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Harrogate charity presents 'the mystery of the stolen cushions'

Wednesday, 4 June 2025 07:09

The Harrogate International Festivals office on Cheltenham Parade.

Two cushions on display outside a Harrogate arts charity have mysteriously vanished - and with no ransom note in sight.

Harrogate International Festivals has launched an appeal after the cushions were stolen from its office on Cheltenham Parade.

The office is one of most recognisable in town, with its two large turf-covered chairs on display to encourage reading.

But the orange cushions that sit on the chairs have been taken, bought following funding and support from donors.

Harrogate International Festivals is best known for organising the annual Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival - and this has been billed as ‘The Case of the Vanishing Cushions.’

An appeal on social media reads:

“We’re not a big business — we’re a local arts charity.

“Every cushion, every chair, every part of what we do comes from careful funding and generous support.

“Replacing stolen items like this genuinely costs us — and takes away from the work we do bringing the arts to Harrogate.”

They added:

“So… if our missing cushions have accidentally gone into witness protection, we’d love to see them safely returned — no questions asked.

“Fancy being a hero in this soft-furnishing saga? Drop us a message or pop them back when no one's looking.

“The chairs — and our budget — will thank you.”

Can you help? Call HIF on 01423 562303 or email info@harrogate-festival.org.uk.

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