Ed
06 September 2018
Harrogate is home to several major events venues. The top two are the Harrogate Convention Centre (HCC) and the Yorkshire Event Centre (YEC).
Work and play meet at the HCC. No matter your vocation, there has probably been a conference here catering to your trade as it’s the second largest conference and exhibition centre outside of the capital.
Business conferences are not the only big draws for crowds: there are some heavyweight family and specialist events here for enthusiasts and collectors that take place throughout the year. With a conference auditorium that seats 2000 attendees as well as eight other exhibition spaces, there’s a combined offering of 16,500 m2. The complex hires out a number of smaller rooms and suites too. Located at the heart of Harrogate, visitors are well-placed for exploring the rest of the town with its fine dining establishments, parks and large choice of interest independent shops. The town is also well served by good public transport links including the national road and rail network.
Previously it was known as the Harrogate International Centre. First opened in 1982, it was the host venue for the Eurovision Song Contest the same year and since then, has been radically expanded to cater for large-scale events.
Recurring and recent events at the HCC include: the Homebuilding and Renovating Show, the biggest of its kind in the north of England; the Great Brick Adventure – a gigantic Lego Brick building event to make out-of-this-world creations; the Russian State Opera’s opulent production of Carmen; the Iyengar Yoga convention for the UK; Harrogate Oktoberfest – inexplicably in September; a live appearance by actor Michael Palin as a part of their In Conversation series of events and so much more. Get yourself along to the Convention Centre because there is something for everybody, young and old from lifestyle, entertainment and industry events to collectors’ conventions.
We have some impressive holiday homes in our collection. If you are looking to attend an event, we have a superb selection for you to consider from chic town centre apartments to larger properties for families, many with flexible booking options if you only have time to stay in Harrogate for a long weekend or a couple of days.
The Yorkshire Event Centre (YEC)
The Yorkshire Event Centre is an alternative to the HCC. An up and coming competitor the YEC also hosts a wide range of exciting indoor and outdoor events, festivals and exhibitions. It offers vendors 6,270m² of indoor space. The YEC also shares the same address as the Great Yorkshire Showgrounds which is a home to the North of England's largest agricultural show, the Great Yorkshire Show. Recent events on the calendar have included the National Apprentice Show, the 'I Do' Wedding Exhibition, and the Harrogate Gift and Fashion Fair.
Just a few miles from the centre of Harrogate. The YEC is just 15 minutes from the motorway, with free parking and less than 1 mile from the nearest train station.
Here are a couple of suggestions for you to consider, all of which are close to the HCC and the YEC.
Blue Suite (sleeps four) – located just 1 mile from the HCC and the town centre. A perfect base for traders and exhibitors alike.
Terracotta Suite (sleeps five) – This charming, well-designed and furnished apartment is located in the same complex as the Blue Suite, this apartment offers a large parking space for those who are arriving in vans or large cars.
For even more choice, click here.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.