Blog Layout
100,000 Enjoy Scarborough Armed Forces Day On Saturday
More than 100,000 people from all over the country descended on the Yorkshire coast town of Scarborough on Saturday (25th June)) to celebrate the very best of the military at this year’s prestigious Armed Forces Day national event.
Under blue skies, crowds lined pavements, the beach, cliff tops and balconies to be entertained by a dazzling spectacle of the very best displays and activities on the water, on land and in the skies.
The light breeze didn’t stop the daring demonstration of freefall and canopy skills by the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team before they landed on the beach in a haze of red, white and blue smoke to mark the start of the event.
As His Royal Highness, Prince Edward The Duke of Kent, took his seat on the formal balcony overlooking the parade route at 11.15am, Royal Navy ship, HMS Westminster, fired its saluting guns to signal the start of the military parade.
Joining His Royal Highness on the VIP balcony were the Mayor and Mayoress of the Borough of Scarborough - Councillor Eric Broadbent and his wife Lynne, Equerry to His Royal Highness - Capt Charles Longstaff SG, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence People and Veterans - Leo Docherty, Chief of the Defence Staff - Adm Sir Tony Radakin KCB ADC and the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mrs Johanna Ropner.
The pomp, ceremony, precision and riot of colour of the Armed Forces Day parade along the seafront followed. Taking part were serving personnel, veterans, standard bearers and cadets from the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Band of the Yorkshire Regiment, British Army, Band of the Royal Air Force College, Royal Air Force, Yorkshire Volunteers Band, Sea Cadets, Army Cadets and RAF Cadets.
The parade salute coincided with a flypast of the Royal Navy Merlin Mk2 and Wildcat helicopters, and the Navy Wings charity’s Seafire. A confetti cannon was set off for each individual service and band that marched along the seafront.
Crowd favourites, the RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, took their distinctive red Hawk jets to the skies for 20 minutes at lunchtime to wow the crowds with their legendary formations and mind blowing aeronautical skills.
The Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane of the Battle of Britain
Memorial Flight took to the skies next, followed by a display from the Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter, Royal Navy Stinson Reliant and Royal Navy Seafire.
The final musical interlude of the day was from the military and non-military drum and flute enthusiasts of The Yorkshire Corps of Drums.
The might and roar of the RAF Typhoon’s twin EJ200 R-R engines and its precise execution of tight loops and turns brought the air display programme to a memorable close.
In between all the air displays, parades and musical performances, people of all ages got to see some of the best military hardware from all three services in the tri-service military village on West Pier and separate Navy, Army and RAF villages on Marine Drive.
Must see exhibits included the Royal Navy dive team and explosive ordnance disposal vehicle, the British Army high mobility weapons platform, Jackal 2, and the RAF Typhoon flying experience in its facsimile aircraft. Budding pilots were also able to experience a ‘day in the life of the RAF’ with a nine minutes long high-tempo interactive experience.
The Royal Navy RFA Tiderace was anchored in the South Bay close to HMS Westminster.
To the south of the main event area, BFBS hosted an esports exhibition tournament at Scarborough Spa. Teams from local schools, colleges, cadets and the community competed against the Army, Navy and RAF esport teams, in fast-paced Rocket League matches.
Along the seafront there were many different stalls and displays from charities, sponsors and supporting organisations, including Heroes Welcome, a national programme conceived in Scarborough that encourages communities and businesses to support and give special offers to Armed Forces personnel and their families.
After the closing ceremony and prayers at 5pm, the celebrations continued into the evening with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons at Scarborough Open Air Theatre and the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood in Scarborough Spa grand hall.
The council is extremely grateful to more than fifty sponsors and business partners for their financial and in kind support, without which the event would not have been possible: headline sponsor Tesco and key sponsors Holt’s Military Banking, The Royal NAAFI, NatWest Group, Babcock, BAE Systems, Balfour Beatty, McCain Foods, The Royal British Legion and Taylor Wimpey.
Councillor Tony Randerson, Scarborough Borough Council Armed Forces champion and cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said:
“Today has truly been a magnificent day. The experience of putting on a spectacular show for the Armed Forces Day national event will long live in my memory, in the memories of those taking part and all those who travelled to Scarborough from all corners of the country.
