The 2012 ‘Broken Spoke’ festival makes its presence felt in August from the 23rd to the 26th in the stunning parkland of Ripley Castle in North Yorkshire. It will encourage spectators of all ages to participate in partner and line dancing lessons, ‘fast-draw’ and other unique ‘country & western’ activities. Country rock and pop ballads will be the general genre of music played. Great camping facilities in the grounds of this historical marvel are on offer for this event as well as a heated marquee and 2 dance-floors. Acts will include some comedic American flavour with the likes of Johnny Counterfet from good ole’ Nashville, Tennessee, and local talents such as Jet Taylor and Darren Busby. ‘Arizona Storm’ is a new band to watch out for at the concert. It features Thorne Hill who is recognized as one of the most original country artists in the UK.
Perhaps stay another day and gaze in awe at the Ripley Falconry demonstration in the Walled Gardens. If you are still in the vicinity, book a Garden Tour on the 29th August; these are scheduled for the last Wednesday of every month between February and September and led by the gardeners who are responsible for the immaculate condition of the grounds. Sir Thomas Ingilby, whose family have owned Ripley Castle for 700 years, and his events team work tirelessly to produce professional stages for the many events that take place in these gorgeous surroundings such as The Jubilee Proms with Jools Holland and ‘The Wanted’ have recently played to crowds of 5000 strong despite the rainy weather the UK has been experiencing of late.
The international touring band ‘Off the Wall’ performed a tribute to Pink Floyd some years ago and entertained the crowd at Ripley in grand style. The casual invitation to bring along your picnics and folding chairs and other essential accoutrements to these events will appeal to everyone who loves an open-air show.
Wedding packages, corporate events such as team building and business meetings are all part of Ripley’s repertoire of ‘can-do’ occasions. Conveniently situated just 3 miles from Harrogate, the castle stands rather grandly on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is open to the public all the year round. Bookings are being taken for some Hollywood-themed Christmas Party Nights. These will take place in the elegant East Wing of the Castle and include a disco and a casino. If you are not overjoyed about camping at Ripley, consider booking yourself some cool accommodation in town and make a meal of it at one of the Harrogate restaurants. You will then have all the makings of an entertaining break. This Northern Yorkshire town has so much to offer in the way of its ever-evolving cafe culture, the unique Turkish Baths and the Valley Gardens.
Bruce Giles writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
