8 events around Harrogate to look forward to this summer

After months of dark mornings, wet weather and warm jumpers summer has finally arrived in Harrogate.
NADV 1507132AM61 Great Yorkshire Show.(1507132AM61)NADV 1507132AM61 Great Yorkshire Show.(1507132AM61)
NADV 1507132AM61 Great Yorkshire Show.(1507132AM61)

Yes, the sunglasses and sun tan lotion may not be needed just yet, but it does mean there a whole host of events to look forward to.

Last week’s Great Yorkshire Show kick-started a whole host of summer events around the Harrogate district and we’ve found the best ones to get excited about.

Nidd Fest - July 24-26 - various venues in Upper Nidderdale

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For lovers of literature and the outdoors, Nidd Fest could be right up your street.

The three day festival offers a fantastic programme that includes talks by leading writers, including Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.

When you’ve had your fill of literary love, the festival also offers guided walks, fairy hunts and foraging expeditions.

Championship Dog Show - July 24-26 - Harewood House

If Nidd Fest isn’t quite your thing then fear not, Harewood House is offering one of the UK’s largest outdoor dog shows.

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More than 160 breeds will compete for the ultimate ‘Best in Show’ prize as dog-lovers unite to cheer on their favourite pup.

If that wasn’t enough, the winner will also get the chance to compete at the world’s greatest dog show - Crufts.

CLA Game Fair - July 31-August 2 - Harewood House

Just one week after the pups have moved on, Harewood House turns its attention to celebrating all things countryside.

The CLA Game Fair offers plenty of family fun with ‘have a go’ sessions so everyone, young and old, can try their hand at something new.

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Take your pick from activities such as fishing and kayaking, creative cookery, thrilling displays and more than 850 stands.

Super hero weekend - August 1-2 - Stockeld Park

Although Batman may not be able to turn his attention away from Gotham City, Stockeld Park has even greater super heroes on offer.

Try hero themed crafts and visit the ‘Yorkshire hero’ stall which will be selling locally produced products.

PomPom and Stanley will be joined by the heroes from Make a Wish entertainment for ‘super’ heroes workshops throughout the day.

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The International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival - August 1-23- Harrogate

The National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera will open the 22nd International G+S Festival with a sparkling new production of the Gondoliers.

This is a visually stunning show with toe-tapping tunes and glorious, lively dances which has proved to be one of G+s’s most enduring successes.

Other highlights of this year’s 22nd International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival include Charles Court Opera’s presentation of Ruddigore at the Royal Hall on Saturday, August 8.

Ripley Show - August 9 - Ripley Castle Park

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Get ready for an awful lot of agriculture, classic cars and of course world famous ice cream as the Ripley Show heads to town.

Taking place in the shadow of Ripley Castle, near Harrogate, Ripley Show promises something for everyone.

The show has a packed schedule with livestock, horse and dogs classes as well as sheep shows throughout the day and heavy horse turnout in the main ring.

There’ll also be entertainment from The Action Horse Experience and a parade of vintage machinery, tractors and classic cars.

1940s Weekend - August 15 and 16, Pateley Bridge

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Pateley Bridge winds back the clock as the high street is transformed for two days.

Reenactors will be carrying out displays and there will also be a fly over by a World War Two plane.

There will also be a chance to get your dancing shoes on with an evening dance on the Saturday.

VW Festival - August 14-16 - Harewood House

Calling all car and camper van enthusiasts out there, the VW Festival is back once again at Harewood House.

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Along with the car displays, there will be live music from bands as well as a live graffiti display.

If the kids aren’t quite into their classic cars, yet, there will be a children’s marquee and bike stunt displays to name but a few things to keep them entertained.

Great North Art Show - August 29-September 20 - Ripon

A vibrant open exhibition established in 2001 to promote the quality and diversity of contemporary art in the North.

The show will see guest artists Harold Gosney and Everton Wright and feature artists such as Russell Lumb, Neil McBride and Barbara Sykes.

So enjoy everything that the Harrogate District has to offer this summer and, if you have your own personal favourites, let us know and we’ll add them to list.