Harrogate Lockdown Festival this weekend to fundraise for NHS

Harrogate artist Anita Bowerman is just one of many taking part in Harrogate Community Lockdown Fest this weekend.

Inspired by the ‘make do and mend’ spirit which has come to the fore with businesses, schools and residents adapting to life under lockdown, HG Community Lockdown Fest will run for three days and showcase will celebrate local businesses, community groups and talented individuals online - all while raising money for Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity.

Catherine Wright, who has organised The Harrogate Community Lockdown Fest with Rebecca Oliver, said: “The whole Harrogate district has an amazing range of creative, dynamic businesses and people living and working here.

"What better way to showcase their skills and experience by putting together a range of activities over the Bank Holiday Weekend?”

The festival will feature everyone from Harrogate Town AFC to Harrogate Library, to Major Tom’s and Stuzzi, who will be running sessions on FaceTime Live, Zoom and YouTube.

Catherine Wright said “We want this to be accessible to as many people as possible.

“The sessions will be easy to access online, and cover a huge range of topics - including everything from yoga, contemporary dance, heritage, mental health, music, art and more.”

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The line-up includes artist Anita Bowerman, who will be running two online tutorials for children and adults tomorrow, Friday, May 8; Breathing Meditation with Yorkshire Centre for Wellbeing tomorrow, Friday; Rascals Entertainment – Magic Show at 10am on Saturday, May 9; Harrogate Town AFC who will be running an online training session at 3pm on Saturday, May 9; Dance Matt who will be running a kids mini disco at 9.30am on Saturday, May 9; ‘All Join In’ Rhyme and Song Session with Elizabeth and Leonard at 10am on Sunday, May 10 - plus a lot, lot more.

All the sessions are free to watch live online, via Facebook, YouTube, Zoom or Instagram.

Everyone taking part can donate to Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity via our HG Community Lockdown Fest Virgin Money page.

To ensure the festival is as accessible to as many people as possible, contributors can run their sessions either live or pre-recorded, using easily available technology such as FaceTime Live, Zoom or YouTube.

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