Live gigs setback: Ripley Live cancels all activities as lockdown rules bite

The independent promoters at one of the Harrogate district's greatest live venues may be determined to keep the flag flying for gigs but the ever-changing landscape is making life almost impossible for them, too.
By Graham Chalmers
Published 29th Jan 2021, 11:44 BST
Updated 29th Jan 2021, 11:48 BST
One gig at Ripley near Harrogate which has taken place during the last ten months of the Covid pandemic was a solo show by British rock-blues singer-guitarist Chantel McGregor.One gig at Ripley near Harrogate which has taken place during the last ten months of the Covid pandemic was a solo show by British rock-blues singer-guitarist Chantel McGregor.
One gig at Ripley near Harrogate which has taken place during the last ten months of the Covid pandemic was a solo show by British rock-blues singer-guitarist Chantel McGregor.

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Despite its various efforts to bring back live music to the wonderful 19th century Ripley Town Hall, albeit in the form of socially-distanced concerts, the latest newsletter from Ripley Live has a simple message: "all our activities are currently suspended."

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Ripley Live, which is sponsored by The Ripley Castle Estate and Theakstons, now says its next gig will, hopefully, be Martin Harley which is now scheduled for April 17 at Ripley Town Hall or Hotel de Ville, which was built in 1854.

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    Among the gigs which have had to be postponed include:

    Guy Tortora Band - Now May 1st 2021.

    State of the Union - TBA

    Animals & Friends - Now January 15th 2022

    All other events on our website at http://ripleylive.com

    The small team at Ripley Live have built up a reputation far and wide in the last ten years by attracting not only the cream of British blues and soul acts but international musical legends such as Steve Cropper, The Animals and Georgie Fame.

    Such is their resolve, they did manage to hold a "socially distanced" solo concert in early October last year in the venue's main hall starring renowned British rock-blues singer-guitarist Chantel McGregor - which meant only 60 people were allowed in.

    Then the Government's Covid restrictions started tightening again.

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    Visit http://www.ripleylive.com to keep up to date with Ripley Live's efforts at Ripley Town Hall.

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    Related topics:HarrogateChantel McGregorAnimalsGovernment