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.
9. Big Ideas By The Sea Festival 2026
Soprano Anna Dias performing a solo recital accompanied by pianist David Murray in St Martin-On -The- Hill Church Photo: Alan Yarker
10. Big Ideas By The Sea Festival 2026
Egyptologist Professor Joann Fletcher delivering her lecture at the Archaeology Symposium at The Grand Hotel Photo: Alan Yarker
11. Big Ideas By The Sea Festival 2026
Historian Dr. Harry Spillane with his talk on William Tyndale and the First English Bible at St Mary's Church Photo: Alan Yarker
12. Big Ideas By The Sea Festival 2026
The White Rose Garland Dancers group were among the performers at festival's Big Day Out. Photo: Alan Yarker