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.
Find more information on The Scarborough Fair website.
There are five events per year as part of The Scarborough Fair:
Scarborough Extreme (5 October 2024)
A showcase day and a year round platform to support and celebrate sports and activities that push you to your limits.
The showcase day in October will take place in Scarborough town centre and include demonstrations, workshops and community activities featuring sports such as surfing, cycling and skateboarding.
Scarborough Lights (15 November to 22 December 2024)
A variety of free and affordable light shows, installations and community activities with indoor and outdoor works and projections.
Find out about Scarborough Lights 2023.
Scarborough Streets
A free three-day festival took place in early May and features outdoor events, murals, street art and performances by local, national and international artists providing entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.
Find out about Scarborough Streets 2024.
Scarborough Art
An exciting event at various venues across Scarborough town centre and beyond. It is an opportunity to visit different places and spaces around the area and discover work from across the creative community in all mediums.
In 2024 the festival took place from 14 June until 3 August. Find out about Scarborough Art.
Scarborough Fringe
The Fringe festival features theatre, music, comedy, spoken word, children’s shows and a variety of other events and performances taking place in both traditional venues and more unconventional settings.
The 2024 event, the first ever Fringe in Scarborough, took place from 21 until 30 June. Find out more about Scarborough Fringe.