George Dickson

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Email the studio

George Michael

Too Funky

Listen Live

Jespers of Harrogate to celebrate 125th anniversary

Wednesday, 8 July 2026 15:55

Major milestone: Jespers of Harrogate is celebrating 125 years.

One of Harrogate's longest-standing independent retailers is preparing to celebrate a major milestone.

Jespers of Harrogate will mark its 125th anniversary this September with a week of celebrations, including a live artist in the shop window, a prize draw and an anniversary party.

Founded by the Jesper family in 1901 as an engravers, the business has grown into one of Harrogate's best-known independent department stores.

Over the last 125 years, it has survived two world wars, the rise of the internet and the Covid-19 pandemic.

The business is now owned by the Vickers family, who also run the 200-year-old Vickers Oils.

They took over the store with a commitment to preserving its character while ensuring it continues to thrive on Harrogate's high street.

Manager Lynne Cummings, who has worked at Jespers for 32 years, said:

"We have extraordinary archive material spanning 125 years, and a story that we think speaks something people genuinely want to hear right now: that the high street isn't dead. That independent retail can find its second act. That the right family, at the right moment, can make all the difference."

The anniversary celebrations will culminate on Thursday 10th September, when the store hosts a special evening event to celebrate 125 years at the heart of Harrogate.

More from Local News

Harrogate Grammar praised in latest Ofsted inspection

Harrogate Grammar School is celebrating after Ofsted praised its academic achievement, sixth form and high-quality education.
Boroughbridge mum completes 100km challenge after daughter's life-saving heart surgery

A Boroughbridge mum has completed a gruelling 100km challenge after her daughter underwent life-saving heart surgery as a newborn.
Great Yorkshire Show almost sold out with two days at full capacity

Visitors are being urged to book now if they want to attend this year's Great Yorkshire Show, with the event already close to selling out.
Harrogate pupils' harvest helps feed homeless people

Locally grown onions, potatoes and broad beans are providing meals for the homeless thanks to pupils at Harrogate High School.
Spot the Board: Eagle-eyed residents scoop England shirts

Three eagle-eyed Harrogate residents have won new England shirts thanks to Your Harrogate and Verity Frearson Estate Agents.
Fleetwood Mac and Queen tributes to headline Harrogate Food & Drink Festival

Organisers of the Harrogate Food and Drink Festival have confirmed the complete live music and entertainment programme for their seventh annual celebration beside the historic grounds of Ripley Castle.
Harrogate MP hits out at Nigel Farage over Clacton by-election

Local MP Tom Gordon has criticised Nigel Farage after he announced he would trigger a by-election in his Clacton constituency.
K-Pop All Stars to bring global pop phenomenon to Harrogate

Fans of K-pop are in for a treat later this month as K-Pop All Stars heads to Harrogate for a high-energy live show.
Extra tickets released for Great Yorkshire Show due to demand

Organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show have released additional tickets for this year's show due to 'unprecedented demand.'
Joanne Towler joins Your Media Group in senior commercial role

Your Media Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Joanne Towler as its new Senior Commercial Lead.
Great Yorkshire Show: All the travel information you need

Thousands of people are expected to head to Harrogate next week for the Great Yorkshire Show – and with big crowds comes changes to the town's roads.
Harrogate College welcomes pupils for behind-the-scenes site tour

Students from Rossett School have been given a behind-the-scenes look at the new Harrogate College campus as construction continues on the development.
CCTV appeal after theft from Weetons

Police have issued a CCTV image following a shop theft in Harrogate.
Ripon MP reacts to shock closure of Burnsall Park

The MP for Ripon and Skipton has spoken following the announcement that Burnsall Park has closed to the public after more than 70 years.
Harrogate's famous 'Poo Bus' becomes unlikely hit in Australia

Harrogate's famous "Poo Bus" has gone international after being featured in an Australian transport magazine.
Opening of new Kex Gill road delayed again due to weather

Motorists will have to wait longer than expected before the new A59 route at Kex Gill opens after weather caused another delay to the £82.5 million project.
Returning Yorkshire Baby & Toddler Show vows to be 'bigger than ever'

The Yorkshire Baby & Toddler Show is set to return to the Pavilions in Harrogate this autumn, with organisers promising its biggest event to date.
Harrogate MP secures Government backing for Slingsby Gin's new owners

Local MP Tom Gordon has secured a Government commitment to support the new owners of Slingsby Gin after raising the future of the business in the House of Commons.
Dinosaurs to roar into Harrogate as popular Lego Trail returns

Harrogate BID has announced the return of one of its most popular annual events, with the Lego Trail set to bring a series of prehistoric displays to the town centre this summer.
The Old Deanery in Ripon to close fine dining restaurant

The fine dining restaurant at The Old Deanery is set to close later this month.