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 North Yorkshire in 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.
Staithes festival sees the doors of cottages 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 the mining community, 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 has highlighted the local arts scene, supported emerging local artists, benefitted the local economy, and made donations to 30 local organisations. We think that's a legacy to be proud of.