Whitby’s seafaring heritage celebrated at Fish and Ships festival

Paul Gildroy, head chef at the Magpie cooks up a storm on the first day of the Fish and Ships Festival. Saturday 16 May. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Whitby Anchor by Emma Ryan

Food and fishing are going hand in hand this weekend as the hugely popular Fish and Ships Festival takes place.

The celebration of Whitby’s fishing heritage has taken over the Marina front car park.

Today’s line up (Saturday) saw cooking demonstrations; the traditional art of fixing nets; tours of Whitby’s Shannon class All-Weather lifeboat, Lois Ivan; the fisherman’s Olympics, a challenge showcasing strength and skills; a tug o’ war and lobster releases.

Louise Boocook from Sandgate Seafoods and consultant chef Rob Green in the demonstration tent at Fish and Ships Festival. Saturday 16 May. Picture: Ceri Oakes

Local chefs, including seafood specialist Rob Green, have been showcasing their food prep skills and will be back tomorrow (Sunday).

Look out for shellfish preparation with Stephen Boocock from Sandgate Seafoods and LW Shellfish as well as Natasha Roe from Cod Roe Fishmongers.

Bidi Iredale played the part of a Whitby fisherlass at Whitby Fish and Ships Festival. Saturday 16 May. Picture: Ceri Oakes

The Magpie’s Paul Gildroy will be joined by Andrew Barker, a freelance fishmonger and master fish craftsman for a cooking demonstration.

There will be further demonstrations later tomorrow afternoon from Maggie Lubaszewska from Tide By Trenchers and Ben Laws from Java Café.

Providing the music will be Fylingdales Folk Choir, Low Tides and Saltburn Smugglers.

Howlin Johnny and the Devils Rejects perform at Whitby Fish and Ships Festival. Saturday 16 May. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Action from the Tug o’ War at the Fish and Ships Festival. Saturday 16 May. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Mayor of Whitby, Sandra Turner cheers on the competitors in the Tug o’ War at Whitby Fish and Ships. Saturday 16 May. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Cheers for the Tug o’ War competitors at Fish and Ships. Saturday 16 May. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Whitby potters took home the trophy in the Tug o’ War at the Fish and Ships Festival. Saturday 16 May. Picture: Ceri Oakes

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