Ever wanted to know more about the hidden world of dreams, the science behind small talk, or the magic of indoor jungles? Well, Raworths Salon North has the answers to all this and a whole lot more.
The hugely popular Salon North – ‘a night out for your brain’ – is back with a bang, a new sponsor in Raworths, and three brilliant new speakers when it returns to The Crown Hotel, in Harrogate, on 7 May 2026.
Dr Gillian Sandstrom, Dave Green and Jonny Balchandani will offer an antidote to a hectic world swamped with information, as they explore the surprising, the strange, and the quietly transformative in everyday life.
Psychology of kindness expert Dr Gillian Sandstrom, author of Once Upon a Stranger, will show how talking to strangers can spark new connections, lift people’s moods and bring moments of unexpected joy to their lives.
Raworths Salon North is all about noticing the unnoticed and artist Dave Green will tap into this, transporting audience members into the mesmerising realm of lucid dreams, revealing the striking, surreal artworks that emerge when imagination meets sleep.
Joining them for the opening Salon of the year is Jonny Balchandani – better known as the Bearded Plantaholic – who is so passionate about plants he turned his spare bedroom into a greenhouse. Jonny will share his infectious love of houseplants, bust common plant care myths, and show how greenery not only transforms living spaces, but can also boost wellbeing.
Harrogate-based Raworths – sponsors of Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival for the past 14 years – has taken on the mantle of Salon North title sponsors, deepening their longstanding support of arts and culture in North Yorkshire.
Raworths Salon North brings the world’s most fascinating ideas in arts, science, and psychology to an intimate cabaret style setting in the heart of Harrogate.
Voted one of GQ magazine’s ‘Top 100 Things to do in the World,’ these unique evenings celebrate ideas, creativity, and the thrill of discovering something new and incredible.
As well as enjoying a trio of captivating 25-minute talks, it’s an opportunity to catch up with friends over a drink from the bar, browse through the bookstall run by local bookseller Imagined Things, and soak up the atmosphere.
Simon Morris, managing partner at Raworths, said:
We are delighted to see the first Raworths Salon North of the year bringing together such an intriguing and eclectic group of speakers.
These brilliant evenings feed our curiosity about the world around us, spark our imaginations, and leave us inspired and entertained.
Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:
We’re thrilled to see Salon North back – there’s nothing quite like these evenings anywhere else.
What I love about Salon is it always leaves you buzzing with knowledge and ideas that stick with you long after the lights go down.
Raworths Salon North, The Crown Hotel, Harrogate, Thursday, 7 May, 7:30pm. Tickets £18.
Tickets are available from the Harrogate International Festivals website or by calling the Box Office on 01423 562 303
