Your Scarborough Guide! Here’s What’s Happening This Week! 🎉

Hello Scarborough!

The town is buzzing with exciting news and events! North Bay Railway hit a record 100,000 passengers, while Filey Railway Station is using trained hawks to tackle its pigeon problem. Plus, Whitby's first-ever Chocolate Festival is set to raise funds for lifesaving defibrillators! 🍫❤️

On the events front, check out Velma Celli's dazzling cabaret and The Benn Clatworthy Quartet's jazz night. There's also yoga, theatre, and community meetups to check out.

Scroll down for the full lineup and make the most of your week! 🎶✨

📆 What to expect from The Scarborough Rundown:

• Sundays - Covering events from Monday to Thursday

• Thursdays - Your guide to Friday to Sunday, plus all the latest local news

• 🎉 Extra editions - For big events and holidays!

This means you’ll always be up to date with Scarborough’s events, live entertainment, community news, food & drink, and more. 💛

🦅 Hawks Deployed to Keep Pigeons at Bay at Filey Railway Station

Northern has launched a trial using Harris’s hawks at railway stations in Filey, Beverley, and Driffield to deter pigeons from causing disruptions. The birds have long been a nuisance, damaging station roofs and leaving hazardous droppings. Previous efforts to scare them away - such as plastic owl decoys, recorded hawk sounds, and ‘fire gel’ that creates an illusion of heat - proved ineffective, leading Northern to bring in live hawks as a more practical solution.

The hawks, supplied by pest control specialists Rentokil, patrol the stations to scare off pigeons rather than hunt them. The goal is to create an environment where pigeons no longer feel comfortable roosting. Northern has also implemented spikes and netting to reduce nesting, and last year, passengers were advised not to feed pigeons to prevent attracting more birds.

If successful, the hawk program may be expanded to other stations struggling with pigeon-related disruptions. This initiative follows similar measures at other UK railway stations, where bird control has been an ongoing challenge.
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🚂 Scarborough’s North Bay Railway Draws 100,000 Passengers in 2023

Scarborough’s North Bay Railway, a miniature coastal attraction, welcomed over 100,000 visitors last year. Running since 1931, the railway features historic locomotives, including the beloved ‘Neptune.’ The attraction’s success is credited to its nostalgic charm, dedicated team, and seasonal events like Halloween ghost trains and Santa specials. Future plans include expanding events to attract even more visitors.
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🍫 New Whitby Chocolate Festival to Fund Lifesaving Defibrillators

Whitby Town Council has backed the first-ever Whitby Chocolate Festival, set for December. The event will raise funds for defibrillator maintenance, with proceeds supporting over 40 devices in the town. Local businesses will participate, featuring collection boxes and a festival route map. While the council won’t provide direct funding, the initiative aligns with efforts to boost tourism and public health.
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🏥 St Catherine’s Hospice Receives £104K in Government Funding

Scarborough’s St Catherine’s Hospice will receive £104,720 from the UK government’s "Plan for Change" initiative to upgrade facilities and services. The grant is part of a £25 million national investment to improve hospice care. CEO Ray Baird called it a "pivotal moment," ensuring continued support for patients and families.
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🎓 Parents Criticize School Transport Policy Changes

North Yorkshire Council’s new school transport policy considers "safe walking routes" instead of just distance, leaving many rural children ineligible for free bus passes. Parents argue the routes are unsafe, with poor lighting and no pavements, forcing costly alternatives. Concerns are growing, especially for winter travel.
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⛽ Plans for Scarborough Drilling Rig Face Backlash

Europa Oil & Gas has applied to drill for gas in Burniston, sparking opposition from locals and environmental groups. Concerns include noise, HGV traffic, and pollution. The company insists no fracking will occur, but protests continue as the council reviews the proposal.
More Here

💰 £20M Investment for Scarborough Communities

Scarborough will receive £20 million over 10 years as part of a UK Government initiative to fund local projects. New neighbourhood boards will help decide spending, aiming to boost infrastructure and community spaces. Leaders call it a "fantastic opportunity."
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🎰 Whitby 24-Hour Gaming Centre Nears Approval

