This is what's happening to Harrogate live music and theatres across the district

The arts and music scene in the Harrogate district is still reeling from the Government's shock U-turn on live performances.
Flashback to a live outdoor concert at Ripley Castle before the lockdown, in this case Jools Holland and his orchestra.Flashback to a live outdoor concert at Ripley Castle before the lockdown, in this case Jools Holland and his orchestra.
Flashback to a live outdoor concert at Ripley Castle before the lockdown, in this case Jools Holland and his orchestra.

The arts and music scene in the Harrogate district are still reeling from the Government's shock U-turn on the return of live performances.

After saying in mid-July that indoor performances with socially distanced audiences could take place in England from the start of this month, the Prime Minister announced a rethink on July 31 with the message that what happens next may be revealed on August 15 - or not.

Ripley Castle

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Some live shows are still being planned for early autumn, including The Bootleg Beatles at Ripley, but outdoors only with audiences booking their own socially-distanced picnic patch.

But, rather than trying to work out to reintroduce live shows within Covid-19 rules, theatres and music venues across the Harrogate district are now opting to keep their doors closed until next year.

Harrogate Theatre

The most prominent example of this is Harrogate Theatre which this week took the Harrogate Theatre has announced that the safety curtain will remain down at Harrogate Theatre until 2021 (no panto) and that up to 60% of its permanent staff may have to be made redundant in its fight for survival.

Frazer Theatre, Knaresborough

Its concerns over a reduction in potential capacity because of social distancing, lack of revenue caused by lockdown and general uncertainty about future rules for the arts sector during the pandemic, are shared by other venues such as Frazer Theatre.

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Knaresborough's cherished community hub off the High Street, which first hosted a show in 1964, has said it will remain closed until at least the end of the year.

Chairman of the Players, David Crosthwaite, said: “As with all theatres, we are desperate to get back to what we love doing, providing a great range of entertainment for our local community throughout the year.

“Our original programme planned for 2020 was wider than ever, with a great range of comedy, drama, music and dance. More local amateur groups than ever were booked to appear, together with travelling bands and top line artistes at our hugely popular Comedy Club."

Mr Crosthwaite said Frazer Theatre could not open until the social distancing rules were relaxed as they would be too difficult to implement in the space available - but he promised the reopening show would be worth the wait and the time would be spent on a refurbishment.

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Ripley Town Hall

Promoters Ripley Live, who have built up a national reputation for its gigs at Ripley Town Hall featuring blues and soul legends such as Steve Cropper, The Animals and Georgie Fame. had been hoping to present a socially-distanced show shortly.

But, even though it had planned to stick to only 20% of normal capacity to ensure good social distancing, it has now felt forced to postpone that, too, until later in the year.

Organiser Andy Herrington said: "The changing Government regulations has forced us to postpone our gig with Chantel McGregor from August 15th to October 3rd."

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Mr Herrington said there had been just two tickets left for the concert and that anyone interested in the re-scheduled date should contact [email protected]

Ripley Live had already had to shift its earlier plans to present "A Celebration of the music of Simon & Garfunkel in July to September 4.

Ripon Live Music

Meanwhile at Ripon, local music promoters are now also postponing a series of gigs it had scheduled.

Mr Thompson said: "After discussions with the RAOS Hall and the bands organiser Nick Thompson has decided to postpone the gigs by Wilful Missing and The Jaywalkers this Autumn.

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"The bands were very understanding and were almost expecting it."

Ripon Live is still keen to present live music, if the situation improves during the pandemic.

Mr Thompson said: "At the moment it is so unclear how live events on a small scale can work.

The venue is too small for a socially distanced concert and I do not think that concept would work. "The safety of all involved is of paramount importance.

"Hopefully, these gigs can be rescheduled next year.

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"As it stands Faustus are still booked to return on 6th March 2021 and The John Palmer Acoustic Band should get feet tapping on 24th April."

Ripley Castle

On a brighter note it seems there will be some live music in the Harrogate district in the next few months.

Ripley Castle has announced a series of live outdoors concerts over four days in September where audiences can book their own socially-distanced picnic patch for two, four or six people at a time.

The 'Sounds In The Grounds' dates include:

September 3: The Bootleg Beatles

September 4: Beyond The Barricade with special guest singer Lockie Chapman, formerly of The Overtones.

September 5: ABBA Mania.

September 6: A Country Night in Nashville.

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Support at all shows will be provided by The New York Brass Band.

Harrogate's Fashion House Bistro

In Harrogate itself, the heartbeat of live music is still barely a murmur.

All things being well, however, The Chris White Jazz Trio will be playing live at the recently-opened Fashion House Bistro on Swan Road in Harrogate on 5pm on Sunday, August 16.

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