Solo artists and small ensembles are being invited to apply for a slot in the ‘busking’ area at this year’s Harrogate Christmas Market, from Thursday, 17 November 2016 to Sunday, 20 November 2016.
Talented musicians have been performing live at the event since 2014, entertaining visitors and collecting donations at the same time.
- Harrogate Christmas Market first took place in 2012, run on a not-for-profit basis, with any surplus being donated to local good causes supporting the local economy and tourism industry.
- The Christmas Market will be situated around St Mary’s Walk North at the bottom of Montpellier Hill, HG1 2RZ. It runs from Thursday, November 17 to Sunday, November 20, opening daily at 10am and closing at 8pm (5pm on the final day).
- Twitter: @HGChristmasMkt facebook.com/HarrogateChristmasMarket
Last year, an estimated 60,000 people came to Harrogate Christmas Market and many stopped to enjoy the music as they shopped. The busking slots are so popular that most of the weekend programme has already been filled – but the organisers are keen to speak to any musicians who could play on the Thursday or Friday.
Marian Farrar of St Aidan’s High School, who is organising the busking schedule, said:
We have a lot of performers who have been with us in the past, and who signed up to join us again as soon as they could.
It’s a great way for new or up-and-coming musicians to share their talents and introduce their music to our thousands of visitors, as well as creating a wonderful festive atmosphere. So far we have a diverse range of buskers booked, ranging from groups such as the Harrogate Gang Show and the Harrogate Spa Town Ukes to acoustic guitarists and a sax quintet!
With the new school term now under way, many performers will be planning their Christmas schedules and we hope they will consider joining us for an hour or two.
Everyone who signs up will be allocated a time slot, and will be able to collect donations from visitors during their performance if they wish.
Now in its fifth year, Harrogate Christmas Market is proving more popular than ever with both traders and visitors. The 200 spaces for traders have already sold out and interest in the four-day event is at its highest yet, with special Virgin Trains services set to bring visitors to the Market from across the country.
Any musicians interested in performing at Harrogate Christmas Market should email m.farrar@staidans.co.uk.
For more information, visit www.HarrogateChristmasMarket.org
