Ricky Durkin

6:30am - 10:00am

Email the studio

Amy Grant

Big Yellow Taxi

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

Appeal after men chase e-bike rider in Harrogate

Police are appealing for information after two men reportedly chased another man riding an electric bike in Harrogate.
Police appeal after cyclist seriously injured near Harrogate

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a cyclist was seriously injured in the Harrogate area.
Harrogate MP welcomes crackdown on illegal number plates

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has welcomed a nationwide crackdown on illegal number plates.
Police appeal after cabling stolen from Harrogate Hospital

Police are appealing for information after a large amount of cabling was stolen from the grounds of Harrogate District Hospital.
Harrogate SEN disco to welcome 120 young adults

An inclusive disco for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities is celebrating its second anniversary in Harrogate.
Sweaty Betty celebrates successful refresh of Harrogate store

Sweaty Betty is celebrating the successful refresh of its Harrogate store following a positive response from customers.
Harrogate cyclists prepare to conquer famous Tour de France climb

Six cyclists from Harrogate are heading to France this month to represent the town in one of the Pyrenees' biggest cycling events.
Knaresborough's Castle Creamery set to relocate

Castle Creamery in Knaresborough is set to move to new premises - and its recruiting additional members of staff.
Police operation to disrupt criminal activity in Harrogate

North Yorkshire Police has reassured the public following an increased officer presence in Harrogate town centre last week.
Harewood House slashes tickets to celebrate 40 years

Harewood House is rolling back its admission prices to 1986 levels as part of a weekend celebrating the 40th anniversary of its charitable trust.
CCTV appeal after motorbike stolen near Harrogate

Police have issued a CCTV image following the theft of a motorbike.
Support needed for Harrogate's first dedicated youth basketball club

Local businesses are being invited to support Harrogate's first dedicated youth basketball club.
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP marks 20,000th case

The office of Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has processed its 20,000th piece of casework.
Flavours of Autumn festival to be held at RHS Harlow Carr

A celebration of seasonal food and homegrown produce is coming to RHS Garden Harlow Carr this weekend.
Le Creuset cookware sale returns to Harrogate

Le Creuset is bringing its biggest UK Factory to Table Sale back to Harrogate later this month.
Council pension fund breaches could be reported to regulator

North Yorkshire councillors are to consider whether a series of breaches involving the county’s pension fund should be reported to the Pensions Regulator.
Volunteers invited to help spruce up Harrogate town centre

Volunteers are being invited to help spruce up Harrogate town centre as part of a new four-day initiative.
Police appeal after three overnight burglaries in Nidderdale

Police have launched an appeal following three overnight burglaries in Nidderdale.
Driver admits drink-driving following fatal Pateley Bridge collision

A driver has admitted being over the alcohol limit following a collision which killed 19-year-old Bailey Chadwick near Pateley Bridge.
Harrogate community groups invited to apply for share of £74,000

Community groups and charities in Harrogate are being invited to apply for a share of more than £74,000 in grant funding.