Harrogate on Film comes to town
The Yorkshire Film Archive (YFA) is heading to Harrogate on Monday, September 19, to bring a fantastic new screening of archive footage, specially curated from various collections.
Commissioned by the Harrogate Civic Society and Harrogate Film Society, the unforgettable programme features the people, places, major events, and everyday life in the historic town of Harrogate and neighbouring Knaresborough during the 20th century.
Through a mix of amateur, professional, and television collections, this community screening will open a window onto the film heritage of the towns over the decades, and even includes rare footage of the opening of the Odeon Cinema, our venue for the event.
Learn more about the film history of the area, including unseen cine club productions and news footage of the filming of ‘Agatha’, starring Dustin Hoffman, in the late 1970s.
The 90-minute programme will reflect Harrogate and Knaresborough as timeless tourist destinations; the draw of the Spa in its 1930s glory, the madness of the 1970s bed race, the bustling conference centre, and the chance to enjoy a cup of tea (or coffee) in floral surroundings.
Graham Relton, Yorkshire Film Archive Manager, said: “YFA hold such an amazing collection of Harrogate and Knaresborough films, meaning that – as always – my biggest curation challenge has been what to leave out! I’m looking forward to sharing old favourites and previously unseen footage from our vaults.
"I believe the screening will really connect with audiences and the icing on the cake would be for someone to recognise themselves on screen as we reveal old footage and new perspectives on these beautiful spa towns.”
As 2022 marks The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the screening also features footage of coronation celebrations – for Her Majesty in 1953 and for King George VI in 1937. Add in a feast of other local content, from British Rail to Brimham Rocks, and you’ve got a programme with something for everyone.
Paula Stott from Harrogate Film Society said: "During lockdown, the Film Society hugely enjoyed a series of online film screenings presented by YFA and, together with Harrogate Civic Society, we are delighted to finally welcome them back in person with a new selection of footage that will appeal to anyone interested in the history and changing face of our town."
Stuart Holland, Chair of Harrogate Civic Society, said that he is enthusiastically awaiting the film showing. He added: “It fits in so well with the Civic Society strap line of ‘Celebrating the Past, Enhancing the Present and Shaping the Future’.
"We can learn so much from the past and that helps us shape the future. There is so much passion shown by residents of both Harrogate and Knaresborough to learn more about our history, and I know this screening will not disappoint."
Whether you are a lifelong local or a tourist in town, don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Harrogate on Film.
Screenings take place at the Odeon Cinema, East Parade, Harrogate HG1 5LB on Monday 19th September, 2:30pm and 7:30pm.
Tickets can be purchased from Harrogate Film Society:
Matinee:
https://www.harrogatefilmsociety.org/event-details/special-event-harrogate-on-film-matinee-screening
Evening:
https://www.harrogatefilmsociety.org/event-details/special-event-harrogate-on-film-evening-screening
