Harrogate BID is excited to reveal details of a new ‘Maker’s Market’ – offering the chance to local independent traders to showcase their products to a wider audience in a prime town centre location.
The new market, set to be held on the third Sunday of every month between June and September this year, will take over Cambridge Street with a series of unique stalls.
The new market, which will run between 10am and 4pm on the day, will offer a space to a number of different local makers, from crafters and jewellers to homemakers and clothing designers, to showcase their offer to an increased number of potential customers.
Following on from the success of the pets-themed market during the Harrogate Dog Show this year, the Business Improvement District (BID) is looking forward to fully funding and delivering this new initiative.
Bethany Allen, Operations and Projects Executive at Harrogate BID, said: “The pets-themed market we organised during the Harrogate Dog Show was a huge success, so we’re delighted to be able to bring this new idea to life off the back of it!
“A series of independent traders will host stalls to show off their range of products and services – and we can’t wait to work alongside them.
“We’re always keen to drive both footfall and spend into our town’s business community, so we feel this project will help to do so on what is typically known as a quieter day of the week in our town centre.
“For now, the markets will be in place on the third Sunday of every month from June to September – but we’re hoping to expand and build on this in the future.”
The BID team are pleased to be working alongside Real Markets Yorkshire to deliver this new opportunity, sharing experience and knowledge with experts in the field.
Real Markets is the operator behind the monthly Harrogate Farmers Market which has been held on Cambridge Street, on the second Thursday of the month for the last 20 years.
Lucy Allen, of Real Markets Yorkshire, said: “Harrogate Makers Market is a great opportunity for our local independent makers  and creators to have a presence in central Harrogate.
“Over the last 20 years our Harrogate Farmers Market has supported a huge amount of independents during the week – and Harrogate Makers Market is a wonderful addition to this offering by bringing together a unique collection of stallholders for Sunday shoppers too.”
Any local independent businesses looking to get involved with the Maker’s Market in Harrogate should email the BID team on [email protected]

Harrogate is the place to be in the summer.  From cultural events to agricultural shows, the town has it all and The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages are centrally located, opposite the Conference Centre and just a five-minute walk from the Royal Hall, with Harrogate Theatre only a ten-minute walk away.  We provide the perfect base for exploring the area and attending any of the exciting events listed below.

Where better to start our review of What’s On than with one of Harrogate’s most famous events, our County Show.

Great Yorkshire Show – 8 – 11 July 2025
Great Yorkshire Showground, Wetherby Road, Harrogate
This annual agricultural event features the best of British farming, food, and countryside.  Expect animal shows, machinery displays, and entertainment.  There is lots to see and do at the show, and there are plenty of opportunities to shop, sample local produce, listen to music and watch the competitions and events.  You can find out more here. 

This hugely popular event increases traffic around Harrogate.  Our recommendation is to use the shuttle buses which run from Harrogate Bus Station (a ten-minute walk from The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages).  The shuttles run every ten minutes and are the most relaxing way to gain access to the showground. 

If you prefer your entertainment indoors, why not check out the Crime Writing Festival?
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Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 17 – 20 July 2025
The Old Swan Hotel, Swan Road, Harrogate
This celebration of crime writing features authors, discussions, and social events.  To find out more, check out our dedicated blog on the subject.

If tales of miscreants are not your thing,  perhaps you would prefer the thrill of classical music, a Shakespeare play, presented outdoors in a charming location, or some intellectual stimulation?  Harrogate offers these too.

HACS Harrogate Music Festival – June and July 2025
Various Locations
Run by Harrogate International Festivals, this wide-ranging event features performances ranging from classical to more modern music together with speakers, a silent disco and a performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream held outdoors at Royal Horticultural Society Gardens Harlow Carr.  You can find out all about the festival, and book your tickets, here.
 
Berwins Salon North – June – September 2025
Various Locations
If you are an intellectually curious person who wonders about the world around you and seeks to learn more and make sense of things, then Berwins Salon North is the event for you. Each theme evening features a fascinating speaker or panel of speakers, discussing topics designed to excite your curiosity.  You can find out more here.
 
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac. 14 June 2025
Royal Hall, Ripon Road, Harrogate
This stunning venue has excellent acoustics and this fabulous tribute act are well worth seeing.   
 
Lindisfarne – 27 June 2025
Harrogate Theatre
Tyneside folk-rock pioneers Lindisfarne return with a series of UK concerts presented by a classic five-piece line up of long-time members, fronted by original founder-member Rod Clements on vocals, mandolin, fiddle and slide guitar.  With a repertoire of unforgettable songs and a reputation for live performance second to none, Lindisfarne’s power to galvanise festival and concert audiences remains undimmed and is guaranteed to get you on your feet and singing along.
 
Contemporary Music at Harrogate Theatre
The Rocket Man is the world’s favourite celebration of Elton John’s music. No one else recreates the flamboyant megastar with as much vigour and brilliance.  The Rocket Man will be playing on 4 July 2025.

