UPDATE: Home & Gift unaffected by Harrogate hotel fire
Home & Gift organiser Clarion Events has dispelled fears that the recent fire at a key Harrogate hotel will disrupt the event, to be held from July 18-21.
The Majestic, a listed Victorian building overlooking the Yorkshire town, was struck by fire on the morning of May 5. All 132 guests and 25 employees were led to safety from the hotel. One body was discovered and is undergoing identification while he fire is still being treated as potentially suspicious.
The Majestic is a key part of the Home & Gift site – the hotel foyer is used as exhibition space and the Design Point marquees sit within its grounds. In addition, many show attendees and exhibitors stay at the hotel.
Naomi Hird, marketing communications manager at Clarion said: “We were really saddened to hear about the news about the Majestic. We’ve been in touch with the hotel and we don’t see any immediate effect to the show, but we’re receiving regular updates.”
Joanna Bush, Home & Gift show director added: “I spoke to the general manager this morning and they’re working to the assumption that it will be business as usual at Home & Gift. They’ve lost some bedrooms, but from our point of view, it’s not going to have any impact.
“It’s been a horrific week for them, losing a member of staff but it's better news for us.
“The structural assessment has been done and that’s OK. They’ve lost part of the roof of the hotel. Initially, it was very concerning, but the fire was contained within one area – most of it was in staff quarters. There is just water damage under the actual fire.
“I’ve seen a photo and there doesn’t appear to be any exterior damage. The fire took place on the fourth and fifth floor, and the staff quarters, which are set back from the main façade, so it doesn’t look that bad.
“The worst outcome, in terms of the show, will be that they’ve lost some bedrooms – about 50 or 60. Anyone who was booked in there has already been relocated.
“There’s a big housing show taking place before Home & Gift and that’s going ahead as planned. Vince Johnson, general manager of the Majestic, has said to us that he doesn’t anticipate any impact on the show.”
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