Pictures from Staithes Festival of Arts & Heritage

Colourful jellyfish created by artists Bridget Wilkinson and Sarah J Cooper at the Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage. Picture: Ceri Oakes

There was a party atmosphere in Staithes over the weekend as artists, residents and visitors celebrated the village’s role in art and culture over the years.

Cottages became pop-up art galleries and yards became cafes for the weekend, while kippers smoked away near the beach.

Pitching up a chair for outdoor entertainment at the Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage 2026. Picture: Ceri Oakes

Meanwhile, more than a hundred artists exhibited work through paintings, print, ceramics, textiles, sculpture and photography.

BBQ smoked kippers were cooked in the street for visitors to the Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage 2026. Picture: Ceri Oakes

Concerts from Eliza Carthy MBE and the Saltburn Smugglers provided the backdrop of music.

Staithes Festival of Arts & Heritage takes place each year in September and has been going since 2014.

A lighting installation on the bridge at the Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage 2026. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Artist Kit Helmsley from Runswick Bay with a customer at the Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage 2026. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Live music performances at the Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage 2026. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Three ladies soak up the atmosphere at the Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage 2026. Picture: Ceri Oakes
The harbour was bustling for the Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage 2026. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Artist Bridget Wilkinson holds a tiny wooden boat inspired by Staithes harbour. whitby artist Bridget exhibited her work during the Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage 2026. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Sarah Steele, an accredited gemmologist and owner of Ebor jetworks, has re-opened the Whitby Jet Museum on Church Street. Home to the last remaining Whitby jet workshop. Picture: Ceri Oakes

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Eventually, Admiral Van Tromp was lost to the sea off Saltwick. Picture: RNLI

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The Admiral Van Tromp listing in the seas off Whitby as drama unfolded on September 30, 1976. Picture: RNLI

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