Yorkshire Coast Festivals 2023
24/01/2023
The Yorkshire Coast is packed with festivals throughout the year, from events celebrating the area's heritage and history, to unique family days out. We've put together our top picks of confirmed festivals for 2023.
Sci-Fi Scarborough
22nd & 23rd April 2023
A sci-fi fan’s dream, Sci-Fi Scarborough is a celebration of the genre in all its forms. Held annually at Spa Complex, this festival features everything from exhibitions to screenings and workshops. There will be a big exhibition hall full of sci-fi memorabilia, as well as talks by authors and special guests – including some from famous franchises such as Doctor Who and Star Wars.
For those who want something more hands-on, there will be plenty on offer for you too: try your hand at making your own prop or learn how to create costumes from scratch! There’s also a Cosplay competition, so you can expect to see an array of sci-fi themed costumes hoping to win best dressed.
Whitby Goth Weekend
28th – 30th April 2023
27th – 29th October 2023
Whitby Goth Weekend is held twice annually in Spring and Autumn. It's the largest goth festival in the world and attracts thousands of people to Whitby every year. The event celebrates the dark subculture that revolves around music and fashion, with live bands playing on outdoor stages and hundreds of people dressed up in their most extravagant outfits.
The festival features live music from bands such as Fields Of The Nephilim and Voltaire, as well as DJs playing alternative dance music all weekend long at The Fish Hotel, where you can also enjoy refreshments including burgers and cocktails.
If you fancy taking part in some of the fun yourself then don't forget to bring along your dancing shoes! There's plenty going on throughout all three days so make sure you get there early enough so that you don't miss out on any of it - trust us when we say that this festival gets busy quickly!
Whitby Fish & Ships Festival
20th – 21st May 2023
The Whitby Fish & Ships Festival is a three-day event that takes place at the end of May and celebrates all things nautical. Highlights include traditional fish and chips, a fishing competition, street entertainment and an array of stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to jewellery. The festival also features live music performances by local bands who will be performing on stages around the town centre.
For those who fancy getting their sea legs back in action there’s also an open sailing event which allows you to take part in races or simply enjoy being out on the water with others – provided it's calm enough! If you're not looking for anything too intense then why not hop aboard one of the ferries which will be running between Scarborough and Whitby during this weekend?
As well as providing some great entertainment opportunities it's also worth mentioning that this festival offers something else - food! Expect to find plenty of fresh food stalls and famous local fish and chips on offer.
27th – 28th May 2023
26th – 27th August 2023
The Malton Food Lovers Festival is a celebration of all things food and drink, located in Yorkshire’s Food Capital of Malton. The festival runs twice a year, once in May and once in August. You'll be able to see cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and an abundance of stalls selling local produce.
There’s plenty to see too, with cooking demos, food tasting, live music and even the occasional celebrity chef.
These are some of the best festivals on the Yorkshire Coast. Some dates are provisional or are subject to change.
Seafest Scarborough
14th – 16th July 2023
Seafest Scarborough is a three-day festival celebrating the rich heritage of Scarborough and its close connection with the sea. People come from across the country to enjoy their time at this weekend long event, which includes live music, street performers, art exhibitions, food stalls and plenty more.
Seafest is held on the seafront in Scarborough and there are lots of activities for all ages - from miniature trains and car boot sales to face painting and pirate treasure hunts! Seafest takes place over two days every summer (Saturday and Sunday) so if you're looking for something fun to do during your stay here then this is definitely it! Don’t miss the spectacular firework display planned over the Saturday evening on the South Bay too.
Filey Kite Festival
16th – 17th September 2023
The Filey Kite Festival is an annual event on the coast of Yorkshire that celebrates kites and other activities such as sandcastle building competitions and face painting for children. You can find all sorts of colourful and ambitious kites of all sizes up on the breezy headland of Filey Brigg.
There will also be rides for the kids and drinks and snacks available up on the brigg. The event takes place ever year in September and is free to attend.