Here at Harrogate Food and Drink Festival, we bring together local break-through artist at the festival, providing you with with large viewing areas to soak up those rays while enjoying some delicious food.
We also provide deckchairs, but please feel free to bring your own camping chairs and picnic blankets!
2021 Line up to be announced. Take a look at the 2019 line up below…
Saturday 24th August
Will Forrester
The regular sax player with the No.1 Tribute band The UB40 Experience Will still goes out as a soloist, playing everything from Jazz Standards to current Chart Hits. Powerful funky sax delivered with style and flair.
Will Forrester has been playing the sax for over 20 years. After graduating in Classical and Jazz he has now performed all over the country playing solo and in tribute bands such as Complete Madness from Leeds. Will and his sax are so versatile he can even be found around Leeds playing in clubs alongside DJ’s. We can’t wait to hear what knew tunes he has for us this year!
Jess Simpson
Solo artist Jess has a range of influences such as Eva Cassidy, Adele and Elton John just to name a few! Expect to hear uplifting Pop, Blues, Acoustic and Country, perfect for a sunny afternoon.
Cleve Freckleton
Cleve goes by a few nicknames but perhaps the most recognisable is Chunky Butt Funky which stems from his funk and soul band that he’s been leading since 1999. He takes inspiration from Andrae Crouch, Al Green, Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin which you can hear in his music, sounds of soul, funk and reggae can be heard but the influence of gospel is still prominent throughout. We can’t wait for this Leeds legend to take to our Harrogate stage!
Ben Jordan
Ben was discovered back in 2017 by rock band Joanovarc at the age of 14. He takes inspiration from Ed Sheeran and says “I have adopted his loop station style on my set”. Working in the studio over the last year he has produced 10 tracks for Spotify and the track Go Home was signed to Deevu Records. We are looking forward to hearing Ben’s fresh sound and singer-songwriter style.
David Swann
A folk singer and songwriter from Pickering in North Yorkshire. His lyrics tell such a story that you find yourself on a musical journey with him, often with laugh out loud moments. David encourages audience members to sing along to his catchy songs and always gets the crowd going, there really is no better place for him than the stage!
Carioca Soul
Carioca Soul is a new project inspired by the music of Sergio Mendes Brasil 66 and a soulfmix of contemporary and latin music.
Sunday 25th August
Will Forrester
The regular sax player with the No.1 Tribute band The UB40 Experience Will still goes out as a soloist, playing everything from Jazz Standards to current Chart Hits. Powerful funky sax delivered with style and flair
Will Forrester has been playing the sax for over 20 years. After graduating in Classical and Jazz he has now performed all over the country playing solo and in tribute bands such as Complete Madness from Leeds. Will and his sax are so versatile he can even be found around Leeds playing in clubs alongside DJ’s. We can’t wait to hear what knew tunes he has for us this year!
Ella Playford
Ella Playford is an award-winning acoustic singer songwriter, whose songs dive into the depths of themes such as love, loss, life and pain. Her sound is captivating and spine chilling: combining powerful vocals, intricate guitar lines and heartfelt lyrics to create pieces which radiate pure emotion and leave listeners pining for more. Her debut EP Feel was released in February of 2019, Beautifully showcases her signature stunning raw vocals, accompanied by a warm guitar tone, sparkling strings and a sprinkling of harmonies. Ella is born and bred in Leeds.
Natalie Rose
Vocalist Natalie Rose brings a high energy and a powerful vocal performance with a cracking repertoire of Soul and Motown music she’ll be performing all the biggest hits you’ll be guaranteed to dance all your troubles away!!
Ramona
Ramona is a 19 year old singer/songwriter from Leeds. Consistently creating new music, she takes her inspiration from the likes of Eleanor Smith, Paramore and Bright Eyes. Not one to miss!
Monday 26th August
Will Forrester
The regular sax player with the No.1 Tribute band The UB40 Experience Will still goes out as a soloist, playing everything from Jazz Standards to current Chart Hits. Powerful funky sax delivered with style and flair
Will Forrester has been playing the sax for over 20 years. After graduating in Classical and Jazz he has now performed all over the country playing solo and in tribute bands such as Complete Madness from Leeds. Will and his sax are so versatile he can even be found around Leeds playing in clubs alongside DJ’s. We can’t wait to hear what knew tunes he has for us this year!
The Washboard Resonators
Local Leeds band The Washboard Resonators will be bringing their foot stomping blues and ragtime music to this years festival. Since releasing their debut album back in 2016 they’ve gone on to tour the UK and recently released their 3rd album ‘Live From Leeds’.
“Classic tracks are interspersed with original songs. The audience love it and it’s easy to see why. The Washboard Resonators take the street corner music of yesteryear and serve it up for the delight of a modern audience. This old music is for most of us completely new. These songs have a way of getting inside your head, reminding us not to forget them”. —Nick Evans, afterdark.com
Danny Charles
Danny’s sound is Jazz Blues with a raw and souful delivery, often playing well known covers Danny always puts his own spin on them. One of his most successful of his covers Is This Love by Bob Marley, it was so well received that the Bob Marley Official social media page promoted it!
As well as being busy gigging and playing festivals, Danny is also a regular performer on The BBC Radio Leeds Richard Stead show.
The Alex Eva Duo
Alex Eva is a Leeds-based singer-songwriter with a true passion for music, Alex’s performances are captivating and soulful. Her journey in music began performing in a function band which she fronted for seven years before moving on to play in acoustic duo and trio. She then embarked on a solo career which has brought her a record deal which she is now releasing music under. Performing as a duo we’re excited to hear her latest collaboration!
Dave Pilla
Dave Pilla has a beautiful soulful voice, comparable to artists such as Nick Drake and Damien Rice. His acoustic sets are full of emotion, his music pulls on the heartstrings and invites you to really follow the story within the song.