Despite 300+ objections, plans to turn Whitby’s former Halifax bank into a 24-hour adult gaming centre are likely to be approved. Critics fear gambling-related harm, but planners say it could boost foot traffic. A final decision is expected March 14.
More Here

📅 Monday, March 10

07:30 ☀️ Rise & Shine Yoga 📍 Scarborough Yoga Space
Start your day feeling invigorated with a dynamic morning yoga flow designed to boost circulation, strength, and mood. More info

10:15 🎖️ Commonwealth Day 📍 Garden of Remembrance, Alma Square, Scarborough
A commemoration of the war dead of the Commonwealth and a celebration featuring standards on parade. More info

13:00 🧸 Stay & Smile 📍 Whitby Spa Pavilion
A welcoming session for ages 0-5 with baby and toddler activities, toys, and community resources. More info

16:30 🌿 The Zen Den - Mindfulness Club for Kids 📍 The Street
A fun-packed mindfulness session for kids aged 7-11, including crafts, games, yoga, and relaxation techniques. More info

19:30 🧘 Relaxation & Rebalance Session 📍 First Scarborough Scouts, Maple Drive
An hour of total relaxation to reset your mind, body, and spirit. More info

📅 Tuesday, March 11

Events

10:00 🌙 Wellness Morning with Sister Moon Crystals 📍 Beeforth's Hive, South Cliff Gardens, Scarborough
A relaxing moon circle with tuning forks, a crystal harp, and a guided meditation, with donations welcomed for tea and coffee. More info

14:30 🗑️ #TeamAlison Labour Litter Pick 📍 Queens Parade, Scarborough
Join the community litter pick with gloves and pickers provided, meeting opposite the Clifton Hotel. More info

18:00 🌊 Tuesday Sea Swim 📍 Filey Coble Landing Slip Wall End
A welcoming group sea swim - bring warm clothes, a dry beanie, and a hot drink for after. More info

19:30 🎭 Education Education Education 📍 The Round, SJT
A play set in 1997 exploring the struggles of a secondary school in special measures, performed by the SJT Young Company. More info

19:30 ❓ Quiz Night - Merchant Irish Bar Entertainment 📍 The Merchant Irish Bar
Test your knowledge at the weekly quiz night in a lively pub setting. More info

📅 Wednesday, March 12

19:30 🎭 Education Education Education 📍 The Round, SJT
A play set in 1997 exploring the struggles of a secondary school in special measures, performed by the SJT Young Company. More info

📅 Thursday, March 13

18:00 🍎 Teachers Network: March 2025 📍 Boden Room, SJT
An informal meetup for teachers to explore SJT’s offerings, share skills, and enjoy complimentary access to a theatre production. More info

19:30 🎭 Education Education Education 📍 The Round, SJT
A play set in 1997 exploring the struggles of a secondary school in special measures, performed by the SJT Young Company. More info

📅 Monday, March 10

20:00 🎶 Monday Acoustic Folk Night 📍 The Red Lion Inn, Cloughton
Enjoy an evening of acoustic music, including unaccompanied folk songs and instrumental tunes. More info

20:00 🎶 Folk Club - Merchant Irish Bar Entertainment 📍 The Merchant Irish Bar
Join the weekly Folk Club at The Merchant Irish Bar for live acoustic performances. More info

📅 Wednesday, March 12

15:00 🎶 Carmel O'Toole 📍 Mojos Music Cafe, Scarborough
Singer-songwriter Carmel performs a lively mix of original and stirring acoustic songs. More info

19:45 🎷 The Benn Clatworthy Quartet 📍 The Cask Inn, Scarborough
Scarborough Jazz Club presents world-class saxophonist Benn Clatworthy and his quartet, blending post-Coltrane energy with beautiful ballads. More info

📅 Thursday, March 13

19:45 🎤 Velma Celli: God Save the Queens 📍 The McCarthy, SJT
Award-winning cabaret star Velma Celli pays tribute to UK music icons in a night of music, comedy, and entertainment. More info

20:30 🎶 Open Mic Night - Merchant Irish Bar Entertainment 📍 The Merchant Irish Bar
Take the stage or enjoy live performances at the weekly open mic night. More info

If you’ve got an event, a business update, or some local news to share, drop us a message - we want to highlight the incredible things happening in our area.

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