Later in the month, and for those who like their music louder and heavier, get out your leathers, dust off that denim jacket, and rock out to Nothing but a Good Time: The Rock Anthems Show.  This fabulous group will play hits from Bon Jovi, Alice Cooper, Guns N Roses and many more.  You won’t want to miss this concert which takes place on 12 July. 

For Dire Straits fans, you won’t want to miss 17 July when Money For Nothing plays at the Theatre. Prepare to be captivated by the authentic sounds of one of the most successful rock bands of all time. Meticulous attention is paid to every detail, to faithfully recreate the distinct sound of Dire Straits.

You can check out all the concerts, and book your tickets, here.    Don’t forget to pop back to the website and book your accommodation at The Camberley, The Lodge or Camberley Cottages.  We are just a short walk from both the Theatre and Royal Hall.  Ideally located, close to a number of great restaurants and bars where you can get a pre-event meal too.  Don’t forget, if you book direct you can choose your room with us.  Just click here to book your stay. 

First Direct Arena, Leeds
Harrogate is also the ideal place to stay if you are looking to attend an event at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.  There are frequent buses and trains into Leeds and the stations are just a ten-minute walk away from The Cottages and Bed and Breakfast.  If you are travelling by car, the journey is around 30 – 40 minutes depending on traffic, and there is a multi-storey car park opposite the venue, which is safe and secure.  If you arrive at 6pm or later, there is a special Event parking rate available. 

Musical highlights at the arena include Billy Ocean on 21 June, the legendary Diana Ross on 28 June, Deacon Blue on 23 September and Simply Red on 26 September.  You will be spoiled for choice. 

If you are looking for a good laugh, there are plenty of comedians playing at the arena, with Greg Davies appearing on 20 June, Ricky Gervais on 26 June and John Bishop on 11 and 12 October.  You can check out all the artists and events at the Arena, here.

This weekend Little Bird Made is returning to Knaresborough Castle (Saturday 31 May) and Harrogate Valley Gardens (Sunday 1 June). 
 
We are so excited to be back in these beautiful Yorkshire locations. With an array of fabulous traders & beautifully handcrafted products from clothing, photography, home fragrance, fine art, homeware, cakes, crafts and so much more. 
 
We can't wait to welcome customers, regular & new back to these stunning locations this weekend, and we would absolutely love it if you could share our event artwork with your guests, friends and family, your social media business pages (don't forget to tag us so we can give it a share and highlight your small business) for these artisan events. 
 
We have monthly events in Knaresborough Castle, Harrogate Valley Gardens, Easingwold, Wetherby, Thirsk, Richmond, Leyburn, Ripon, Acomb, Leeds Briggate, Leeds City Square & Harewood House (Christmas Event) & would love to be able to send you the artworks each month.
 
The artwork is attached for both events and we look forward to welcoming you all. 
 
Each month we have our artisan markets to help serve local communities with the best artisan stalls, whilst giving traders the best opportunities to showcase and sell their handmade goods.
 
I look forward to hearing from you & hope we can build a brilliant business relationship with yourselves, and supporting small businesses and high streets across Yorkshire. 
 
Thank you 
 
Gemma

If you love beer festivals and are looking for the perfect getaway, Harrogate is an ideal base for exploring some of the finest beer events in North Yorkshire.  Here at The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages, we often host beer enthusiasts eager to experience the region’s fantastic festivals. From lively celebrations of craft ales and ciders to traditional CAMRA beer festivals showcasing the best of real ale, there’s something for every beer lover. Whether you prefer to stay in one of our comfortable rooms on a bed and breakfast basis, or you prefer a self-catering retreat in one of our stunning cottages, we are centrally located just a short walk from a range of restaurants and café bars.  The stunning Valley Gardens and Pine Woods are just a few minutes away.   With a range of event spaces offering music, comedy and drama for your evening’s entertainment, you could not find a better place to stay, allowing you to enjoy these festivals to the fullest while having a relaxing place to return to at the end of the day.

We’ve put together a list of this summer’s “must-attend” beer festivals for your enjoyment. 
 
Ripon Rugby Club Beer and Music Festival – 28 June 2025
Venue:  Ripon Rugby Club
This festival features a vast selection of over 40 local beers, accompanied by live music performances that span ten hours. In addition to beers, attendees can enjoy lagers, ciders, gin, Pimm's, prosecco, and a variety of food options. Find out more here. 
 
Skipton Beer Festival – 22 – 24 May 2025
Venue:  Skipton Town Hall
Organised by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), this festival showcases a wide array of real ales, ciders, and perries. Skipton is about 30 – 40 minutes drive from Harrogate and is known as the "Gateway to the Dales," having a charming market square, plenty of small independent businesses to explore and has a delightful, friendly feeling.  It’s well worth exploring once you have drunk your fill at the Beer Festival.    Find out more details about the festival here.  
 
