Whitby Gathers - Various Venues: Whitby

Whitby Gathers is a free summer arts programme taking place throughout August 2026; a month of making, music, storytelling & celebration brought to life by local artists, residents & visiting practitioners. Whether you're in Whitby for a day or spending the week in the area, there's something to join in with — no experience needed, no charge at the door

In Whitby at Whitby Library, Whitby Bookshop, Whitby Beach & Green Lane Centre

- sand sculpture sessions on the beach with professional artists Sand in Your Eye
- circus skills & poi workshops in the open air with Felix & Rosalie
- hula hooping & flow arts with Sophia & Rosalie
- children's storytelling sessions with Nyaniso
- creative writing workshops & a writers' showcase with Yana Fay Dzedze (Little Memoirs)
- lantern & decoration making for younger participants with artist Rona
- a book reading & signing with memoir author Yana Fay Dzedze

In Goathland at The Old Reading Room

Nestled in the North York Moors, Goathland hosts some of the most hands-on creative days in the programme:

- loom weaving with craft practitioner Penny Highmoor
- fabric bee making with textile artist Anna Tennant; a keepsake to take home
- 'Our Impressions of Home' banner printing workshop with printmaker Rose Iredale
- 'Post Box' community poetry & visual art with Yana Fay Dzedze & Liz

In Lythe at Lythe Community Hall

- community sculpture project working with wood & paint with artists Liz, Rose & Ste; open to all, no experience needed

In Fylingdales at Fylingdales Community Hall

- southern African choral singing workshop with Njube Giant
- kora & song workshop with West African musician Suntou Susso & Fylingdales Folk Choir
- evening concert bringing both musical communities to the stage