Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage 2025

About

One of the friendliest and most distinctive events on the Yorkshire coast returns this autumn as Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage transforms this charming fishing village into a unique hub of creativity and culture. Taking place across the weekend of Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September 2025 (with a local preview evening on Friday 12 September), this beloved festival opens up the entire village, filling cottages with art, streets with music and stories, and the coastal air with a celebration of heritage and artistic expression.

Festival Dates & Times

• Preview Evening: Friday 12 September, 6pm – 9pm (not all galleries open)
• Main Festival: Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 September, 10am – 5.30pm

What to Expect

• Pop-up art galleries in over 100 village cottages and venues
• Heritage talks exploring local fishing, mining and maritime traditions
• Street music, street food, and live performances across the weekend
• Artist workshops, walks, and storytelling events
• Lighting displays and installations throughout the village

Heritage Talks at Staithes Village Hall

Saturday 13 September 2025

• 10:30am: Staithes: Life, Light and Landscape – £4.00
• 11:45am: Gertrude Bell: The Uncrowned Queen of Iraq – £4.00
• 1:30pm: Dennis Buck on Captain Cook – £4.00
• 3:00pm: Art and Archaeology at Street House – £4.00

Sunday 14 September 2025

• 10:30am: The Staithes Mermaids Legend – £4.00
• 11:30am: Every Now and Then – £4.00
• 12:40pm: Lost Tales of Staithes – £4.00
• 1:50pm: Dark Matter – £4.00

Workshops

• Saturday 13 Sept, 2pm: Relief printing workshop with Ian Burke – £15.00
• Sunday 14 Sept, 11am: Relief printing workshop with Ian Burke – £15.00

Planning Your Visit

Staithes is located 10 miles north of Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast. The narrow cobbled streets, steep hills and alleys give it a unique character, but access is limited in parts. The main High Street has uneven cobbles and many venues are accessed via ginnels and stairs.

Getting There

• Public Transport: X4 bus from Middlesbrough or Whitby. Nearest train stations: Saltburn or Whitby (taxi from either approx. £22).
• By Car: No visitor parking in the old village. Use festival parking at Cowbar Lane (£5/day – card preferred). Free shuttle buses and taxis operate from the top of the village.

Accessibility

Due to the hilly terrain and narrow streets, some areas have limited accessibility. Free taxi shuttles run 10:30am–4:30pm to assist visitors with mobility needs. Accessible toilets are located at Cowbar car park and near the village seafront.

Festival Information

• Festival HQ: Located on the High Street opposite Staithes Gallery – visit for info, programmes, lost property and emergencies.
• Stewards: Easily identifiable in festival t-shirts or high vis. Ask them for directions, safety help, or assistance.
• First Aid: Patrolling 10am–8pm. Base at Festival HQ. Nearby urgent care in Whitby and Redcar.
• Toilets: Located at top of village, seafront, Cowbar Staith and in event car park.
• Cashpoints: Nearest available in Staithes Co-op or Loftus marketplace. Bring cash as machines may run out.

Some events and galleries are free, while others require tickets or small entry fees. Explore staithesfestival.com for full listings and updates.