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 the higgledy-piggledy tumbledown of 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 keeping alive the traditions they handed down, their joys and tragedies.

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. Festival 2023, 2024 and 2025 received sponsorship from the North York Moors National Park and Northern Powergrid in 2024, for which we're hugely grateful.

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.