Harrogate festival announces new arena for 2026 event

The Harrogate Food and Drink Festival will return to The Stray on June 27 and 28, featuring a packed programme of family-friendly entertainment including live music, a cookery theatre, and a variety of new attractions.

New for 2026’s festival, the ‘Sizzling Showdown’ Arena will host daily competitions and interactive shows, including a family dog show, chilli-eating challenge, and a ‘Foodie Olympics’.

Michael Johnston, festival director, said: “Part of what creates the vibrant, community-led atmosphere at our event is the wonderful mix of local acts and up-and-coming musicians that take to the stage each and every year.

“It’s important to us that we deliver a diverse and exciting line-up that’s testament to the region’s wealth of talent while offering a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy.”

This year’s festival will also feature inflatable banana jousting, inviting friends and families to take part in light-hearted duels.

Both the Sizzling Showdown Arena and the jousting attraction are free for ticket holders.

The live music line-up kicks off on Saturday at 11am with Wil Forrester’s smooth saxophone covers, followed by the dance and music duo Old Time Rags at 12pm.

Saturday’s programme also features vocalist Sienna Craven, The Johnny Storm Band, Gumbox, and headline act The UB40 Experience at 5.45pm.

The evening will close with Ibiza Sax Classics at 7.15pm.

Sunday’s highlights include Mackie, Scoble and Friends, the Leeds City Stompers, and the Danny Charles Band.

Headliners The Soul Shebang will perform their tribute to soul legends at 5.15pm, before Ibiza Sax returns to close the festival at 6.30pm.

Early bird tickets are on sale now at harrogatefoodfestival.com.

Tickets are priced at £6.95 for adults, £4.95 for under-16s, and free for children under five.