Alex Cann

6:30am - 10:00am

Email the studio

Dire Straits

Walk Of Life

Listen Live

Harrogate Bee Social celebrates 'brilliant' first year

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 16:07

Harrogate Bee Social is celebrating its first anniversary.

A Harrogate community group which helps local women make new friends is celebrating its first anniversary.

Harrogate Bee Social launched in September 2025 to give women opportunities to meet face-to-face, try new activities and form friendships.

The group has since organised around 260 events across Harrogate and the surrounding area.

Its programme has included coffee mornings, dinners, walks, hikes, quizzes, craft sessions, book clubs, wellbeing activities and nights out.

Women ranging in age from their 20s to over 70 have joined the community, with many attending their first event alone.

The group said:

“I don’t think I could have imagined quite what would happen next.

“For me, the best part of the last year has been watching friendships form.

“There are women who met because they happened to sit next to one another at a Bee Social coffee morning or dinner who now see each other outside our events, go away together and have become part of one another’s lives.

“That’s exactly what I hoped Harrogate Bee Social might do.”

Harrogate Bee Social has also worked with local venues and independent businesses to arrange discounts, exclusive events and collaborations for members.

It is currently developing a partnership with The Yorkshire Soap Company, which has already resulted in several collaborative events.

The group’s first anniversary comes shortly after it was named a finalist in the Community Group category at the BBC Radio York Make a Difference Awards 2026.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Friday 18th September.

Harrogate Bee Social is now planning more events and business collaborations during its second year.

The group added:

“We’re looking forward to hopefully many more women taking that slightly scary first step of walking into an event where they don’t know anyone.”

More from Local News

Leeds Bradford Airport strikes suspended as fresh pay talks planned

Planned strikes at Leeds Bradford Airport have been suspended to allow fresh negotiations over pay.
Irving Weaver appointed Life President of Harrogate Town AFC

Former Harrogate Town AFC chairman and owner, Irving Weaver, has been appointed Life President of the club in recognition of his 15 years of service.
Farm near Ripon scoops national farming award

A family farm near Ripon has been named Regenerative Farmer of the Year at the British Farming Awards.
WATCH: Magical woodland trail to support Masham primary school

A magical autumn trail has launched at Swinton Bivouac to raise money for Masham CE Primary School.
Fountains Abbey prepares to host two-day Christmas market

A two-day Christmas artisan market is returning to Fountains Abbey next month.
New society aims to revive Harrogate's spa heritage

A new organisation has launched with an ambition to revive Harrogate’s spa heritage and shape its future as “Britain’s Living Spa”.
Inherited jewellery: where do you start?

A jewellery box left behind by a parent or grandparent can be one of the hardest things to deal with after a loss.
Man found dead at property on Franklin Road in Harrogate

A man in his 50s has been found dead at a property on Franklin Road in Harrogate.
Killinghall Village Hall goes greener with £27,000 improvement project

Killinghall Village Hall has completed a £27,000 project to reduce its energy use and running costs.
Driver caught at 131mph ordered to pay over £1,500 at Harrogate court

A motorist caught driving at 131mph on a North Yorkshire dual carriageway has been ordered to pay £1,551 at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court.
Knaresborough toilets upgraded after recent vandalism

New doors have been installed at public toilets in Knaresborough following a recent spate of vandalism across the town.
Knaresborough Scarecrow Trail to return this half term

Families are being invited to find 18 scarecrows around Knaresborough during the October half-term holiday.
Yorkshire residents invited to apply for BBC's The Traitors

Yorkshire residents who think they can spot a liar – or keep a secret themselves – are being invited to apply for The Traitors.
North Yorkshire recycling centres could face closure

Mini recycling centres in North Yorkshire could face closure as the council considers whether the facilities are still needed following improvements to household recycling collections.
Harrogate Town Football Club announces new ownership

Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver and local businessman Jonathan Blezard have become co-owners of the club.
Free Halloween potion trail to launch in Harrogate this half term

A free Halloween trail will invite families to hunt for magical ingredients across Harrogate town centre this half term.
Yorkshire Water issues reminder ahead of plastic wet wipe ban

Yorkshire Water has issued a reminder about the problems caused by flushing wet wipes ahead of a ban next year.
Hundreds set to light up Harrogate's Moonlight Glow Walk

More than 400 people have signed up for Saint Michael's Hospice's Moonlight Glow Walk in Harrogate tomorrow (Saturday).
Harrogate charity helps children explore disability through art

Children at three Harrogate primary schools will work alongside disabled artists as part of a charity’s free mosaic-making programme.
Skipton Road closed in both directions after car overturns

Skipton Road in Harrogate has been closed in both directions following a serious collision this morning (Friday).