What's On
Whitby Fish and Ships Festival 2026

Whitby Fish & Ships Celebrates the Town's Maritime Roots.

Whitby Fish and Ships is a lively, family-friendly festival that celebrates the town’s fishing heritage with food, music, crafts, and hands-on activities. Held each May at the Whitby Marina Front car park, the event fills several marquees with fun and coastal traditions.

Visitors can enjoy cooking demonstrations by local chefs, live music from local bands and sea balladeers, free craft sessions, and entertainment for all ages. The festival is a relaxed and friendly way to learn about Whitby’s fishing industry, both past and present, while spending a fun day by the harbour.

What You’ll Find on the Day

Fish Craft Marquee: This popular marquee offers live filleting and cooking demonstrations, displays of local fish species, and chances to talk with industry experts. Visitors can watch skilled filleters, see traditional net mending and pot sewing, and take part in interactive activities for both kids and adults, with hands-on activities, design sessions, and a storytelling corner inspired by nautical and maritime themes.

Music Marquee: Listen to live music from local bands throughout the day, adding to the festival’s lively atmosphere by the harbour.

Local Exhibitors & Stalls: Browse stalls along Dock End with artisan goods, local produce, and businesses showing their work and skills.

Street Entertainment: Look out for roaming performers who share stories, maritime jokes, and sea shanties, making for great photos and fun moments.

Fisherman Olympics: This popular event lets fishermen compete in traditional tasks from their work, often ending with a crowd-pleasing tug-of-war on Saturday afternoon.

Whitby RNLI: Visitors can stop by the lifeboat station, where pre-booked tours often give a behind-the-scenes look at the important work of the RNLI.

Whitby Fish and Ships is a joyful celebration of the town’s maritime character, full of flavour, music, tradition, and hands-on fun. It is a highlight of Whitby’s annual calendar.