Is the soundscape of the world an indeterminate composition over which we have no control, or are we its composers and performers, responsible for giving it form and beauty? Orchestration is a musician’s business – but isn’t it up to us to undergo a paradigm shift and start hearing – not the music in the global soundscape – but the global soundscape as music? How has the soundscape of the borough changed in your lifetime?

About the Project
“Harrogate Sound Portrait” isn’t just a project; it’s a journey through the auditory landscape of my hometown. By carefully geolocating sounds, we’ve created an immersive experience that allows you to explore Harrogate in a way you’ve never done before – through its very heartbeat.
From the murmurs of the farmer’s market to the gentle hum of the evening breeze, every sound is a piece of Harrogate’s intricate puzzle. And we’re inviting you to piece it together.

The Podcast
Dive deeper into your local soundscape with the “Harrogate Sound Portrait” podcast. Here, I delve into the stories behind the sounds, the history they echo, and the memories they evoke. With each episode, we’re not just listening; we’re learning, reflecting, and celebrating Harrogate’s symphony.
Noisy Fan At A Ginnel
Christmas Tree, Harrogate Town Centre
WH Smiths, Harrogate
The Sound Of Melting Snow
Outside M&S, Harrogate
Outside Jessops, Harrogate
Gambaru Crossing
Brown Long-Eared Bat, Valley Gardens
Outside Bass & Bligh
Back Dragon Parade, Dawn Chrous
ASDA, Bower Road
Blackbird, Dragon Parade
Cold Bath Road
Breeze In The Trees, Valley Garden's Boating Pond
Leaves Blowing Around A Fire Escape, Back Dragon Parade
A Grapevine In The Breeze
Distant Fireworks
Pothole Repairs, Dragon Road
Fish & Chips
Pride March (Quiet Part)
The Ginnel, Outside Space
Pride March, Montpellier
Pride March, Launch (2018)
Inside Creao Studio
Dawn Chorus // Back Dragon Avenue, Harrogate
A Cross Section Of Dragon Parade, During The Pandemic
Skipton Road, Midday
East Parade Take-Away
Clap For Carers - Dragon Parade, Harrogate
Dragon Parade to Claro Road - An Audio Walk in Harrogate
Bower Road, Up East Parade - An Audio Walk
Street Corner, High Harrogate
Binaurial Domestication
A Morning Cup Of Tea
Opening Up: Commercial Street at 9am
The Dawn Chorus In May, At The Start Of Nidderdale Greenway, Harrogate
How to Navigate the Map
- Zoom in: The Sound Map works similar to other, regular maps on the web. There is the option to zoom in and to scroll with your clicked mouse.
- Click on a Sound Pin: Each pin on our map represents a distinct sound of Harrogate.
- Listen & Reflect: Take a moment to immerse yourself, to feel and connect.
- Discover More: Click on more pins for insights into Harrogate’s heartbeat.
- Subscribe: The podcast in available on most audio platforms; Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts included.