Scarborough celebrates its heritage with a packed September programme
Scarborough is set to celebrate its remarkable 400-year history this September with an exciting programme of exhibitions, guided walks, talks, and family activities taking place across the town.
Running alongside the national Heritage Open Days festival, the Scarborough 400 Heritage Programme offers residents and visitors the chance to explore the town's rich history, architecture, culture and seaside traditions.
One of the highlights is the Sunday Best Exhibition at the Old Parcels Office (September 5-27), which explores the tradition of dressing in your finest clothes for a day at the seaside. The exhibition is complemented by two free talks and a spectacular Sunday Best Parade on Sunday September 6, when participants in Victorian and Edwardian costume will promenade from the Esplanade to the Spa, recreating one of Scarborough's best-loved traditions.
History enthusiasts can enjoy a varied programme of guided walks, including tours of Dean Road Cemetery, architectural walks, heritage walks between the railway station and the Spa, and tours of the Royal Hotel, Town Hall, Central Tramway Wheel House, Trinity House, St Martins Church and the old Capitol Theatre.
Talks throughout the month cover topics ranging from Victorian fashion, Scarborough's street names, to the history of the Library Theatre, and illustrated talks about famous Scarborough residents George Beeforth and Oliver Sarony.
Families are also well catered for, with opportunities to build one of 400 Sandcastles for Scarborough 400, discover vintage films of the town, enjoy pop-up exhibitions, and take part in creative workshops celebrating Scarborough's heritage.
To experience a traditional day at the seaside, music lovers can attend concerts by the Scarborough Spa Orchestra—the last remaining professional seaside orchestra in Britain—and a free brass band concert in Peasholm Park.
Afternoon teas at the Royal and Grand Hotels provide another opportunity to experience the elegance of Scarborough's Victorian and Edwardian past.
The programme concludes with the Seaside Heritage Network's national conference at the Grand Hotel, Big Ideas by the Sea events at St Mary’s Church, and the launch of Dive In! – 400 Years of Water Wellness & Seaside Fun at Scarborough Art Gallery.
Most Heritage Open Days events are free, although some require advance booking due to limited places.
Full programme details and booking information can be found on the Heritage Open Days website.