Knaresborough Lions' Beer Festival – 16 – 18 August 2025
Venue:  Knaresborough House
This three-day festival is part of the annual FEVA celebrations in the town and offers a selection of special beers, as well as wine, cider, and lager. Food and soft drinks are also available, ensuring there's something for everyone. The Knaresborough Lions organise the event and support various charitable causes. ​Knaresborough itself is a short drive from Harrogate and is well worth exploring.  There is the opportunity to walk beside the river - check out the Black Mulberry Café if you fancy some food before your stroll – and you can even hire rowboats, which is great fun on a sunny day.  Mother Shipton’s Petrifying Well is also well worth a visit, if you have time. There will be a range of other events running alongside the beer festival as part of FEVA.  Talking of running, Knaresborough has a Park Run at Conyngham Hall – there is a large car park nearby, and it is a very attractive trail run, perfect for anyone looking to get a C in their alphabet challenge.  You can find out more about the Beer Festival here.  And if you’d like to learn more about FEVA, check out their website.

These festivals not only celebrate the art of brewing but also foster community spirit and support charitable endeavours. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or simply looking for a lively event to enjoy with friends and family, the beer festivals in and around Harrogate offer something for everyone.  Whichever festival you choose to visit, you can be sure of a warm welcome at The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages.  Whichever accommodation you choose, you can be sure you will be right at the heart of the action within Harrogate, with restaurants, café bars, pubs and entertainment within a very short walk.  Why not book your break today?  

In July, Harrogate will host one of the most prestigious events on the crime fiction calendar: the 2025 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival.  Taking place between 17 and 20 July, the festival offers the opportunity for fans of crime fiction to engage with the authors they love, discover new authors and even try their hand at writing themselves.  

This year’s festival boasts an impressive lineup of guests.  Irvine Welsh will be making his festival debut, delving into Resolution, the final instalment of his 'Crime' trilogy, now adapted into a hit TV series starring Dougray Scott. 

Lee and Andrew Child, authors of the acclaimed Jack Reacher series will discuss their latest thriller, In Too Deep, and provide an exclusive preview of Exit Strategy, the 30th Reacher novel set for publication in November. 

Attica Locke will showcase her hard-hitting novel, Guide Me Home, offering a nuanced exploration of contemporary societal themes.  And Festival regular Val McDermid will be teaming up with TV presenter Steph McGovern, who will launch her debut novel, Deadline, at the event. 

Kate Atkinson fans will be thrilled to learn that she will be discussing her latest Jackson Brodie novel, At the Sign of the Rook, with Lee Child.  

Mark Billingham, Kate Mosse, and Paula Hawkins will also return to the festival, showcasing their latest bestsellers.   

In addition to talks, the festival also offers a wide range of other literary events, including Creative Thursday, during which aspiring writers can participate in a full day of creative writing workshops led by industry professionals, providing invaluable insights into the craft of crime writing. 

There will also be Panel Discussions in which contemporary issues in crime fiction are discussed. For those who love both reading and fine dining, the festival includes a number of Author Dinners, where your favourite authors discuss their work over dinner.  

Tickets for the various events do tend to sell out very quickly, so it is well worth booking early to avoid disappointment.  You can check out all the events, and book your tickets, here.

The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages are often busy during the Crime Writing Festival, which always attracts a lot of visitors to the town, so it’s definitely worthwhile booking your room with us as soon as you have purchased your tickets for the Festival events.   Booking direct with us will allow you to choose the room you prefer.  Whether you prefer the convenience of Bed and Breakfast or the flexibility of self-catering, here at The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages, we have something for everyone.  

Attending the festival also presents the perfect opportunity to explore Harrogate, a town renowned for its elegant architecture, lush gardens, and rich history.  The festival venue, The Old Swan Hotel, is famously associated with Agatha Christie's mysterious disappearance in 1926 and is just a short walk from The Camberley.  

Following your Festival visit, why not stretch your legs in the nearby Valley Gardens, relax and unwind in the renowned Turkish Baths, or book afternoon tea at the famous Bettys Café Tea Rooms, renowned for its delicious cakes and elegant setting?

Whatever you choose to do, The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages provide a comfortable base from which to explore.  Situated close to a range of restaurants and café-bars, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out, before returning to your comfortable room and a well-deserved rest after the excitement of the day.

Whether you're a devoted crime fiction aficionado or simply seeking a unique summer experience, staying at The Camberley,  The Lodge or Camberley Cottages in July offers the perfect setting for a relaxing break.  

The Latest edition in the Hunger Games Series follows the story of Haymitch and slots into the timeline between the story of Snow (The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes). It tells of the reaping where Haymitch is chosen for the Quarter Quell, his allies from District 12 and the love he leaves behind in the form of the Covey girl Lenore Dove. Not to give away the story but we also see how Haymitch links in with Katniss and her family from before she was born, his surving the games with all that entails but still loosing to Snow's vicious revenge.

We are happy to share with you a new an exciting food tour business (Indie Food Tours) who are bringing a fresh approach to food tours with a self guided app. This means you can find previously undiscovered foodie gems but at an economical price. This can be an excellent option for groups or couples who like to try something new though we would recommend for larger groups that you book well ahead to make sure the restaurants involved have space and can give you the best service. Indi food tours are the unique way to find those interesting off the beaten track eaterys only known to locals as well as pushing you out of the comfort zone to try something new.