate and orange terrine. date available is the 3rd September 2011. www.bettys.co.uk and www.smallhotelharrogate.co.uk for a comfortable and convenient way to stay.

Dinner Parties Betty's Cookery School

Master the Art of the perfect dinner party dishes taught include Beef Wellington and Passion fruit panacotta dates avalaliable 4th August 2011. www.bettys.co.uk and you can book with us www.smallhotelharrogate.co.uk for your stay.

Summer Supper Party Bettys Cookery School

www.bettys.co.uk - entertain with ease with these light recipies and learn how to make a four course meal - smoked salmon parcles, pork fillet and desserts such as lemmon possett with fresh raspberries and butter biscuits. Book www.smallhotelharrogate.co.uk for your stay in Harrogate.

A Perfect Supper Party with Bettys Cookery School

www.bettys.co.uk - As winter draws in what could be better than having friends round for a meal? learn how to make a perfect 4 course meal using seasonal ingredients. For example Butternut Squash, Pine Nut Soup, Bubble & Squeek potato cakes. Date available is 12th October. Book www.smallhotelharrogate.co.uk for your accommodation while you study.

Elegant Entertaining Bettys Cookery School Day Class

Eating in has become the new going out so why not amaze your dinner guests? learn how to create the latest inspirational recipes such as delicious herb blinis with seared hot smoked salmon, slow roast tomatoes and lime creme fraiche and various other options Dates avaliable are 29th September. www.bettys.co.uk. Book www.smallhotelharrogate.co.uk for your accommodation while you study.

Bettys Cookery School Certificate Course 12-23rd September

To bring out your inner chef try this 10 day course which covers eveything from vegetable preparation to pasta making. During the 9 days you will cover Knife Skills, Stocks, sauces and dressings, Fish and seafood prep, meat and poultry prep, veg prep, egg dishes, pasta making, partry techniques, baking, desserts and chocolate and last but not least Bread making. You will also cover food and beverage service, napkin folding and cutlery settings as well as Menu planning, time management aand budgeting. The 10th day you will sit the exam to achieve the level 2 Award in Food safety in Catering. www.bettys.co.uk or www.smallhotelharrogate.co.uk to book accommodation during your course.

Gruff Rhys Super Furry Animals

Gruff Rhys comes to Harrogate Theatre on Monday 18th of July as part of the Harrogate Festival and working with the Harrogate Band "The Birdman Rallies" he will be performing at Harrogate Theatre and tickets can be bought from the box office. www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk
Rhys's recent solo albums are very different from his Super Furry animals work. www.superfurry.com

Ed Byrne 18th October

Tickets £20 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk after his last show Different Class this star of Mock the Week and Have I got News for You is back with his new show Crowd Pleaser http://edbyrne.com/ continuing his quest to turn into a grumpy old man with laughs in abundance.

Russell Kane October 15th

Tickets £17.50 from http://www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/ Join Russell Kane Fisters Comedy Award winner and star of Mock the week and many other tv comedy shows will be bringing his comedy show exploring the state of masculinity in the modern world. www.russellkane.co.uk

October 14th Nicholas Parsons

Showbusiness legend Nicholas Parsons shares his experience of life and his extensive work. Tickets on sale from www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk. or for more information www.nicholasparsons.co.uk Price £16.50

Tony Hawks 11th October 2011

Tickets £16 a regular member of the UK's most famous radio and tv comedy shows Hawks the best selling author of "Round Ireland with a Fridge" looks back on the strangest moments and funniest moments of his travels. www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk for more info on Tony Hawks www.tony-hawks.com

Al Murry the Pub landlord 10th October

Al Murry the UK's best loved Pub Landlord opens the Autumn Comedy festival from October 10th at Harrogate Theatre (tickets on sale now from the Harrogate Theatre web site) www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk £25.50 per person.

