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Alexei Sayle: How I've Tried to Change the World
Alexei Sayle brings his touring show to Harrogate Convention Centre's Main Auditorium on Sunday 8 November 2026, starting 7.30pm. It is part of Harrogate Comedy Festival. Ages 14+.
What it is
Alexei Sayle: How I've Tried to Change the World is a live show built around his new book of the same name. Sayle was born in 1952 to parents who belonged to the British Communist Party. He looks back at the protests he has joined, from the Vietnam War demonstrations of 1969 and the 1974 miners' strike to the 2003 Iraq march and recent marches over Gaza. Along the way he introduces some of his comic characters. The Harrogate date is part of Harrogate Comedy Festival 2026, and Harrogate Theatre is the presenter. The tour promoter, How To Academy, lists the Harrogate show as a conversation with the writer and broadcaster Owen Jones. Its tour page also says special guest interviewers for Harrogate are still to be announced, so check before you go if the line-up matters to you.
Dates and times
The show is on Sunday 8 November 2026 in the Main Auditorium at Harrogate Convention Centre, King's Road, HG1 5LA. It starts at 7.30pm. We could not find a published doors time. The Harrogate Theatre listing gives a running time of 110 minutes, but another ticket agent lists a shorter one, so treat the finish time as unconfirmed.
For visitors
This is a public ticketed event. Harrogate Theatre advises ages 14 and over, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Harrogate Theatre lists prices of £32.95 to £42.95. The promoter's ticket page shows higher bands, up to £47.95 including fees. Tickets are sold through Harrogate Theatre, and the box office is on 01423 502116. The promoter's page says copies of Sayle's book can be added to an order for collection at the event. Wheelchair and companion seats must be booked directly with the venue. The Harrogate Theatre listing marks the show as captioned, relaxed, audio described and BSL interpreted, so check the dates for those performances when you book. The Convention Centre takes card and contactless payments only.
Getting there
Harrogate station is about a 10-minute walk from the Convention Centre. LNER runs direct trains to London King's Cross roughly hourly, and Leeds is about 35 minutes away. Leeds Bradford Airport is about 30 minutes by taxi. Sunday timetables can differ, so check your return train before you book. The Convention Centre says there are over 1,200 car parking spaces in the town centre.
Booking early
The promoter's page was showing the Harrogate date as having only a few tickets left when we last looked. If you are travelling in from elsewhere, it is sensible to buy your ticket first and then book your accommodation, because November weekends in Harrogate can fill up.
Staying with us
Short Stay Harrogate is a family-run company with serviced apartments and townhouses in central Harrogate, many a short walk from the Convention Centre and the Royal Hall. An apartment suits a Sunday night away: you get a kitchen, space to spread out, and an easy walk back after the show. Groups travelling together can share a townhouse.
After the show
Harrogate has plenty of places to eat before a 7.30pm start, and bars and pubs in the town centre for afterwards. If you stay on until Monday, the Turkish Baths are a popular way to start the morning. Check their opening times and booking requirements before you plan around them.
Staying for this event?
Your base in Harrogate, a short walk from the venue
Make a night of it: dinner in town before the show, then a short walk back to your apartment.
See available homesCentral and walkable
Our homes are spread across central Harrogate, many within a short walk of the Convention Centre, the Royal Hall and the station.
Room for the whole team
Apartments and townhouses that sleep groups, often better value than booking several hotel rooms for exhibitors or delegates.
Book direct, best rate
Self check-in for late arrivals, fast Wi-Fi and a local team on hand. Rated 4.9 from 1,500+ five-star reviews.
Getting there
Harrogate station is in the town centre, with direct trains to London King's Cross roughly every hour and to Leeds in about 35 minutes. The Convention Centre is around a ten-minute walk from the station.
Book early
Big shows and conferences fill the town quickly, especially multi-day trade fairs. Book your stay as soon as your dates are confirmed.
Make a night of it
After the event, Harrogate's restaurants, bars and Turkish Baths are on the doorstep. See our local guide for where we eat and drink.
More events in Harrogate
See what's onQuestions people ask
What time does Alexei Sayle: How I've Tried to Change the World start?
The show starts at 7.30pm on Sunday 8 November 2026 in the Main Auditorium at Harrogate Convention Centre. We could not find a published doors time.
Is Alexei Sayle: How I've Tried to Change the World open to the public?
Yes. It is a ticketed public show, not a trade event. Harrogate Theatre advises ages 14 and over, and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
How do I buy tickets?
Book through Harrogate Theatre online, or call the box office on 01423 502116. Harrogate Theatre lists prices of £32.95 to £42.95, and the promoter's page shows bands up to £47.95 including fees. Availability was limited at the time of writing.
Where should I stay for Alexei Sayle: How I've Tried to Change the World?
Our serviced apartments and townhouses are in central Harrogate, and many are a short walk from the Convention Centre. That makes it easy to get to the 7.30pm start and back afterwards without needing a taxi or car.
Who is interviewing Alexei Sayle in Harrogate?
The promoter, How To Academy, lists the Harrogate show as a conversation with Owen Jones. It also says special guest interviewers for Harrogate are still to be announced, so the line-up could change.
How do I get to the Convention Centre?
From Harrogate station it is about a 10-minute walk. LNER runs direct trains to London King's Cross roughly hourly, and Leeds is about 35 minutes away. Leeds Bradford Airport is about 30 minutes by taxi. Parking is available in the town centre.
