Whitby Fish & Ships Festival 2026

About

Whitby Fish & Ships Festival returns in 2026 with a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of Whitby’s fishing heritage, bringing food, music, crafts and maritime traditions to the town’s historic harbourfront.

Date & Time

Saturday 16 May – Sunday 17 May 2026

Location

Marina Front (New Quay Road)
Whitby
North Yorkshire
YO21 1DH

Why Attend

This much-loved coastal festival showcases the living traditions of Whitby’s fishing industry while offering a lively weekend of entertainment for all ages. With hands-on activities, live music, expert demonstrations and local exhibitors, it’s an engaging way to explore the town’s maritime culture in an informal, welcoming setting.

Event Highlights

• Fish Craft Marquee with filleting and cooking demonstrations from local chefs
• Giant fish displays showcasing species caught off the Yorkshire coast
• Traditional skills demonstrations including net mending and pot sewing
• Chef competitions and expert Q&A sessions
• Craft Marquee with free creative activities and nautical storytelling for children
• Live music from local bands and sea balladeers
• Street entertainment featuring characters, shanties and maritime tales
• Fisherman Olympics, including practical skill challenges and the Saturday tug-of-war
• Local exhibitors and artisan stalls along Dock End
• Opportunities to visit Whitby RNLI Lifeboat Station, with guided tours typically available

Admission

Free to attend. Activities and entertainment traditionally take place across multiple marquees on the marina front, some may incur a charge.

Plan Your Visit

The festival takes place on Whitby’s Marina Front, close to the town centre, harbour and Dock End. Expect a lively outdoor event with multiple marquees, on-foot entertainment and family-focused activities throughout the day. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable footwear and allow time to explore both the festival and Whitby’s surrounding attractions.