Sitting Room Comedy Club

www.sittingroomcomedy.com comes back to Harrogate after the Summer break on September 14th with a strong line up of Paul Foot (Never mind the Buzzcocks & Last Comic Standing) Tony Burgess (Ideal & Jonny Vegas's Night Class" and last but not least Carly Smallman (The Rob Brydon Show & BBC Comedy online) our resident MC Tom Taylor will be back to keep this herd of comedy cats under control. www.paulfoot.tv www.comedycv.co.uk/tonyburgess/ www.carlysmallman.com/

Jools Holland comes to Ripley Castle

(www.ripleycastle.co.uk) Jools Holland is comming to Ripley Castle on the 16th of July 2011. Jools brings his tour to the Harrogate area every year and we suggest booking early both tickets and accommodation as this is a very popular event. We would also point out that this event sometimes clashes with other popular events so it may be necessary to book accommodation in Knaresborough. www.imlconcerts.co.uk/venues/ripley_castle/jools_holland_and_his_r_b_orchestra.php

Chris Addison February 2012

Chris Addison comes to Harrogate theatre (www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk) on the 3rd of Feb 2012 for a 1 night show. Tickets are on sale now and we recommend early booking to avoid disappointment. Chris regularly appears on The Thick of it, Mock the Week and Have I got News for you (www.chrisaddison.com) Please be aware we are a mere 8 minutes walk from the theatre handy for shows.

Fabulous Fifties

The reality of life for housewives in the 50's could be far from glamorous, but for this superb presentation we transform a domestic drudge into a domestic goddess. This transformation is inspired by Dior's New Look. This is all done by experts on the decade that reinvented dazzel. A two course set meal will be served, followed by Tea or Coffee. £21.95 per person. (http://www.bettys.co.uk/) All held at Bettys in Harrogate.

Cath Kidston Luncheon

13th September 2011 12.30pm at Bettys Harrogate (www.bettys.co.uk) the Cath Kidston team from the Harrogate Store will be coming in to Bettys to help you make a special craft project to take home and keep. It will be a great opportunity to learn a new skill and pick up a Cath Kidston goody bag worth £10. A two course lunch will be served with tea or coffee. £21.95 per person. (www.cathkidston.co.uk)

Just the Job, Lad

www.bettys.co.uk Friday 2nd of September 7.30pm to 10pm. Star of the BBC's Country Cops Mike Pannett who is also a published author of "Just the Job, Lad" which is the story of a local bobby. A two course set meal will be served, followed by Tea or Coffee with handmade chocolates. £26.50 per person. www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/mike+pannett/just+the+job2c+lad/8167314/
Phone 01423 814070 to book.

Some Like it Hot

Friday 12th August - the popular swing band "Some Like it Hot" plays an evening of Jazz made famous by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and many more. Three course set menu will be served followed by Tea and Coffee and handmade chocolates. £42.50 per person.
http://www.bettys.co.uk/ or phone 01423 814070 (this event is also repeated on the 6th of October 7.30pm to 10pm)

Wartime Wedding Luncheon

www.bettys.co.uk or 01423 814070 - the History wardrobe presents "Wartime Wedding" it's 1944 and Land Army girl Annie Barrow is getting married and you are all invited to Bettys to help celibrate. See them russel up wartime clothes, cake and even confetti. Glorious wartime nostalgia followed by a two course lunch followed by Tea or Coffee £21.95 per person. www.historywardrobe.com for more information.

Songs from the Shows

Friday the 15th of July from 7.30pm to 10pm. Lucy Rhodes winner of BBC2 Choirgirl of the year will be performing a show song spectacular featuring popular songs from the best loved West End Musicals. A three course set meal will be served followed by Tea or Coffee with handmade chocolates. £42.50 per person Phone 01423 814070 or www.bettys.o.uk

Yorkshire Artist Luncheon

Tuesday the 12th of July from 12.30pm - Jane Gamble is a professional painter and will be talking about Art Nouveau and the Arts and Crafts Movement. Catering will be in the form of a two-course lunch with tea and coffee £21.95 per person Phone 01423 814070. Or www.bettys.co.uk

Sheep Days in Skipton

www.sheepday.co.uk - The countryside comes to Skipton High Street and Sheep Day is a celibration of everything that Skipton and the Yorkshire Dales have to offer from arts and crafts to balloon modelling. A family day out with something for everyone. Have you ever wanted to try dry stone walling this is your opportunity.

Comming up on Sitting Room!

New addition to the comedy circuit

This is a new addition to the comedy circit in Harrogate! (Just down the road from us by the way)