Famous Spiegeltent Returns To Harrogate For Summer Extravaganza
It’s back, and it’s bigger than ever. The much-loved Spiegeltent makes a joyous return to Harrogate this summer with 10 days of non-stop entertainment and unforgettable nights.
The Spiegeltent in Harrogate (Credit Richard Maude)
With its bohemian mirrored walls and red velvet booths, the Spiegeltent 2026 Festival – in association with Ogden of Harrogate, one of the country’s best known family jewellers – runs from 25 June to 4 July in Crescent Gardens,featuring an irresistible programme of cabaret, jazz, rock, burlesque, dance and much more.
The hugely popular Hope & Social, dubbed “Yorkshire's own E-Street Band", will get the party started, bringing their all-out infectious energy to the tent, while Festival favourites House of Burlesque make a welcome return with their signature mix of risqué glamour and raucous fun, followed by their legendary Silent Disco to keep the party going late into the night.
Magnetic saxophonist Jess Gillam and her acclaimed trio bring a change of pace with their bold take on much-loved favourites, and Grīṣhma: Indian Summer Soirée offers a rich and immersive evening of traditional Indian culture designed to soothe and inspire.
Rounding off this year’s Spiegeltent with a bang is the ever-popular Jimmy’s Night – the ultimate nostalgia trip, offering a chance to hit the dancefloor and relive those 90s glory days in style.
Leeds’s finest, Hope & Social (June 25), described as “brilliant, uplifting and inclusive" (Michael Eavis, Glastonbury Festival), have been winning the hearts of gig-goers for more than a decade with their irrepressible music. Blending jubilant bonhomie, superlative musicianship and great tunes, all served with a slice of self-deprecating northern humour, this gutsy eight-piece band draws on everything from soul and indie to folk and disco, creating a night to remember.
House of Burlesque (credit Nati Poletti)
The Spiegeltent just would not be the same without feather-ruffling favourites House of Burlesque and Silent Disco (June 26). The UK’s top Burlesque Showgirls bring their unique rhinestoned revelry to the tent, conjuring a glamourous world where everyone is welcome. As the curtain falls, the party continues when audience members can grab their headphones and hit the dancefloor for the famous Silent Disco, where DJs spin everything from retro bangers to iconic anthems.
Bringing a slightly different vibe, the acclaimed Jess Gillam Trio (June 28) offer an eclectic set ranging from jazz influences with music by composers including Phil Woods and Barbara Thompson, to Baroque energy from Corelli and Telemann, and shades of folk. Led by Jess Gillam, the youngest ever soloist to perform at the Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, the trio will enthral with their vibrant energy and big tunes.
Audiences can immerse themselves in the world of soul-stirring Indian classical music with Grīṣhma: Indian Summer Soirée(July 1), when renowned sitar duo Ayan Sengupta and Srijanee Banerjee, accompanied by tabla player Ustad Shahbaz Hussain, showcase the meditative beauty of ragas and talas. Their performance will be preceded by a talk on ‘Insights to Indian Classical Music’, presented in association with South Asian Arts-UK.
Jimmy’s Night (July 4) will bring this year’s Spiegeltent to a raucous close. Jimmy’s, the much-loved Harrogate nightclub, was the go-to hang out in the town back in the 90s, and this tribute is a chance to reminisce and relive those halcyon days.
Hope and Social
Ogden, which is sponsoring its third consecutive Spiegeltent, is known for its stunning collection of fine jewellery and distinguished clients. The James Street business is run by Robert and Ben Ogden who have a long affiliation with Harrogate International Festivals over recent decades.
Ben Ogden said: “The Spiegeltant is a stunning venue and this Festival brings joy and a touch of glamour to people’s lives, which makes it the perfect fit for us. Spiegeltents, like Ogden’s, have a rich and vibrant history, and we are looking forward to seeing the diverse array of dazzling performers who will light up Harrogate this summer.”
Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said: “It’s fantastic to have the Spiegeltent back in town – there’s nothing quite like it.
“We passionately believe the arts are for every generation and should appeal to as wide an audience as possible – which is what this Festival does. So whether you fancy watching Hope & Social and discovering your new favourite band, learning all about Indian classical music, or reliving your youth at Jimmy’s – there really is something for everyone.
“The Spiegeltent is a joyful celebration of great music and culture. So get the dates in your diary for what is, quite simply, the best party in town!”
Watch out for more exciting Spiegeltent announcements in the coming weeks.
Tickets are available from the Harrogate International Festivals website harrogateinternationalfestivals.com
or by calling the Box Office on 01423 562 303.
