Your Guide to Harrogate’s Night Out for the Brain as Raworths Salon North Returns This Spring

Ever get that feeling you want a night out, but you’re a bit tired of the same old pub quiz? Sometimes it’s good to do something a bit different, something that gets the old grey matter firing. Well, there’s an event that’s been called ‘a night out for your brain’, and it’s making a big return. Raworths Salon North is back in Harrogate on 7 May, offering a brilliant mix of fascinating speakers, big ideas, and a relaxed, chatty atmosphere. Imagine learning about the secret world of dreams, the science of talking to strangers, or how to create your own indoor jungle, all while enjoying a drink with friends. It’s a unique evening that mixes arts, science, and psychology in a way that’s anything but a lecture.

Image: Dr Gillian Sandstrom (photo: Stuart Robinson)

A different kind of night out in Harrogate

Forget stuffy lecture halls. The Raworths Salon North event, part of the wider Harrogate International Festivals programme, is set up in a cool, laid-back cabaret style at The Crown Hotel. This setup is all about creating a great atmosphere where people can relax, listen to some genuinely interesting stuff, and feel inspired. The whole point is to spark a bit of curiosity and creativity. In fact, it's so good that GQ magazine once voted it one of the ‘Top 100 Things to do in the World.’ The event has new title sponsors this year, with local firm Raworths taking the lead. Having sponsored the Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival for 14 years, their involvement shows a real commitment to supporting arts and culture in North Yorkshire. This festival of ideas is all about bringing people together to explore new concepts and learn something unexpected. The Salon North series provides a space for new connections to be made and for the brain to get a proper workout in the best possible way.

So, who are the speakers?

The line-up for the 7 May event features three brilliant speakers, each bringing some incredible ideas to the stage. It’s a proper mix of topics that touch on psychology, art, and nature.

• Dr Gillian Sandstrom, the kindness expert: Ever stood awkwardly in a queue or on a train platform, wanting to say hello to someone but feeling a bit weird about it? Dr Gillian Sandstrom is a psychology expert who explores the science behind talking to strangers. Her talk will show how these small interactions can make a massive difference, sparking new connections, boosting moods, and bringing a bit of unexpected joy into the day. It’s all about the simple power of human interaction.

• Dave Green, the artist of dreams: Have you ever realised you were dreaming while you were still asleep? That's called lucid dreaming, and artist Dave Green uses it as his canvas. His work is all about exploring the surreal, strange, and beautiful worlds our brain creates at night. He’ll transport the audience into the world of lucid dreams, revealing the amazing artworks that can come from a sleeping imagination. It's a perfect blend of arts and science, showing how creativity works in mysterious ways.

• Jonny Balchandani, the plant guru: Better known as the Bearded Plantaholic, Jonny Balchandani is so passionate about plants he actually turned his spare room into a greenhouse. If you’ve ever struggled to keep a houseplant alive, this is the talk for you. Jonny will share his infectious enthusiasm, bust a few common plant-care myths, and show how a bit of greenery can completely transform a living space and even improve wellbeing. He brings a fresh perspective on how nature and home life can mix.

These three speakers, including the amazing artist Dave Green and the insightful Jonny Balchandani, promise an evening full of fresh ideas and thought-provoking conversation.

More than just talks

While the speakers are the main event, Raworths Salon North is designed to be a properly social evening. It’s a chance to catch up with mates over a drink from the bar in a welcoming cabaret setting. The event also features a bookstall run by the local bookseller Imagined Things, so if any of the ideas from the speakers really grab you, there’s a good chance you can find a book to learn even more. It’s this combination of learning and socialising that creates such a special atmosphere. The whole evening is a celebration of ideas and the thrill of discovering something new. It’s a cultural experience that feeds the brain and the soul, making it a cornerstone of the Harrogate arts scene. The festival feeling is tangible, encouraging everyone to engage their curiosity.

Image source: Jonny Balchandani

What the organisers are saying

The team behind the event and the new sponsors are clearly excited to bring Salon North back. The focus on big ideas and community is at the forefront of their minds.

Simon Morris, managing partner at Raworths, said:

“We are delighted to see the first Raworths Salon North of the year bringing together such an intriguing and eclectic group of speakers.”

“These brilliant evenings feed our curiosity about the world around us, spark our imaginations, and leave us inspired and entertained.”

Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, also shared her enthusiasm for the unique event.

“We’re thrilled to see Salon North back – there’s nothing quite like these evenings anywhere else.”

“What I love about Salon is it always leaves you buzzing with knowledge and ideas that stick with you long after the lights go down.”

How to get your tickets

If a night out for your brain sounds like your kind of thing, getting tickets is straightforward. Here are the key details you need:

Event: Raworths Salon North
Venue: The Crown Hotel, Harrogate
Date: Thursday, 7 May
Time: 7:30pm
Tickets: £18

Tickets are available to buy directly from the Harrogate International Festivals website or by calling the Box Office. The phone number for the Box Office is 01423 562 303. These events are very popular, so it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance to make sure you don’t miss out on this fantastic evening of arts, science, and psychology.