Exhibitions, arts events and a new sculpture are all being organised
Communities in Scarborough are being given the opportunity to take part in a wide range of cultural events to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Scarborough becoming a spa town.
Celebrations are being organised throughout this year with a programme of events including exhibitions, cultural and arts showcases, family entertainment and community trails.
The programme which is being coordinated by ourselves and local organisations aims to honour the town’s rich past while shining a spotlight on Scarborough as a must-visit destination now and into the future.
Our executive member for arts and culture, Cllr Simon Myers, said: “Scarborough is one of our most popular destinations and attracts visitors from across the country every year, but it is such a special place to live as well. We want to make sure that everyone in Scarborough has the opportunity to get involved in events to mark the occasion.”
A Scarborough-based arts organisation, Animated Objects, which specialises in performances using giant artworks, illuminations and large-scale puppets, is organising a year-long series of events working with the council and supported by Arts Council England.
Among the events that are being planned are community activities and workshops throughout May and June. These will include creative activities days at venues across the town during the May half-term holiday, with professional artists on hand to help to create large-scale lanterns and sculptures inspired by the town’s 400th anniversary.
Another lantern-making event will be held at St Mary's Church which is aimed for adults and children aged seven and over. Children must be accompanied by an adult for this event.
A centrepiece celebration will be held as part of this year’s SeaFest event over the weekend of 18 and 19 July at the Ocean Room at The Spa venue from 10.30am to 4pm.
The event will feature free family activities and will include a life-sized handcrafted recreation of the original spa pump room and a Lego model of The Spa building along with stalls from local charities and organisations.
Businesses are being urged to get involved in marking this important milestone for the town.
The 10th edition of Animated Objects’ annual community lantern parade as part of the Scarborough Sparkle weekend will be staged on Friday 27 November. One of the main themes for 2026 will be a look towards the next 400 years for Scarborough.
The artistic director of Animated Objects, Lee Threadgold, said: “We and other organisations across Scarborough have lined up a varied programme of events, so hopefully this will appeal to as many people as possible to enjoy what is on offer and to get involved themselves in helping to mark such an important anniversary for the town.”
Among the other highlights that are planned for the year-long celebration will be the new sculpture which is due to be installed close to Scarborough Spa. It was announced in March that an internationally renowned sculptor, Jethro Crabb, has been commissioned for creating the artwork.
The bronze sculpture will be called Aqua Vitalis and will feature a striking female figure inspired by Thomasin Farrer, who discovered the apparently medicinal properties of the town’s spa waters in 1626.
