What Is Berwins Salon North In Harrogate And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

Ever wondered how some families produce child prodigies? Or what the actual science is behind falling head over heels for someone? And what about the mystery of getting a teenager to talk? These are big questions, and a unique event in Harrogate this autumn is setting out to answer them.

The ever-popular Berwins Salon North is back, bringing together three expert speakers to explore the tangled webs of our relationships. Presented by Harrogate International Festivals, this isn't a stuffy lecture series. It's a night out designed to get people talking about ideas that matter, covering everything from family and parenting to romance and the human brain. The whole event is a key part of the town's cultural programme.

So what is this Salon thing anyway?

Imagine a night out with friends. There's a bar, a relaxed atmosphere, and great conversation. Now, add three brilliant speakers giving short, snappy talks that are a bit like live TED talks. That's the vibe of a Berwins Salon. It's a cabaret-style evening where big ideas from the worlds of arts, psychology, and science are unpacked in a way that's easy to get your head around.

It's the sort of place where you learn something new without even realising it. No wonder GQ magazine once rated these events as number six in their 'Top 100 Things to do in the World'. The whole point of the salon is to mix entertainment with a bit of brain food, making for a properly good evening in Harrogate.

The line-up for the September Salon

This September, the programme is all about relationships - with our kids, our partners, and the world around us. Three speakers are set to take the stage, each with a different but connected story to tell.

• Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason: The Super-Mum and AuthorFirst up is Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason. She's an award-winning author, but many will know her as the matriarch of the Kanneh-Masons, a family of seven ridiculously talented classical musicians. Her talk, inspired by her book To Be Young, Gifted and Black, is about their family's journey. It's a story of passion and perseverance, but also about navigating race and identity when your family is suddenly in the spotlight. It's a look at the ultimate challenge in parenting: nurturing incredible talent while keeping everyone grounded.
• Anita Cleare: The Teenage WhispererNext is another author, the parenting expert Anita Cleare. Anyone who has ever been a teenager, or is trying to raise one, will want to listen up. The teenage years can feel like a communication black hole. Anita's talk is all about practical ways for parents to build trust and actually get through to their teens. It's not about magic tricks, but about proven strategies for better conversations. Think of it as a toolkit for navigating those tricky years when 'fine' is the answer to every question. Her insights are a vital part of the festivals' offering.
• Dr Tom Bellamy: The Science of LoveRounding off the evening is neuroscientist and author Dr Tom Bellamy. He's here to talk about the one thing that puzzles almost everyone: romantic love. But he's not a poet; he's a scientist. He'll explain what's actually happening in the brain when someone feels that rush of infatuation. More than that, his talk will cover how to spot unhealthy patterns in relationships. It's a bit of practical science for the heart, offering tips on how to build a love that lasts, which is something people all over the world can relate to.

More than just talks, it's a proper night out

One of the best things about Berwins Salon North is that it doesn't feel like school. It's held in the Crown Hotel in Harrogate, and the setup is relaxed and informal. It's an event designed by Harrogate International Festivals to be social.

The people behind the event are passionate about making the arts and big ideas accessible. Martin Whincup, an Associate Director at the sponsor Berwins solicitors, puts it perfectly:

"These wonderful evenings are a unique event in Harrogate's cultural calendar and a great way to spend a night out with friends. This latest trio of remarkable, thought-provoking speakers will no doubt get everyone talking."

It's a sentiment echoed by the Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, Sharon Canavar. She highlights what makes the salon special.

"What I love about Berwins Salon North is it genuinely entertains and enlightens at the same time. There's nothing quite like these fabulous nights out and I'm looking forward once again to discovering things I never knew - all while enjoying a well-made G&T."

It captures the spirit of these festivals - they're about discovery and enjoyment.

The essential details and how to book

Thinking of going? Here is everything needed to get it in the diary. This is a chance to explore some huge topics in a fun setting.

Event Details	Information
What's On?	Berwins Salon North
Where Is It?	The Crown Hotel, Harrogate
When Is It?	Thursday, September 11, at 7.30pm
How Much?	Tickets are £18, with a £2.50 booking fee applied at the time of booking.
How to Book?	Tickets are available from the Harrogate International Festivals website at harrogateinternationalfestivals.com or by calling the Box Office.

This event is just one part of the wider programme offered by Harrogate International Festivals, an organisation dedicated to bringing world-class culture, arts, and science to the region. Attending one of their festivals is always a memorable experience.