Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage

Staithes Festival has established itself as one of the friendliest festival on the coast – a must-see event in the regional arts calendar.

During the weekend the doors of cottages in the village are thrown open as pop-up art galleries in a unique selling exhibition. 

The heritage of Staithes is celebrated through a programme of walks, talks, historic photographs, film shows, and a demonstration of how to make a lobster pot!

North York Moors, Scarborough Borough Council and Welcome to Yorkshire
Light on the Beach

Glenn Kilpatrick www.whitby-photography.com

Come and be part of our unique festival -  view art, meet the artists, listen to music and discover the history and heritage of Staithes. 

Says artist Sue Frater: "To be part of Staithes Art Festival weekend is a very special experience. You not only get to exhibit your work in lovely historical cottages but also to meet and talk to so many people who are genuinely interested in your work and how it's created. In many cases this results in a sale, but the best thing of all is when you return the following year and find your paintings hanging on the walls of these lovely cottages, It's just wonderful." Sue will be showing in Old Jack's Cottage.

Says artist Ian Burdall: "I have taken part in every festival since it started, and for me it's the best festival of its kind. Houses as galleries is a format used elsewhere but nowhere comes close to this for  charm, location, vibrancy and energy. Since its conception a dedicated team of people have put on a tremendously well-organised event for both the public and participating artists. Not only are the visual arts represented but music, spoken word and food appear on street corners on the seafront and in the many alleyways. No one is left behind. And as much as it is fun it is a serious selling event. People come with the intention to buy art as well as enjoy the evening film shows, light installations and music." Ian will be showing in the chapel above Staithes Museum.

Galleries will be open in the top and bottom of the village

Friday 15 September 7pm-8.30pm

Saturday 16 September 10am-5.30pm

Sunday 17 September 10am-5.30pm 

We won't charge you to get in, but we may charge you to get out! Please be generous if you see any collecting boxes around the village. Your donation will support this and next year’s festival.

Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage was established in 2012 and enjoyed eight successful years attracting artists and audiences before it paused for thought during the pandemic.

The festival has highlighted the local arts scene, supported emerging local artists, benefitted the local economy, and made donations to 30 local organisations.