“It has been an absolute privilege to host the event and celebrate the commitment, courage and unstinting service of all three Armed Forces.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has made today a reality - Navy, Army, RAF and Ministry of Defence staff, sponsors, partners, the organising committee, local businesses and residents.
“My biggest thanks go to our outstanding council teams. Led by Stuart Clark and his small events team, they have worked endless hours for many months to ensure today’s magnificent event went to plan and without a hitch. I couldn’t be more proud of their super team effort and everything they have achieved.”
Commodore Phil Waterhouse, Naval Regional Commander for Northern England and the Joint Military Commander for the Armed Forces Day national event,
“The borough of Scarborough can feel rightfully proud to have hosted the Armed Forces Day national event 2022.
“It has been extraordinarily well received by everyone and has given the public a great opportunity to get up close and personal to both their military and also the military’s own personal support mechanism – their families.
“Scarborough has waited nearly four years to host this years’ event and the public has clearly valued and appreciated the show the council, the Armed Forces and others have put on. It has been a wonderfully successful achievement, which the community can give themselves a big ‘salute’ for.”
Saturday 5th July 2025 - The Script with Tom Walker Global pop-rock sensation The Script are ready to rock the Yorkshire coast next summer as part of their Satellites UK Tour. The Irish chart toppers will head to TK Maxx presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre on Saturday July 5. They will be joined on the night by very special guest Tom Walker. The show at Scarborough OAT – Britain’s biggest open-air concert arena – marks a welcome return to the Yorkshire coast for the band, who headlined the venue in 2018 and 2022. The Script – made up of Danny O'Donoghue (vocals), Glen Power (drums), Ben Sargeant (bass) and Ben Weaver (guitar) - first rose to fame in 2008 with the release of their self-titled debut album, which featured hit singles The Man Who Can't Be Moved and Breakeven. Since then, the band have enjoyed a hit-filled career including six Number One albums. With their infectious energy, The Script present a memorable night of new music and fan-favourites, which is sure to be a hit as they make their return to the Yorkshire coast. BRIT Award winner Tom Walker is a British singer-songwriter who burst onto the scene with his hit single Leave a Light On. His debut album What a Time to Be Alive, topped the UK Albums Chart and showcased his distinctive sound. Tom’s performance is set to add an extra layer of excitement to what promises to be an unforgettable night in Scarborough. BUY TICKETS HERE NOW Saturday 26th July 2025 - Texas Following on from their critically acclaimed sold-out UK arena tour, Texas will be bringing their popular, crowd loving live show to Scarborough next summer. Fronted by Sharleen Spiteri, Texas will showcase five decades of music from the worldwide classic I Don’t Want A Lover to the modern-day hits of Mr Haze and Keep on Talking when they headline TK Maxx presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre on Saturday July 26. With more than 40 million albums sold, their songs continue to resonate with fans across the world including the ever popular Say What You Want, Summer Son and Inner Smile. PRE SALE TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE NOW
Thousands of motorcycle fans are expected to converge on Scarborough next weekend for the annual Goldwing Light Parade. Fans of the legendary Honda motorcycle will parade their machines, decked out in neon lights, along Marine Drive in the seaside resort on Saturday 14 September. With our help, organisers have put together a full day’s worth of free entertainment, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display at 9.30pm. Before the evening's parade there will be a static display of motorcycles, running from noon to 4pm, on West Pier. During this time, the Charter Mayor of Scarborough, Cllr Janet Jefferson, will judge the best bike and donations will be collected in aid of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity. Cllr Jefferson, who represents Castle Division in the town, said: “We really look forward to welcoming the bikers to Scarborough for this annual event. It will not be easy judging the best bike as the owners take such pride in their machinery. I would encourage everyone to come down during the day and at night when the bikes will provide a spectacular sight travelling along the seafront.” Riders will begin to gather for the evening parade from 6.30pm, with the cavalcade starting at 8pm. Riders will head south along the foreshore to the roundabout. From there the procession turns back along Foreshore Road and around Marine Drive, looping at Peasholm Park and returning to West Pier, South Bay. Organiser, Danielle Reed, said: “This year’s event will be a great day out for all the family. During the day visitors can inspect the bikes, take photos and meet the riders before darkness falls and the lights go on. "The parade is magical with the bikes lit up, music and fancy dress before we finish off with a stunning firework display all raising money for a fabulous cause.”
