Lobsters, cloud collecting and whales at Seafest

There will be Talking Birds’ spectacular Whale, a unique wheeled aluminium leviathan mini-theatre hosting a three-minute one-man show; Lionel and Leona the Lion Fish from Artemis Productions; local puppeteers Animated

Objects, with Doris and the Deep; and a walkabout Lobster à la Cart from Artizani Streeth Theatre.

This year’s even runs from July 24 to 26 at Scarborough’s West Pier

Music will include headliners Hope and Social, stars of last year’s Yorkshire Festival; a mass ukulele busk led by Some Like it Ossett; samba from Leeds-based Honeydrum World Music, and Salsa by the Sea.

A Firm of Poets will give readings in the main marquee, where there will also be art drop-in sessions for children and storytelling from the Cloud Collector.

Rockpooling, fossil hunting sessions and other activities will also be on offer from local company Hidden Horizons.

This year’s arts and music events are again being co-ordinated by Scarborough’s arts and cultural development agency, Create, with funding from Arts Council England.

Other Seafest attractions include a line-up of top chefs from around the region giving cookery demonstrations, a full programme of music headed by DJ Tooley, and the traditional blessing of the boats.

Events will be centred on Scarborough’s West Pier and along the seafront.

Janet Deacon, North Yorkshire Area Director for Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “Seafest is going from strength to strength. We’re now in our 17th year, and each year, more and more people are coming along to find out more about our maritime heritage, and enjoy some fantastic entertainment at the same time.”

Cllr Janet Jefferson, chairman of the Seafest steering group, said: “The Seafest steering group would like to thank the many sponsors, and the support of all the members and volunteers whose hard work makes this annual event sustainable. Seafest celebrates and raises awareness of the sea and all it has provided to our community and tourism generally, with an emphasis on cooking, music and exhibitions.”