Residents and visitors of all ages gathered on the Esplanade to recreate the elegant Sunday promenades that feature in many of the old photographs of Scarborough, before processing through the Italian Gardens and South Cliff Gardens down to Scarborough Spa. Residents and visited lined the route to enjoy the colourful spectacle.
The parade was officially opened with a stirring proclamation by Scarborough Town Crier David Birdsall and led by the Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mr John Senior MBE, who praised the event for celebrating Scarborough's rich seaside heritage.
Organised by Sally Gorham, Chair of the Old Parcels Office Artspace as part of the Scarborough 400 celebrations, the event revived the tradition of dressing in your finest clothes for a leisurely promenade – when generations of visitors would stroll along the Esplanade to "see and be seen."
Speaking after the event, organiser Sally Gorham said: “What an incredible day! Seeing 150 people dressed in their Sunday Best walking together along the Esplanade and through the gardens was everything I had hoped for and more.
“The atmosphere was wonderful, and the response from participants and spectators has been overwhelming.
“It was a fantastic celebration of Scarborough's heritage and a reminder of the traditions that made the town ‘The Queen of all Watering Places’.”
Participants enjoyed refreshments in the Platinum Lounge at Scarborough Spa following the parade and received a copy of the Sunday Best book written to accompany the exhibition on at the Old Parcels Office.
The event drew enthusiastic praise from those taking part, with comments including:
"A real community effort!"
"I enjoyed every minute – great fun to be part of."
"Absolutely loved being part of this today."
"What a fabulous turnout!"
"Hope to see it happen again next year!"
The Sunday Best Exhibition, which inspired the parade, continues at the Old Parcels Office Artspace, exploring two centuries of seaside fashion, and the social tradition of dressing in your Sunday Best for a day at the coast.
The event was supported by Visit North Yorkshire and refreshments provided by Scarborough Spa.
2. Sunday Best Parade
L-R Organiser Sally Gorham, Town Crier David Birdsall and Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Mr John Senior MBE Photo: Richard Ponter
