The best and most-loved businesses in the Knaresborough area were celebrated at an annual awards event over the weekend.
Held on Saturday (16th August), Knaresborough Business Collective’s annual Business Awards returned to Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre to celebrate the best of the best in Knaresborough.
The event, attended by business owners, staff and supporters, welcomed guests for drinks, food and entertainment before the winners were announced across more than a dozen categories.
Freedom Performing Arts were named 'Business of the Year', whilst So Bar and Eats Knaresborough was crowned 'Favourite Place to Eat.'
A spokesperson for Freedom Performing Arts said:
"Huge thank you to everyone that voted… honestly it means the world.
"We have had the biggest year ever and this has just topped off our 15th year in business!
"Thank you to everyone that has been a part of our crazy year, students, parents, local businesses, sponsors, our incredible teachers and my amazing supportive family!"
The Knaresborough Business Awards, organised by Knaresborough Business Collective, first started in 2022.

A spokesperson for Knaresborough Business Collective said:
"What a night celebrating all that Knaresborough is, bringing the whole business community together.
"So many happy faces all championing one another, so much fun, laughter, tears, drinking, dancing, love and colour all in one place. We even got a standing ovation!
"Some of the most shocked winners reactions we have ever seen and a night we will remember forever."
Here is a full list of this year's winners:
- Favourite female led business - Stomp
(Highly Commended - Sheer Bliss Lingerie - Knaresborough) - Favourite male led business - Andy watts Milkman
(Highly Commended - Wild Style Tattoo) - Favourite family run business - Two Brothers Takeaway
(Highly Commended - Blind Jack's) - Favourite healthcare business - Castle Clinic
(Highly Commended - Natural Choice Knaresborough) - Favourite hairdressers/barbers - Divine Hairdressing
(Highly Commended - Tommy's Barber Shop) - Favourite beauty clinic - Boujee
(Highly Commended - Swish Beauty) - Favourite retailer - Twig&Ink
(Highly Commended - Stomp) - Contribution to community award - Henshaws
(Highly Commended - Studio 3 Dance Workshop) - Favourite Professional service provider - Greenwoods Solicitors
(Highly Commended - Newby James) - Favourite attraction - Mother Shipton's Cave
(Highly Commended - Kingfisher Kiosk at Conyngham) - Favourite coffee shop - Number Thirteen
(Highly Commended - Cafe Di Lucca) - Favourite business team - The Farm Dairy
(Highly Commended - Freedom Performing Arts) - Favourite place to eat - So Bar and Eats Knaresborough
(Highly Commended - Carriages in Knaresborough) - Favourite place to drink - SIX POOR FOLK
(Highly Commended - Blind Jack’s) - Favourite tradesman - Knaresborough Window Cleaners
(Highly Commended - Brian King) - Favourite class/workshop - Painting Pots Knaresborough
(Highly Commended - Freedom Performing Arts) - Favourite new business - WildIvy Florist
(Highly Commended - Sally Plain) - Best customer service - Carol's Bonnie Dogs
(Highly Commended Chiropody by Louise) - Favourite shop front/window displays - Blind Jack’s
(Highly Commended - Claire Baxter Artist and Gallery) - Knaresborough Business of the Year - Freedom Performing Arts
(Highly Commended - The Farm Dairy) - Best Dressed female - Camilla Greenwood
- Best Dressed male - Adam Kemp

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