Greasy pole makes welcome return as countdown begins to Whitby Regatta

The regatta is on this year from Saturday, August 8 to Monday, August 10 and, along with the many family-friendly fun events, the greasy pole is back and is scheduled to take place on the Saturday,at high tide, around 12.10pm, on the fish pier next to the lifeboat station.

People can take on the 37ft pole of “greasy, slippery mayhem” as they attempt to grab the flag.

There will be a break in Saturday’s rowing races while the greasy pole competition takes place.

Chairman Ivor Greer said: “It’s the first time in several years we’ve had the greasy pole and it’s thanks to Lindsey Close and her team who have secured this and done all the work to get it back on track.”

The three-day carnival will feature all the usual favourites including the sea swim from Sandsend to Whitby, the motor cycle and quads gymkhana, keenly-contested rowing races, fireworks and much more.

Cliff rescue event

One extra event not listed in the regatta programme is a coastguard and RNLI cliff rescue, which will be taking place on Sunday near the Whalebones, subject to operational commitments, at 1pm.

Grand parade

Due to fears of the swing bridge breaking down, Monday’s motorised floats parade will be starting from outside the Royal Hotel and making its way along The Esplanade, Skinner Street, Bagdale and along Pier Road.

The walking floats will set off from Market Place on the east side.

The categories for this year’s fancy dress and parade are: Local; Musicals; Motorised Floats; Walking Float; Decorated Bike / Scooter; Tractor; and Magical Mystical.

Date & time corrections

The regatta committee would like to clarify dates and times of some of the events which were incorrect in the programme.

The bike trails display team’s thrills and spills take place on the West Cliff on Sunday, not Monday.

Slackline School is at Crescent Gardens on Saturday while the Scrufts Dog Show is also at Crescent Gardens on the Sunday and the Pump Jam run by Whitby Bike Park CIC is also on the Sunday.

The rowing presentation will take place at Abbey Wharf on Monday, 6pm start.

Gala dinner

A fundraising gala dinner, disco and auction of promises at The Royal Hotel raised around £5,000 for regatta funds.

Mr Greer said the event, which saw 120 people attending, was a successful night and it is hoped to repeat it again next year in a similar format.

Tables will be limited to the amount they had this year, which left enough room for the dance floor without tables having to be cleared away after the dinner.

"For a first year it went very well,” said Mr Greer.

"The Royal were very supportive and donated a proportion of the ticket sales to the regatta.

"People are advised to book early next year.”

Crowdfunder

People are being asked to back the 2026 Regatta Crowdfunder which has been launched to help keep the event going long-term.

Anyone who pledges to this year's Crowdfunder will have their name included in next year's regatta programme.

It costs around £40,000 to ensure the regatta happens every year, with the event funded entirely through the generosity of businesses and the public.

Click on the link via the regatta Facebook page if you’d like to contribute.