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Illustration: The Royal Hall by Joanne Knowles
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What's on in Harrogate
Michael Starring Ben
Michael Starring Ben is a touring Michael Jackson tribute show with a live band, performed at Harrogate's Royal Hall on Friday 9 October 2026 at 7:30pm. Tickets are on sale.
What the show is and who goes
Michael Starring Ben is a touring theatre production from James Baker Productions. Ben Bowman performs as Michael Jackson, backed by a live band, with costumes, dance routines and a light show. The set draws on Jackson's solo hits and songs by The Jackson 5, including Thriller, Beat It, Billie Jean and Man in the Mirror. The Royal Hall listing recommends it for ages 14 and over. It is a tribute production and is not endorsed by the Michael Jackson Estate. The Royal Hall holds a little over 1,000 people, so expect a full but manageable house.
Date and start time
There is one performance in Harrogate, on Friday 9 October 2026, starting at 7:30pm at the Royal Hall on Ripon Road. We could not confirm a doors time, so check your ticket or the venue's booking page. Ticket prices vary by seat and by seller. Harrogate Theatre's listing shows a range of £23 to £66, with the top price covering a box for two.
For visitors
This is a public ticketed show, not a trade event, so there are no exhibitors to plan around. If you are coming from out of town, an evening show with a 7:30pm start suits an overnight stay. You can eat before the performance, walk to the hall, and not worry about the last train home. Our apartments and townhouses across central Harrogate give you space to get ready, a kitchen if you want a simple meal beforehand, and room for a group or family to stay together. Many are a short walk from the Convention Centre and the Royal Hall.
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. Leeds is about 35 minutes away by train. Leeds Bradford Airport is about 30 minutes by taxi. If you are driving, allow extra time to park on a busy show night, or leave the car at your accommodation and walk.
Booking early
Tickets for this date have been on sale since August 2025, and one seller showed limited availability on the day of the performance. For future Royal Hall events, book your tickets and your accommodation together. Central Harrogate fills up on show nights, and the apartments closest to the hall tend to go first.
After the show
Harrogate town centre is a short walk from the Royal Hall. You will find restaurants and bars open in the evening, and a late supper is easy to arrange once the show finishes. If you are staying another night, the Turkish Baths are a traditional Harrogate way to spend a slow Saturday morning. Check their opening times and book ahead. Our team can help with local suggestions if you ask when you book.
Staying for this event?
Your base in Harrogate, a short walk from the venue
An evening show at the Royal Hall: stay over, have dinner nearby and skip the late drive home.
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
Where should I stay for Michael Starring Ben?
Somewhere within walking distance of the Royal Hall makes the evening easier. Short Stay Harrogate has serviced apartments and townhouses across central Harrogate, many a short walk from the Convention Centre and the Royal Hall.
Is Michael Starring Ben open to the public?
Yes. It is a ticketed theatre show for the general public. The Royal Hall listing recommends it for ages 14 and over.
What time does Michael Starring Ben start?
The performance on Friday 9 October 2026 starts at 7:30pm at the Royal Hall. We could not confirm the doors time, so check your ticket or the venue.
How do I get tickets?
Use the Royal Hall and Harrogate Convention Centre listing, or the ticket links on the producer's website. Prices differ between sellers, so check you are buying from an authorised one.
How do I get to the Royal Hall by train?
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.
