Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage

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

Festival 2024 is on Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 September, with preview night 7pm-8.30pm Friday 13 September

Doors of cottages are thrown open as pop-up art galleries in a unique selling exhibition. 

Celebrating the history and heritage of Staithes with a programme of walks, talks, photographs, and film shows.

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

Glenn Kilpatrick www.whitby-photography.com

One of the friendliest festivals on the coast...

Celebrating the rich history of creativity and heritage of the village of Staithes on the coast of the North York Moors National Park, Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage is a cultural highlight of the whole region.

It continues the tradition of artists being drawn to the village by its inspiring and ever-changing light, and higgledy-piggledy tumbledown of quirky cottages to the sea. With a programme of heritage talks, the festival celebrates the social and industrial history of the generations of families who have lived here, and their traditions, skills, crafts and intertwined relationships.

The doors of cottages are thrown open as pop-up galleries showcasing the work of artists, sculptors and creatives, offering visitors a chance to meet them and see their work.

A peek inside the cottages is also the start of a journey of discovery into the sometimes perilous lives of local fisherfolk and miners, with heritage events, walks and talks keeping alive the traditions they handed down, their joys and tragedies.

Expect to find galleries, sculptures, food and drink, listen to music in the cobbled streets and venues around the village, be entertained by a programme of heritage activities, talks and walks.

Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage was established in 2012 and enjoyed eight successful years before it paused for thought during the pandemic. It returned with a bang in 2023, overwhelmed with artists, visitors, and goodwill. 

the event has highlighted the local arts scene, supported emerging local artists, benefitted the local economy, and made donations to 36 local organisations. We think that's a legacy to be proud of.