Destination Harrogate is celebrating after successfully hosting events in the heart of the Harrogate district that brought together businesses, residents and visitors for Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Leading celebrations on the Stray, which became ‘Jubilee Square’ for the four-day weekend to mark the Queen’s 70-year reign, Destination Harrogate provided large screens that broadcast the ceremonial Jubilee events from London, bringing a flavour of Buckingham Palace and beyond to Harrogate. The destination management organisation also provided a stage where local schools and choirs joined presenters from Your Harrogate, live bands and musicians from the local area to host a vibrant entertainment programme. Supported by Harrogate BID, who brought street entertainers to the town and dressed the streets in miles of bunting, Jubilee Square was alive with music, quizzes, a dog show and family-friendly film screenings. Offering an ideal opportunity for friends and family to gather for picnics and dancing in the park, and encouraging increased footfall to town centre businesses, particularly in the hospitality and food and drink sector.

In Valley Gardens, Harrogate Borough Council’s parks and environmental services team put on a spectacular outdoor event which provided a perfect picnic spot to gather with friends and family. ‘Jubilee in the Gardens’ featured a medley of magicians, juggling shows, character meet and greets, fairground rides, face painting, a climbing wall, live music performances and mini discos all free of charge. Local artisan market maker Little Bird Made showcased a wide range of local produce for three days in the gardens’ recently Grade II listed Colonnade.  This structure along with the Sun Pavilion, was one of only six heritage sites in the country to receive listed status as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Across the four-day weekend, there were more than 120,000 visitors to Harrogate’s Valley Gardens and the Stray.

Councillor Richard Cooper, leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said: “As a destination for visitors both locally and far and wide, we are always keen to help bring different events to the Harrogate district. And with Her Majesty The Queen being the first British monarch to celebrate a platinum jubilee, it was only right that we recognise this momentous event in such a way. And what a way it was.

“Harrogate was awash with people and the four-day event in the Stray, Valley Gardens and across the town centre was a fantastic success. People young and old were clearly enjoying the array of free festivities on offer. The weather was a little mixed, but it didn’t put a dampener on anyone enjoying themselves as we – along with the rest of the country – celebrated Her Majesty’s momentous occasion. I hope businesses, residents and visitors across the district remember this historic milestone for many, many years to come.”

Gemma Rio, Head of Destination Harrogate, said: “This weekend proved that with great collaboration comes great success. Together with our partners we were able to host fantastic events that were fitting for this very special and unique royal occasion, which our residents and visitors to our wonderful destination can remember for a lifetime. It was brilliant to see the heart of the Harrogate district buzzing with people and supporting our amazing local businesses while celebrating with family and friends.

“We can feel proud that in showcasing our destination as a perfect place to host quality events enjoyed by all ages, we are drawing on a key strength of the Harrogate district.”

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