HACS Harrogate Music Festival 2026: Your Guide to the Landmark 60th Anniversary Lineup

Ever been to a big birthday bash? Not just any birthday, but a proper milestone one, like a 60th. There’s always a bit of extra buzz, a special effort to make it memorable. Well, that’s exactly what’s happening in Harrogate this summer. Harrogate International Festivals is hitting its big 6-0, and to celebrate this huge anniversary, it's throwing an incredible party in the form of the HACS Harrogate Music Festival 2026. Running from 6 June to 12 July, this isn't just any old get-together. It’s a full-blown celebration of music, bringing together some of the most famous names in classical music alongside the brightest new talent. For sixty years, this festival has put Harrogate on the map for world-class concerts, and this year’s line-up shows it’s not slowing down one bit. Get ready for a month packed with everything from mind-blowing orchestras to game-changing solo performers.

Image source: BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, performing Holst's Planets in 2024 (© Chris Payne)

Two legendary orchestras, one stunning venue

There's something special about seeing a full orchestra perform live. The power of all those instruments playing together is something you can feel in your chest. As part of its landmark celebrations, the HACS Harrogate Music Festival is bringing two of the best orchestras to the magnificent Royal Hall. First up, on 24 June, is the Aurora Orchestra. These guys are a bit different. Think of it like a magician performing a trick without any props – this orchestra performs epic pieces of music entirely from memory. No sheet music, no stands, just pure musical connection. It's a seriously impressive feat and something that has made them favourites at the famous BBC Proms. Their performance in Harrogate will include works by Jessie Montgomery and two pieces by the legendary Mozart, including his famous 'Jupiter' Symphony, all played from memory. It’s a rare chance to see these incredible performers do their thing in Yorkshire.

Then, on 5 July, the much-loved BBC Philharmonic Orchestra returns to the Royal Hall for an evening that’s set to be recorded for BBC Radio 3. This is a chance to be part of a very special broadcast. The orchestra will be joined by some seriously talented guest stars. Violinist Hana Chang, who was named a Rising Star by Classic FM, will be taking the stage. Guiding the whole performance will be Ben Glassberg, one of the most in-demand conductors around. The programme is a real treat for fans of classical music, featuring works by Farrenc, Tchaikovsky, and the powerful Symphony No. 1 by Brahms. It’s shaping up to be one of the highlight concerts of the entire music festival.

Meet the trailblazers and emerging stars

A great music festival doesn't just celebrate the big names; it also shines a light on the future. This year, Harrogate is welcoming some incredible emerging stars who are shaking things up. Kicking off the whole festival on 6 June is the cellist Abel Selaocoe. Since his amazing debut at the BBC Proms, he has become known for his incredible energy and for mixing traditional classical music with other styles. He’ll be performing with his Bantu Ensemble at Ashville College for a concert that promises to be anything but ordinary. Think of a classic instrument like the cello being used in ways you've never imagined.

And when it comes to game-changing stars, they don’t get much bigger than Davóne Tines. This Grammy-nominated singer is completely rewriting the rules of modern opera. He’s known for powerful performances that blend opera with gospel, creating something totally new and exciting. He’ll be performing his show, Recital No 1: MASS, at the Wesley Centre on 12 June. This will be his only performance in the North of England this season, making it a proper must-see event for anyone interested in the future of vocal music.

A dramatic return for festival favourites

It’s not all about the classical music, though. The HACS Harrogate Music Festival knows how to have a bit of fun. Making a welcome return are the brilliant theatre group Oddsocks. Known for their hilarious and unique takes on Shakespeare, they’ll be performing Romeo and Juliet in the beautiful outdoor setting of RHS Harlow Carr on 30 June and 1 July. If you think Shakespeare is a bit stuffy, Oddsocks are the people to change your mind. Their shows are energetic, funny, and perfect for a summer evening. It’s a great example of the variety of performances on offer at this year's festival.

What the organisers have to say

This huge 60th anniversary is a big moment for everyone involved. Mark Smith, managing director of The HACS Group, which sponsors the event, is clearly thrilled with the line-up.

We have a long and proud association with Harrogate International Festivals and it’s a real honour to support this wonderful Music Festival that has become such a popular fixture in the town’s cultural calendar. Music entertains people and it brings them together and looking at this brilliant line-up I think we’re in for a real treat.

Sharon Canavar, the chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, also spoke about the legacy and future of the event.

For 60 years, music has been at the heart of Harrogate International Festivals and this anniversary season celebrates that extraordinary legacy as we look firmly to the future. The HACS Harrogate Music Festival is all about giving audiences the opportunity to see some of the biggest names of today and the brightest stars of tomorrow. Our carefully curated Festival programme brings together renowned artists at the top of their game here to the North of England, offering classical music fans the chance to see these incredible musicians on their doorstep in what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music and culture in our town this summer.

More acts are set to be announced, so the celebration is only going to get bigger. For anyone who loves live performance, this is shaping up to be an unforgettable summer in Harrogate. Priority tickets for Friends of the festival go on sale on 11 March, with general sale starting on 18 March.