The Scarborough Fair project is funded in part by £1.2 million from the Government’s Towns Fund programme, which is being used to help to organise 15 festivals over three years, and is a project of North Yorkshire Council, working in partnership with the public and private sectors and initiated following extensive consultation with local residents, businesses and community organisations.
Local stories, people, venues, spaces and landscapes will be the inspiration for an activity with a national appeal which increases local pride, enhances aspirations and deepens understanding. The Scarborough Fair will be the way that we tell our story in a more dynamic and cohesive way – linking the heritage, geography, culture and people of our town in a way that helps us articulate our story much better – the story of Scarborough in the future, not the past.
There are five events per year as part of The Scarborough Fair:
International Street Arts Festival (4 May - 6 May 2024)
A three-day free festival featuring a parade and with outdoor events - created with local arts organisations and featuring visiting performers - over the May holiday weekend.
Scarborough Lights (November - December 2023)
Co-created with the town’s communities over the autumn months and culminating in events running throughout December. This will be mostly free to access with some ticketed events and installations taking place in publicly accessible buildings such as the Spa, vacant shop units and pop-up spaces.
Scenes of Scarborough Art Trail (14 June - 16 August 2024)
Discover artwork inspired by the coast following a trail that will take you on a journey around Scarborough, discovering incredible pieces of art.
Scarborough Fringe (14 June - 23 June 2024)
This new event for 2024 brings the best of contemporary art and entertainment to the Yorkshire Coast.
Scarborough Extreme (September 2024)
A three-day extravaganza of sport competition and music at Scarborough Open Air Theatre.