Scarborough Group International (SGI), a leading specialist in property regeneration and placemaking, has announced that it has secured Europe’s largest cinema chain, ODEON, as the anchor cinema operator for its leisure-focused redevelopment of the Brunswick Centre at the heart of the town of Scarborough. With a state-of-the-art, multi-screen ODEON Luxe cinema now confirmed, SGI will launch the next phase of its letting strategy at Completely Retail Marketplace, the UK’s premier retail, leisure and hospitality event, which is taking place in London on 24 September 2024. ODEON is no stranger to Scarborough, having operated in the town from 1936 to 1988. Originally located just 300 metres from the Brunswick Centre, where the Stephen Joseph Theatre now stands, ODEON was a cultural cornerstone of the town for over fifty years. It eventually closed its doors after plans to modernise the building were rejected due to its listed status. Once complete, the new development will offer 20 units ranging from 250 sq ft to 20,000 sq ft across three floors to provide spaces for national and regional restaurant brands and leisure operators, along with a selection of kiosks and shared spaces for independent food and beverage operators from the local area. The announcement comes on the heels of North Yorkshire Council’s recent decision to approve a budget to start work to review its potential support for the project. Mark Jackson, spokesperson for SGI, added: "Bringing ODEON back to Scarborough after an absence of more than three decades is a key milestone in our vision to transform the Brunswick Centre into a premier leisure-led destination. With ODEON Luxe, residents and visitors will no longer have to travel over an hour to York for a premium cinema experience, bringing greater convenience and entertainment options right to their doorstep. Once complete, the transformed Brunswick Centre will fill some obvious gaps in the leisure and entertainment offer in the town but, critically, will also be a catalyst for the further economic regeneration of the town centre.” North Yorkshire Council has welcomed the news of ODEON’s planned return to Scarborough, viewing the transformation of the Brunswick as key to its plans to revitalise the town centre. North Yorkshire Council’s corporate director for community development, Nic Harne, said: “A new cinema will be great news for Scarborough. We look forward to seeing the Scarborough Group and other partners bringing this complex regeneration project to fruition.” David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, added: “I am delighted to see that the relaunch of the Brunswick Shopping Centre is well underway, and ODEON Luxe has today been revealed as the focal point for this revamped, leisure-led experience for Scarborough to enjoy. Our high streets have been through a challenging time, and we need to support them to change and adapt. Developments like these fit in with our ambitions to build vibrant and sustainable places fit for the future. This development will benefit both residents and tourists and we believe this will be a catalyst for further regeneration, which we are already seeing with the expansion of many nationally significant businesses that are headquartered in Scarborough.” SGI bought the Brunswick Shopping Centre in September 2021 and, the following year, unveiled plans to transform it into a vibrant, leisure-led destination featuring a multi-screen cinema and a complementary mix of bars, eateries and shops. These proposals were unanimously approved by the former Scarborough Borough Council’s planning committee in March 2023.
