Many families joined together over Saturday and Sunday (17th and 18th of May) to celebrate Whitby’s rich fishing heritage, through the annual Fish and Ships festival.

The festival highlights the lives of North Yorkshire’s maritime communities and recognises their key contribution to Whitby’s renowned seafood industry.

Visitors to the festival were presented with a range of entertainment at the festival.

From cooking and fish craft demonstrations by local chefs to maritime-themed arts and crafts, followed by a packed schedule of live music.

Executive member for culture and arts, Cllr Simon Myers’s, said to North Yorkshire Council: “I’m delighted that the Fish and Ships festival was an overwhelming success, and it was great to see so many families celebrating Whitby’s rich maritime heritage.

”Each year, this event provides a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to learn more about the town’s fishing traditions, while supporting local businesses and driving tourism.”

As a first this year, an Olympic-style competition was held which had local fishing crews compete against one another in tasks including splicing rope, stacking pots and tug-o-war.

Local bands and sea balladeers delivered plenty of toe-tapping performances in the music marquee, while the craft marquee remained a firm favourite, featuring a variety of creative activities hosting by Whitby’s library, museums, and art gallery.

The head chef of The Magpie Café in Whitby, Paul Gildroy, was among those who treated visitors with a range of cooking and fish craft demonstrations.

He said to North Yorkshire Council: “This festival is one of the flagship events in Whitby’s calendar and it was another brilliant weekend enjoyed by all.

”It was fantastic to talk to so mant people about the town’s long association with fishing, and how we are working together to keep this special art alive for the future.

”I’d like to thank everyone who attended adn contributed to the feel-good atmosphere, and I’m really excited to see the event continue to grow over the coming years.”