Whitby Fish & Ships Festival

Whitby Fish and Ships is a lively celebration of Whitby’s rich fishing heritage, with cookery demonstrations and fish craft tips from top local chefs, incredible live music from local bands and sea balladeers, family activities and entertainment, free craft sessions, local exhibitors and so much more!

Typically held in May on Whitby's Marina Front car park you'll find various marquees brimming with life, cookery know how, music, entertainment and a rich history, all on display for you to get involved in.

The various marquees include many of the local attractions and businesses showcasing their expertise and welcoming questions from the older and younger generations. Typical marquees to expect are the following...

Fish Craft Marquee

Enjoy filleting and cooking demonstrations from local chefs. Giant fish displays showcasing species of fish caught off our coast. Find out what these fish and shellfish look like before they are processed, and chat to experts from the industry who will answer any of your fishy questions. Filleters showcase their filleting and preparation skills, with chef competitions thrown into the mix. Local fisherman demonstrate the true art of pot sewing and net mending, something that's rarely seen now but still very much a part of day-to-day life in this thriving industry. There are many hands-on activities to keep kids big and small entertained.

 Craft marquee

Fun creative activities for kids to get designing and creating along with a story telling corner exploring all things nautical and maritime related.

Music Marquee

Enjoy some toe-tapping music from local bands.

Local exhibitors and stalls

Browse the stalls along Dock End and pick up some artisan goods and local produce.

Street Entertainment

Keep your eyes peeled for the on foot entertainment milling around to keep you alert! Give them a wave, stop for a selfie and prepare yourself for some hearty banter and tall tales and even a shanty or two!

Fisherman Olympics

Now to be expected are the Fisherman Olympics with fishermen competing against each other in their everyday tasks to see who is superior. As is also become tradition our fantastic tug-o-war at the end of the day on Saturday.

Whitby RNLI

Pay a visit to the lifeboat station - There are normally pre-bookable tickets for a special tour.