Harrogate Town FC raise thousands for Harrogate Hospital as part of HG Lockdown Fest

Catherine Wright and Rebecca Oliver put together a three-day calendar of fun online activities over the bank holiday weekend so that Harrogate families could celebrate the special weekend while still social distancing.

Catherine initially came up with the idea for an online festival after seeing how many local businesses and providers were ‘making do’ and keeping people busy and occupied by running online classes, tutorials and workshops during lockdown.

She said: "I imagined what it would be like to bring all this together under one umbrella - the HG Community Lockdown Fest - where everyone can find something fun to do over the bank holiday weekend, from the safety of their own home."

Catherine approached Rebecca to help pull it together and she saw the potential straightaway.

Rebecca said: “The whole Harrogate district has an amazing range of creative, dynamic businesses and people living and working here."

Contributors ran sessions either live or pre-recorded, using easily available technology such as FaceTime Live, Zoom or YouTube

Harrogate Golf Club reopens today for first time since lockdown

Among the contributors were Harrogate Town AFC, who ran an online training session as part of the festival, and carried out a “Matchworn” shirt auction which has raised more than £6,000.

Iain Service, community development manager at Harrogate Town AFC said “Harrogate Town AFC and HTAFC Community Foundation have been thrilled to see the success of the HG Lockdown Fest.

"The whole idea has allowed us to connect with not only the Harrogate community, but also those who were able to access content remotely through Facebook Live and Youtube. The way individuals, families, organisations and companies have come together has been great to see.

"The festival encouraged us to be innovative and think of ways to support a fantastic cause (Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity). The Matchworn shirt auction is now approaching a £4000 total, of which we are immensely proud.”

Catherine Wright said: “People can still take part in some of the recorded activities on our website at www.hglockdownfest.co.uk

"They can also still donate to the Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity through the website.

"We want to say a huge thank you to all the brilliant businesses and individuals who led classes and sessions as part of the festival, and to everyone who has donated.”

Harrogate Lockdown Festival this weekend to fundraise for NHS

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