It's the last chance to reserve your place on our guided walking tour around South Bay in Scarborough this Saturday morning. Start the bank holiday weekend in Scarborough with this fun and fascinating walk with us! Leaving from outside the main entrance to The Grand Hotel on St. Nicholas Cliff at 10:30am, discover Scarborough's incredible story including Spa Bridge, Rotunda, 'Gala Land', South Cliff Gardens, The Spa, the birthplace of the seaside resort, the oldest cliff funicular in the country, dinosaur footprints, the fascinating history of The Grand Hotel, shipwrecks, the indoor market, old town, St. Mary's Church, Scarborough Castle and Scarborough's secret medieval street and more! Hosted by Paddy from Visit Scarborough and lasting 2 hours 15 minutes, you'll never see Scarborough in quite the same way again! We've also slashed the price to just £9pp or 2 for £15! Book your places now here
Friday 23rd August Brassed Off At The Stephen Joseph Theatre Friday 23rd 7:30pm - Saturday 24th 2:30pm and 7:30pm - Sunday 25th 7:30pm and Monday 26th 7:30pm “Three disasters. Two world wars, one bloody big depression. And every time, the band play on.” This production will feature live music from local brass bands to deliver a soul stirring theatrical experience. Summer Explorer Quest At Scarborough Castle Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Take your family on a fun adventure with a historical twist. Follow the quest through the grounds or gardens of our historical sites to become the ultimate adventurer. Self Made At Scarborough Art Gallery Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday 10:00am - 5:00pm Come face-to-face with some of the most famous people from the worlds of art, fashion, music and stage. Self Made is an exhibition of portraits of cultural icons from different generations and backgrounds, by Scarborough-born photographer Derrick Santini. Saturday 24th August Guided Walking Tour around South Bay with Paddy from Visit Scarborough Grand Hotel Entrance, 10:30am - 12:45pm Discover the fascinating story of Scarborough on this fun guided walk with Paddy from Visit Scarborough. Just £9pp or 2 for £15. Book your place here: www.visitscarborough.com/store GB SuperMoto Championship at Oliver's Mount Road Racing Circuit Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August Come see the best SuperMoto riders in the country battle it out in Round 6 of their British Championship. SuperMoto always provides close, thrilling racing in a track adapted for them including exciting off-road sections too. Backstage Tour At The Stephen Joseph Theatre 12:30pm A tour of the SJT taking you behind the scenes and into the hidden nooks and crannies of the historic building. £10 Brassed Off At The Stephen Joseph Theatre Friday 23rd 7:30pm - Saturday 24th 2:30pm and 7:30pm - Sunday 25th 7:30pm and Monday 26th 7:30pm “Three disasters. Two world wars, one bloody big depression. And every time, the band play on.” This production will feature live music from local brass bands to deliver a soul stirring theatrical experience. Naval Warfare Battle At Peasholm Park Saturday 3:00pm and Monday 3:00pm War breaks out on the lake in the middle of the park when the 20-foot replica boats recreate some serious tensions during the Peasholm Park Naval Battle. The “Battle of Peasholm” lasts for 30 minutes and is produced three times per week. Black Widow Ghost Tours Corner of Eastborough and Merchant's Row, Scarborough, 7:30pm Be enthralled by spooky tales around Scarborough. Walking tour lasts 80 minutes departing the corner of Eastborough and Merchants Row, Every Friday and most Saturdays from June 29th - September 14th. Sunday 25th August 2024 GB SuperMoto Championship at Oliver's Mount Road Racing Circuit Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August Come see the best SuperMoto riders in the country battle it out in Round 6 of their British Championship. SuperMoto always provides close, thrilling racing in a track adapted for them including exciting off-road sections too. Live Music & Poetry Italian Gardens, South Cliff - 12:00pm - 3:45pm Peasholm Park Concert with Simply Brass Peasholm Park, Scarborough - 2:30pm Brassed Off At The Stephen Joseph Theatre Friday 23rd 7:30pm - Saturday 24th 2:30pm and 7:30pm - Sunday 25th 7:30pm and Monday 26th 7:30pm “Three disasters. Two world wars, one bloody big depression. And every time, the band play on.” This production will feature live music from local brass bands to deliver a soul stirring theatrical experience. Tony Skingle as Elvis Scarborough Spa, 7:30pm Tony has performed all around the world including dates in Asia, New Zealand, Australia and mainland Europe and is back in his hometown. Monday 26th August 2024 Brassed Off At The Stephen Joseph Theatre Friday 23rd 7:30pm - Saturday 24th 2:30pm and 7:30pm - Sunday 25th 7:30pm and Monday 26th 7:30pm “Three disasters. Two world wars, one bloody big depression. And every time, the band play on.” This production will feature live music from local brass bands to deliver a soul stirring theatrical experience.
