Scarborough will be the focus of a diverse and exciting programme of art and live performance, as the town plays host to two major festivals over the summer.
Scarborough Art and Scarborough Fringe are part of the Scarborough Fair cultural initiative, a year-round programme of events to appeal to both visitors and residents.
Scarborough Art takes place from 15th June to 4th August, while Scarborough Fringe runs from 21st to 30th June.
Using venues across the town, Scarborough Art features a host of exhibitions and live events, from paintings and sculpture to photography and printmaking.
In addition, artists will exhibit work based on themes from social history and environmental sustainability to space and comic books.
Among those appearing will be multimedia artist Claire Ward and Lydia Hann, who works with wool, textile industry waste and natural materials.
Both will be exhibiting at the Shakespeare Gallery in the town.
Scarborough Fringe, meanwhile, will feature theatre, music, comedy, spoken word, children’s shows among other events and is the first fringe to take place in the town.
Some events will be free, and others will be ticketed and will be in places such as pubs, hotels, the indoor market and churches, as well as more traditional locations.
There are also international award-winning pieces with Esther’s Revenge, an interactive play from Nigeria, and WATCHING, Ceci n’est pas de Deux, a dance and puppetry performance from the Netherlands.
Festival director, Julian Caddy, said: “These are entirely open-access festivals, meaning that anyone can take part, regardless of perspective and experience.
“Scarborough Art will feature everything from paintings and sculpture to photography and printmaking and is perfect for art lovers of all ages who will enjoy a day filled with creativity and inspiration.
“As well as exhibitions, several artists and creators across the town will be hosting workshops for visitors to take part in and create art of their own.
“Scarborough Fringe will offer a diverse range of performances, exhibitions, and events at this first-of-its-kind event.
“Whether a seasoned culture lover or a curious newcomer, this festival promises an unforgettable experience that will stay with everyone attending long after the final curtain falls.”
