Scarborough Food Festival Proves A Huge Hit For Its Second Year

Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre was transformed into a global kitchen this past weekend as the Scarborough Food and Drink Festival returned for its second year. Running across Saturday and Sunday, April 11th and 12th, the event saw a huge turnout from locals and visitors alike, proving that the town has truly taken this new tradition to heart. Organised by North Yorkshire Council, the festival balanced the very best of our local produce with much-loved dishes from around the world.

With more than 60 separate stalls across the site, the variety was impressive, filling the air with enticing aromas of everything from Greek and Turkish baklava to wood-fired pizza and spicy jerk chicken. Those with a sweet tooth were treated to a range of freshly made waffles, doughnuts, crumbles, and crepes, while the drink selection showcased home-produced cider alongside craft gins, vodkas, and rums. It wasn’t just about the food, as the tipi bar became a popular hub for refreshments, and O’Brien’s Funfair provided the rides that kept the family-friendly, vibrant atmosphere going all weekend.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for arts and culture, Cllr Simon Myers, said:

“A lot of hard work went into planning and organising this event and I would like to thank everyone who played their part in ensuring it was a truly memorable weekend. It was great to see so many local residents, visitors and businesses turning out in support of the festival, which showcased some of the very best produce that this county has to offer. This was only its second year, but it’s clear to see that the town has really taken the festival to its heart. I look forward to seeing how it continues to grow, attracting even more families from across North Yorkshire and beyond in the years to come. The visitor economy is very important for our local economy, and events like this are crucial in continuing to encourage people to visit our towns and coastal destinations, particularly outside the traditional tourist season.”

This year’s festival held additional significance as it fell during the 400th anniversary of Scarborough becoming a spa town. It is part of a wider programme designed to honour the town’s history while keeping it firmly on the map as a must-visit destination. With tourism in Scarborough currently generating nearly £580 million annually, the success of the festival provides a welcome boost for the region. If you’re looking to plan your next trip out, you can find more information about upcoming events across North Yorkshire at visitnorthyorkshire.com.