HACS Harrogate Music Festival 2025 Brings Acclaimed Performers To Yorkshire
HACS Harrogate Music Festival kicks off the Summer Season with another stellar line-up featuring international performers, brilliant young musicians and some Festival favourites.
This year’s Festival, which runs from June 26 to July 11, brings an incredible array of musical talent from the worlds of classical, jazz, folk and dance music to Harrogate.
Mike Lovatt’s Brass Pack will make a welcome return when they open the Festival on June 26 with what promises to be an electrifying evening of Hollywood hits at Harrogate’s Royal Hall. The trumpet virtuoso and his hugely popular band will be joined by Anna Jane Casey, best known for her work in musical theatre having starred in shows such as Cats, West Side Story and Chicago. Casey has also graced the Royal Hall stage before, having previously performed there with the John Wilson Orchestra during the 2017 Festival.
One of the highlights of this summer’s musical extravaganza will be Luke Jerram’s spectacular Gaia Earth installation, an awe-inspiring, illuminated replica of planet earth, which will provide a stunning backdrop to ‘Gigs at Gaia’, a series of concerts at St Wilfrid’s Church in the town centre.
The exciting Festival programme features everything from intimate solo recitals and internationally acclaimed ensembles to an evening of burlesque and a host of unmissable classical performances.
Renowned Cuban classical guitarist Ahmed Dickinson showcases a thrilling blend of classical and contemporary guitar music from around the world, while organist, conductor and composer Anthony Gray will perform Hans Zimmer’s epic score from Christopher Nolan’s film Interstellar.
Other highlights forming part of ‘Gigs at Gaia’ include Orchestra for the Earth whose performance will revolve around classical music inspired by nature, and The Marian Consort, a gifted British vocal ensemble, whose Concert by Candlelight in the evocative setting of St Wilfrid’s Church promises to be a standout moment.
The feather-rustling House of Burlesque is back for a raucous night of cabaret followed by a Silent Disco under the Earth.
Festival legends Oddsocks also make a welcome return with their inimitable style of Shakespeare, performing A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the sumptuous setting of RHS Harlow Carr.
Elsewhere, Alastair McGowan, the award-winning comedian, actor, impressionist and pianist, will bring a unique blend of poetry, stand-up and short piano pieces by the likes of Grieg, Shostakovich and Madeleine Dring.
The Young Musicians Series is a popular fixture of the Festival showcasing the next generation of talent, and among the ones to watch are Trio Concept, an award-winning classical music ensemble from Italy, Charlotte Spruit, a Classic FM Rising Star of 2024, and Harrogate’s very own Alannah Saphir, Principal Flute in the Opera North Youth Orchestra.
Mark Smith, managing director of The HACS Group, said: “We have a long association with Harrogate International Festivals and we are delighted to be the headline sponsor of the Music Festival.
“This brilliant Festival brings together an array of talented musicians and artists from around the world and to see them perform on our own doorstep here in Harrogate is a real treat.”
Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said: “HACS Harrogate Music Festival has become a much-loved highlight not only in Harrogate’s cultural calendar, but Yorkshire’s too, bringing together an exciting and eclectic range of renowned musicians and performers.
“We are delighted to welcome Mike Lovatt’s Brass Pack back to Harrogate. They opened the Festival two years ago and went down a storm and I’m sure they will do so again.
“Our classical music line-up includes some amazing performers like Connaught Brass, who are changing people’s perceptions about brass chamber music, and the prodigiously talented pianist Yevgeny Sudbin who has played at some of the world’s greatest venues.
“The Festival offers a world class programme with something for every age and taste, so book your tickets today and join us this summer for what is a unique and unforgettable celebration of culture in our town”.
For more information about the Festival programme and to buy tickets, visit the Harrogate International Festivals website at Home - Harrogate International Festivals or call the Box Office on 01423 562 303.
