Harrogate Conference Centre hails return to pre-Covid levels in events

A leading conference centre in Yorkshire has hailed post-pandemic recovery in its industry after significant growth and forecasts of a strong year to come.

The Harrogate Convention Centre said lettings income for the year ending in March was its highest since 2014, having risen 19% on the previous year and 14% on pre-Covid levels.

The centre said it had benefitted from a new strategy to offer multiple events in different parts of its building, as well improvements to the site and its catering operations. It said it had seen growth particularly in conferences and trade exhibitions.

Read more: Yorkshire and Humber economy returns to growth

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The centre said lettings revenue had already exceeded its target this year and was “going strong for 2025/26.” It pointed to the success of events like Harrogate Christmas and Gift Fair, Bridal Week Harrogate and the upcoming Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival.

Paula Lorimer, director of Harrogate Convention Centre, said: “The exceptional business performance we achieved last year provides a welcome signal of robust and continuous growth surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Despite the current economic environment, the resilience and hard work of our wonderful team have continued to deliver a superb event experience for organisers and delegates.

“Forward-looking bookings for the years ahead are promising. These results demonstrate the strong demand we are seeing within the event industry and reaffirm that Harrogate remains highly attractive for event organisers.”

Owned by the North Yorkshire Council, the centre opened in the 1980s and is famous for having hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 1982. Its facilities including a 2,000-seat conference auditorium and 13,700 sqm of flexible event space.