HARROGATE International Centre is throwing open its doors for a showcase of free entertainment on June 24.

The Planes, Trains And Automobiles event is part of HIC director Simon Kent’s campaign to “sell” Harrogate and the International Centre to buyers of conferences and exhibitions.

The centre will host free theatre performances, a Formula One race simulator, indoor golf driving range, climbing wall, bake-off competitions and tours of the facilities.

The event will end with a black-tie dinner, including a performance by a Take That tribute group.

Mr Kent said: “We wanted to hold something to demonstrate to potential buyers that we can compete with anywhere else in the UK when it comes to hosting events big or small.

“We need to do all we can to highlight that HIC and Harrogate itself can hold its own with other major conference and exhibition centres in the UK.”

Vickie Wilson, head of sales, said: “HIC has a fantastic heritage and we have held some massive events here of the years, including the Eurovision Song Contest and party conferences.

“But June 24 is about the future and showing how HIC and Harrogate offer world-class facilities.”