Pop superstar Jess Glynne makes a long-awaited return to Yorkshire coast this Saturday night for her THIRD unmissable headline show at Scarborough Open Air Theatre. Chart record holder Jess – the only British female solo artist to ever score seven UK Number One singles – headlines Scarborough OAT on Saturday 15th June. And the last few tickets are on sale now! It's almost sold out! BUY JESS GLYNNE TICKETS HERE NOW!
Scarborough is about to host a three-day festival of outdoor events, murals, street art and performances. This brand new and inclusive community event taking place in Scarborough Town Centre over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 4 – Monday 6 May) from 11am- 4pm and will include a variety of free performances and activities. Organisers are promising a huge weekend around the town centre: "We want to inspire, celebrate and showcase local creativity, but it will also feature national and international artists, too. There will be something for everyone. Throughout the weekend we have a variety of street performances for everyone to enjoy. From circus acts and puppetry to dance and theatre, the streets of Scarborough will be jam-packed with entertainment. With so much to see and do, we have made things a little easier for you by providing a full schedule, so you know where to be and when".
The “ Galeón Andalucía” will visit Scarborough for 6 days in July and dock at North Wharf Quay. Among its creaking timbers the “Galeón Andalucía” tells the story of the legendary Spanish galleons in times gone by. The visit will coincide with the Seafest maritime festival in Scarborough. You can climb aboard and learn how the adventurous sailors of yesteryear sailed and lived with the ship open to the public from the 17th to 22nd July from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Visit the floating museum with an exhibition in which you can visit 5 of its decks. The Galeon Andalucia is the replica of the type of vessel used by the Spanish Crown for maritime expeditions during the 16th through the 18th centuries. Galleons were intended to discover and then establish trade routes between Spain, America and the Philippines islands, and formed the then called Fleet of the Indies. With an innovative design at the time, galleons were armed merchant vessels which tonnages ranging from 500 to 1,200, whereas their lengths-over-all would range from 130 to 200 feet. They were designed to cross the largest oceans as efficiently as possible. For three centuries, these Spanish galleons crossed the Atlantic Ocean back and forth, sailed around the Caribbean Sea and the American coasts, and covered the Pacific route as well. They carried plenty of seamen, merchant traders and settlers, while their holds bore the fabulous loads resulting from American and Asian trade. It's recommended the public book their tickets at www.tickets.velacuadra.es so as not to miss this fantastic vessel! Tickets: Adults: £12 / Children (5- 10 years): £6 / £30 Family ( 2 adults + up to 3 children between 5- 10 years). Free for children under 5 years old, who must be accompanied by an adult.
Toulson Court Guest House in Scarborough has been named the best B&B in Europe and 2nd best in the world in the latest Tripadvisor Awards! The owners have only had the establishment for 8 years and this is their 4th major Tripadvisor award, having being named the best B&B in the world for the last 3 years. The accolade is based on the number of positive Tripadvisor reviews. Congratulations to Toulson Court and thanks for helping to put Scarborough on the world map!
Today Will Young has announced a brand new single, ‘Falling Deep’. This euphoric track is the first single taken from Will’s forthcoming ninth studio album, “Light It Up”, which is out on 9th August. To celebrate this new album, Will has just announced that his is embarking on his most intimate tour yet – taking shape as an up close and personal evening of acoustic performances, stories and conversation. The 50-date UK tour will kick off in September through to November and will be heading to the Spa Theatre on Saturday 12th October 2024. General on-sale begins on Friday 26th April. About the tour, Young says: “I’m very excited to be going to a lot of places I haven’t been. I wanted to go to smaller venues so I could properly get around the country rather than just playing the big cities.” For a performer who thrives on stage, having done eight sold-out national tours and countless festival appearances (he has performed at Glastonbury three times); it feels like he’s hitting a new stride with renewed vigour. “Whatever I do though,” Will said, contemplatively. “I can finally connect to the fun of it all and that is a place I never thought I would get back to so I’ll take it.” “It has been such a tough time and to be out the other side, it is just so exciting to produce a complete pop album. The crafting of pop music can be so fun and the challenge to sing those songs is something I’ve relished.” Will will be bringing his ‘Light It Up Live’ tour to Scarborough Spa on Saturday 12th October 2024. Tickets on sale Friday 26th April 2024 at 10am RIGHT HERE!
