Ricky Durkin

6:30am - 10:00am

Email the studio

Eddy Grant

Electric Avenue

Listen Live

Double award win for Knaresborough's Knot Another Choir

Tuesday, 21 April 2026 07:39

Knot Another Choir at the Eskdale Festival of the Arts National Choir Day.

A choir from Knaresborough is celebrating success after securing two first-place finishes at a national music festival.

Knot Another Choir took part in the Eskdale Festival of the Arts National Choir Day on Saturday (18th April), marking its debut appearance at the event.

The festival was held at Whitby Pavilion, overlooking the North Yorkshire coastline.

The choir entered two competitive classes during the day and went on to win both, performing a varied programme that showcased a mix of contemporary and traditional arrangements.

In the Mixed Voices Class, the group performed “Happy Together” alongside a rendition of “Run” by Snow Patrol, earning first place and the ETS trophy.

They followed this with another winning performance in the Recital Class, which featured “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”, and an arrangement of “Steal Away” by Mark DeLisser.

The performance secured them The Eskdale Tournament of Song Norman Strafford Memorial Trophy, a historic award dating back to 1919, along with a £100 prize.

A spokesperson for Knot Another Choir said

"This success is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and spirit of our choir, which continues to go from strength to strength under the leadership of our Musical Director, Craig Lees.

"We were expertly accompanied on the piano by our talented young accompanist, Stefan Wardle — and we couldn’t be prouder of everyone involved.

"A huge thank you to our supporters who joined us on the day — your presence meant a great deal to us."

The event attracted choirs from across the country, with organisers noting a high standard of competition throughout the day.

Feedback from adjudicator Philip Dewhurst praised both the quality of performance and the connection of the group.

The choir has a number of upcoming appearances planned across the region, including performances at the Harrogate Community Festival at the Royal Hall, as well as summer dates at Newby Hall and Valley Gardens.

More from Local News

Knaresborough Mayor to open town's first padel venue

Knaresborough's first dedicated town centre padel venue will officially open on Friday with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor taking to the court.
New award launched to find Yorkshire's best pub

A new award recognising Yorkshire's best pub has been introduced as part of the 2026 Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards.
Vale of York services given go-ahead despite "rape of countryside" claim

Plans for a motorway service area (MSA) off the A1(M) in North Yorkshire have been approved despite a claim the scheme amounts to the "rape of the countryside".
Traffic to use new A59 Kex Gill route for first time tomorrow

Drivers travelling between Harrogate and Skipton will begin using part of the new A59 Kex Gill route from tomorrow (Wednesday)
Annual Tour de Aky set to hit £10,000 target

This year's Tour de Aky is on course to raise £10,000 for charity after another successful series of fundraising events.
Harrogate bus staff nominated for national award

Two Harrogate-based Transdev colleagues have been shortlisted for national honours at this year's RouteOne Awards.
Parking warning issued after Burnsall car park closes

Burnsall visitors are being urged to plan ahead after the closure of a major parking field left parking in the village extremely limited.
Spire Harrogate Clinic earns top housekeeping award

Spire Harrogate Clinic has been recognised for its high standards of cleanliness after achieving its first Gold CAP Award.
Otley music studio launches six-week daytime courses

A series of new daytime music courses is launching in Otley later this month, giving adults the chance to sing, play and meet new people.
New guide helps families find free and low-cost summer fun

Families across the Harrogate district are being encouraged to make the most of a new guide to free and low-cost activities during the seven-week summer holidays.
Much-loved Slingsby Gin becomes new Festivals' partner

Harrogate International Festivals has announced a new partnership with Slingsby Gin.
Princess Royal to become Great Yorkshire Show President

The Princess Royal will become President of the Great Yorkshire Show next year in a landmark moment for the event.
Concern over lack of consultation ahead of Lifeline cuts decision

Cuts to a 24/7 emergency helpline for elderly North Yorkshire residents have been pushed through without consulting users of the service, say critics.
Animal charity launches £2 million redevelopment appeal

An animal charity that supports vulnerable pets from Harrogate has launched a major public appeal to help fund a £2 million redevelopment of its facilities.
Sneak peek: New Otley play area starts to take shape

A brand new indoor and outdoor play attraction is beginning to take shape ahead of its opening in Otley.
Historic Harrogate pub named among the UK's best by The Telegraph

One of Harrogate's most historic pubs has been recognised as one of the best places in the UK to enjoy a pint.
Police appeal to find wanted Harrogate man

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for help to trace a wanted man from Harrogate.
Harrogate MP calls on new Prime Minister to overhaul 'broken' water industry

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon is calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to make reform of the water industry one of his first priorities in office.
Harrogate nursery children get messy for International Mud Day

Children at Partou nurseries across the country, including Woodlands Harrogate Day Nursery and Pre-school, have marked International Mud Day by rolling up their sleeves for a marathon session of messy, hands-on fun.
Harrogate Autumn Flower Show to celebrate 50th anniversary

Harrogate Autumn Flower Show will celebrate its 50th anniversary next month with a special programme of horticultural displays, competitions and family activities.