Organisers hail major House music festival in Harrogate as 'one of the greatest in 30 years'

It was an event not to be forgotten as the Stray in Harrogate welcomed a host of big named talented DJs to the Love to Be dance music event.

Festival-goers in their masses celebrated an end of summer day of House music on a sunny Saturday September 6.

The artists included Marshall Jefferson, K-Klass; Trimtone; Electric Emma; Mister Jones; Gok Wan; Ultra Nate; Armand Van Heldan; Shapeshifter; Keexx; Hatty Lovehearts; and Soraya Vivian, to name but a few.

Not only was the weather on point, but the music was exceptional across all three stages which included: a Main Stage; Music Factory Stage and a VIP Funky Love Lounge.

I spoke to many festival-goers who had travelled from all over Yorkshire, Newcastle, Middlesbrough to attend this amazing musical event.

I was seriously impressed with the ticket prices.

The VIP tickets were exceptional value with added extras of glitter tattoos, a private bar and fantastic toilet facilities; it was sheer luxury.

Speaking to the Harrogate Advertiser. the Love to Be organisers and DJs, Tony Walker and Marc Dennis of Trimtone, said: ‘It was amazing to see generations coming together to create a day that exceeded all of our expectations.

"From start to finish, every DJ across every stage delivered an unforgettable masterclass, while our loyal festival family brought energy and atmosphere in abundance.

"We set out to go bigger than last year and all the months of hard work paid off when we saw thousands of people having the time of their lives.

"This was without doubt one of the greatest parties the Love to be… brand has ever hosted in our 30-year history.

"We’re already excited for what next year will bring.”

The event started at 11.30am and I watched the venue quickly fill up.

The event finished around 11pm and the energy did not wane.

There was an array of food stalls with tempting burgers and curries to kebabs and multiple bars across the site.

The colossal adventureland also featured some thrill-seeking fairground rides and a fun confessional booth.

I was also fortunate to speak to one of my favourite artists, Ultra Nate just after her set before travelling to her next gig.

Speaking to me for the Harrogate Advertiser, she confirmed: “Today was amazing therapy - just connecting with the fans, connecting with the music.

"It’s the soundtrack of a lot of peoples lives.

"I meet a lot of generations. I met a young lady who told me ‘I grew up on your music’ and that’s just always wonderful to hear.

"It’s personally really fortifying for my soul.”

Fellow DJs also took the time to chat with me.

"I really enjoyed my warm-up set. We started working on Love to Be in January. Seeing it all come together is amazing. I’m buzzing,” – James Sinclair.

"It’s worth the hard work for lots of happy smiling faces.” – Stuart Pilling

"I’ve been watching Marc and Tony for over 20 years and it was and is such an honour to be playing at their event.” – Electric Emma.

The event was a complete success from start to finish.

I, for one, cannot wait to the next Love to Be event.

Pre-sale tickets for Harrogate’s 2026 Love to Be have been released.

For more information on all Love To Be events, visit: www.lovetobeevents.co.uk