Harrogate's zany ways of celebrating Queen's 90th birthday

A village fete at Harrogate's most famous church, royal gin, a new artwork at a Harrogate gallery and a royal offering from Bettys, this weekend sees a wealth of creative and different ways in Harrogate of marking the Queen's official 90th birthday.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Jun 2016, 10:14 BST
Updated 13th Jun 2016, 12:47 BST
The British flag made out of Slingby Gin by The Spirit of Harrogate on Montpellier Hill in Harrogate.The British flag made out of Slingby Gin by The Spirit of Harrogate on Montpellier Hill in Harrogate.
The British flag made out of Slingby Gin by The Spirit of Harrogate on Montpellier Hill in Harrogate.

It’s all been inspired by a televised service of thanksgiving held at St Paul’s Cathedral tomorrow, Friday which kicks off a weekend of celebrations to mark the Queen’s official 90th birthday on Saturday.

While the Queen’s actual birthday was April 21, her official birthday, marked by the Trooping the Colour parade, falls this Saturday.

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As the countdown approaches, bakers and confectioners at the famous cafe tea rooms have created a treat inspired by the monarch’s favourite pet.

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Emma Bulmer from Bettys with the Corgi biscuits and the real Buddy the Corgi.Emma Bulmer from Bettys with the Corgi biscuits and the real Buddy the Corgi.
Emma Bulmer from Bettys with the Corgi biscuits and the real Buddy the Corgi.

The Royal Corgi biscuit, each one iced and decorated by hand, is already proving popular with customers, and staff expect to sell thousands in the coming days.

Lesley Norris, Bettys Product Development Manager, who was inspired to create the Royal Corgi Biscuit, said: “The Royal corgis are known across the world and have been portrayed in many works of art but we hope customers will agree that our cute canine might be the tastiest representation yet. “

As for St Wilfrid’s Church on the Duchy estate, Harrogate’s only Grade I listed building, it’s holding a Duchy Village Fete on Sunday from 11.30am.

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The event promises to be packed with entertainment, as well as a barbecue, a bar and a big TV screen to watch events on The Mall and the football at the Euro Championships.

Emma Bulmer from Bettys with the Corgi biscuits and the real Buddy the Corgi.Emma Bulmer from Bettys with the Corgi biscuits and the real Buddy the Corgi.
Emma Bulmer from Bettys with the Corgi biscuits and the real Buddy the Corgi.

And there will be a host or royal-themed competitions for youngsters and adults, including a ‘Great British Bake Off’ and more.

Art lovers can pay their respects to The Queen at Castle Galleries on Parliament Street in Harrogate from tomorrow, Friday when a new piece by surreal British artist Nic Joly in honour of the longest-reigning monarch in British history will be unveiled.

This Saturday is also World Gin Day.

To celebrate, the Spirit of Harrogate, home of Harrogate based Slingsby Gin, is opening its doors that day to gin lovers across the region.

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Visitors to the Spirit of Harrogate will receive a complimentary mini Slingsby Gin cocktail.

Slingsby Gin’s mixologists will be holding exclusive gin talks and cocktail demonstrations throughout the day and with every bottle of Slingsby Gin purchased, the Spirit of Harrogate will provide a complimentary Slingsby speakeasy glass.

What's more the Spirit of Harrogate even made a Union Jack out of their Slingsby Gin, Slingsby Vodka and the popular, Slingsby Rhubarb. The Rhubarb has sold out twice in the last few week, we're told!

The Spirit of Harrogate will be open 11am-5.30pm and no booking is necessary.

Related topics:HarrogateQueen