Radio presenter to open Scarborough's Sunday Best exhibition as town steps back in time
Scarborough's rich seaside heritage takes centre stage this weekend with the opening of the Sunday Best Exhibition at the Old Parcels Office Artspace, followed by a spectacular community parade recreating one of the town's best-loved Victorian traditions.
The exhibition, which will be officially opened by BBC Radio York presenter Bek Homer at 2pm on Saturday September 5, is one of the flagship events of the Scarborough 400 celebrations and forms part of this year's national Heritage Open Days festival.
Through historic photographs, costumes, fashion, artwork and fascinating stories, Sunday Best explores how generations of holidaymakers travelled to Scarborough by rail, packed their finest clothes and proudly promenaded along the Esplanade to see and be seen.
The exhibition charts two centuries of changing fashion, seaside holidays and social history, celebrating the traditions that helped make Scarborough Britain's first seaside resort.
The celebrations continue the following morning with the Scarborough 400 Sunday Best Parade, when more than 100 participants dressed in Victorian, Edwardian and vintage costume will promenade from Beeforth's Hive on the Esplanade through the South Cliff Gardens to Scarborough Spa.
Led by the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire and officially started by Scarborough's Town Crier, the parade promises to be one of the most colourful and photogenic events of the Scarborough 400 programme.
There is still time to take part.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to don their own period costume or vintage clothing and join the procession.
Registration costs £10, with students, children and carers admitted free.
Participants receive an exclusive digital copy of the official group photograph, a commemorative Sunday Best booklet, a complimentary soft drink at the Spa and a free ride on the historic Central Tramway Cliff Lift.
The Royal and Grand Hotels are also offering specially priced afternoon teas for participants in period costume.
Alongside these events, September sees an extensive programme of Heritage Open Days activities across the town, including guided walks, talks, exhibitions, family events and open buildings celebrating Scarborough's remarkable 400-year history.
The Sunday Best Parade is on Sunday September 6, 11am, starting from Beeforth's Hive, Esplanade.
Visit scbo.co.uk for tickets for the parade.