Arts and culture set to take centre stage in Scarborough
Scarborough Fair’s Autumn and Winter Season begins today
The Scarborough Fair’s Autumn and Winter Season begins today with hopes the events will draw crowds to the seaside resort through the colder months.
The festivities begin with Scarborough Streets Autumn Edition, bringing free performances and creative activities to Westborough, North Street, Aberdeen Walk, and Alma Square. The event is part of a wider programme, including Scarborough Art Autumn/Winter Edition (October 11 to December 21), Scarborough Lights (November 14 to December 21), and Scarborough Fringe Winter Edition (December 4 to 7).
Established in 2023, The Scarborough Fair is a year-round celebration of arts, heritage, and sport, backed by £1.2 million from the Government’s Towns Fund. North Yorkshire Council, along with public and private partners, is working to organise fifteen festivals over three years.
Cllr Simon Myers, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for arts and culture, said: “It is important that our tourist destinations are not just seen as places to spend summer holidays. They have so much more to offer, and The Scarborough Fair is a fine example of this. There is truly something for everyone among the events on offer.”
Scarborough Streets is supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, and funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. The event is delivered in partnership with the Stephen Joseph Theatre, whose executive director Caroline Routh called the programme a “real team effort,” promising a packed weekend of performances by street artists, circus workshops, and more.
Festival director Julian Caddy said: “These events are a brilliant showcase of creative work from across Scarborough and around the UK at a time when it might not normally be quite so busy. We are thinking beyond Spring and Summer to make the most of what the area has to offer.”