From academic lectures by internationally renowned figures, a varied series of folk, Americana and classical music concerts, workshops, exhibitions and poetry to a large-scale outdoor community day, the programme included an eclectic mix of interests and activities.
Initiated in 2021, the festival's practical archaeology project The Big Dig, thought to be unique in the UK, saw 185 primary school pupils take part in this year's excavation of the medieval site in Paradise. In total over 1,200 such local pupils have participated in the project so far.
The Big Day Out at Scarborough Castle family day attracted nearly 1,800 residents and visitors.
One of the town's more recent festivals to be established, this sixth consecutive year reached an overall attendance of almost 5,000 people.
1. Big Ideas By The Sea Festival 2026
Former BBC documentary broadcaster Peter Taylor CBE in conversation with the BBC Arts Correspondent David Sillito in St. Mary's Church Photo: Alan Yarker
2. Big Ideas By The Sea Festival 2026
The Big Sing Community Choir's concert at St Mary's Church which attracted a capacity audience once again. Photo: Alan Yarker
3. Big Ideas By The Sea Festival 2026
A mass of six choirs perform all together in the finale of the Community Choir evening at St.Mary's Church. Photo: Alan Yarker
4. Big Ideas By The Sea Festival 2026
Yorkshire Coast Morris Dancers perform at the Big Day Out at Scarborough Castle Photo: Alan Yarker