Whitby's Fish and Ships Festival set to celebrate maritime heritage
Thousands expected for family-friendly coastal festivities
Whitby's renowned Fish and Ships Festival returns to the North Yorkshire coast, inviting thousands of families to celebrate the town's rich fishing heritage. Scheduled for 16th and 17th May at the Marina Front Car Park, the festival highlights the unique role local people and businesses play in showcasing the region's world-class seafood.
Visitors will enjoy an array of entertainment, including cooking and fish craft demonstrations by local chefs, giant fish displays, and sessions on pot sewing and net mending. Live performances from local bands and sea balladeers alongside arts and crafts activities offer fun for all ages.
Darren Archibald, co-founder of Made in Whitby, praised the festival's collaborative spirit: “Whitby Fish and Ships is a brilliant event that brings together enthusiastic and passionate local businesses and people to celebrate the town’s great fishing heritage and history.”
The event, supported by local businesses and community groups, aims to boost collaboration within the tourism sector, reinforcing Whitby's status as a coastal gem. "It's important that events like this go ahead," Archie emphasized, highlighting the positive impact on both locals and visitors.
Popular features from last year, like the Fisherman's Olympics, return to engage local fishing crews in contests including tug-o-war and pot stacking. Artisan goods will be on sale, and a giant crab puppet created with local schools will parade around the festival.
Whitby Lobster Hatchery will release baby lobsters at East Pier, while the Whitby RNLI lifeboat station offers insights into their lifesaving work.
Cllr Simon Myers, executive member for culture and arts, remarked on the event's success: “This was a fantastically well-attended event last year and I’m confident it will be just as popular again next weekend."
Tourism in Whitby generates about £350 million annually, contributing to North Yorkshire’s £4 billion visitor economy. More information about the Fish and Ships Festival can be found on the North Yorkshire Council website.