Whitby businesses come together to celebrate their historic high street
Baxtergate is beginning a new chapter this September as local businesses, residents, community organisations and volunteers come together to celebrate one of Whitby's historic high streets.
The initiative forms part of Whitby Winter Events – Baxtergate & Beyond, supported by £89,353 from David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund.
The first activity is September Sparkle, taking place on Monday September 7, bringing together volunteers for a community clean-up and tidy-up of the street.
The aim is simple – to encourage local pride, improve the appearance of Baxtergate and create a welcoming high street ready for an exciting programme of events over the coming months.
But the transformation is about much more than cleaning the street.
This October marks the beginning of The Seasons of Baxtergate, a programme of changing seasonal themes designed to encourage businesses to bring their windows and shopfronts to life throughout the year.
HALLOWEEN & GOTH WEEKEND
Throughout October, businesses are being encouraged to embrace Whitby's gothic character and create imaginative displays that reflect the atmosphere of Halloween and Goth Weekend.
There is also the possibility of a special witches installation at Ammonite & Alchemy, adding another striking feature to the street.
Jaclyn Goddard of PSST Marketing, who is leading the project promotion and business engagement, said: “October is a brilliant opportunity for Baxtergate because Halloween and Goth Weekend are such a natural fit for Whitby. We want businesses to have fun with it and interpret the theme in their own way.
“It doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. A creative window, atmospheric decorations or a few carefully chosen details can all make a difference when we do it together.”
The October activity provides the starting point for a much bigger programme.
From November 13, the street will move into its main festive season with the Whitby Christmas Market and Festival, and Christmas Lights Switch-On, followed by Late Night Shopping, community events and Christmas activities throughout November and December.
The programme continues into 2027 with Fire & Ice on January 23, followed by Valentine's and half-term activity and then Spring & Easter.
The wider vision is to create a high street that changes with the seasons and gives people a reason to return throughout the year.
Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, said: "Our high streets are where our communities come together. That’s why I’m backing creative ideas from the people who know their area best with my High Street Fund.
“By supporting Whitby Winter Event Expansion, we are helping to bring local pride back to Whitby town centre, building on the success of the Christmas Festival to give people more reasons to visit throughout the winter.
“This is one of 66 projects we’ve supported across York and North Yorkshire helping to transform our high streets into vibrant destinations that residents and visitors will want to return to again and again.”
The Seasons of Baxtergate
October: Halloween & Goth Weekend
November 1–12 : Remembrance
November 13 – December 31: Christmas
January: Fire & Ice
January 25 – February 21: Love Our High Street
February 22 – March 29: Spring and Easter
Businesses are being encouraged to interpret each theme in their own way, creating a high street that feels connected while retaining the individuality and personality of each business.