Loan Trouble, Rooftop Chaos, and One Seriously Haunted Walking Tour

Hey Scarborough! Here's What's Happening This Week!
There's no shortage of drama in Scarborough this week - and not all of it's on stage.

First, a scathing new report has revealed just how much Scarborough Borough Council lost on the failed Alpamare water park project. The total shortfall? £7.8 million - and that's after what's being called poor planning and unrealistic expectations.

Meanwhile, locals are dodging more than seagull droppings these days. With soaring urban bird numbers, reports of "gull muggings" have skyrocketed, sparking heated debate over how we balance wildlife protection and town life.

On a lighter note, The Grand in York has a tempting new midweek stay offer, and Viator is offering 20% off tours across Yorkshire if you use our code SUMMER20, until August 24.

Scroll on for the full event lineup - there's a lot to explore this week.

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📍 Scarborough in Brief - Community Updates 📰

🧾 Looking to squeeze in one more summer day trip - we have a deal for you!

With our code SUMMER20, you can get 20% off all Viator tours and activities until August 24th. Here are just a few examples of what’s on offer:

• York Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise

• Original Harry Potter Locations Tour: Guided Tour of York

• York Dungeon Entry Ticket

• The Deathly Dark Tour of York: Experience of the Year 2024

• York City Pass: Access 30+ Attractions for One Great Price

• York Witches and History Walking Tour

🕊️ Scarborough Battles ‘Gull Muggings’ Amid Bird Population Surge
With gulls swiping food and taking over rooftops, locals are split between protecting wildlife and restoring order in this classic seaside showdown. See what’s happening

💸 Scarborough's £9M Water Park Loan Slammed for Major Weaknesses
A report into the failed Alpamare water park project found that Scarborough Borough Council made a high-risk loan based on poor planning and unrealistic expectations, resulting in a £7.8 million shortfall. More on the findings

🛎️ New weekday deal lets guests slow down at The Grand, York
Slip away mid-week and see a quieter side of York. The Grand's current offer makes it easier to turn an ordinary weekday into something memorable. Book here

🍻 New Life for a Scarborough Favourite: The Cask & Keg Opens Friday
Scarborough's former Cask Inn is reopening as The Cask & Keg this Friday at 4 pm. Expect a fresh look, live music all weekend, and plenty of local beer in the newly refurbished pub on Cambridge Terrace. See more

🌙 Moonlight on the Lake tickets are now on sale
This autumn, Peasholm Park will glow with lanterns and illuminations for the biggest-ever Moonlight on the Lake, set for Oct 24-25, with tickets just £2 for adults and free for kids. Get tickets

🐧 Pebble the Penguin Steals Hearts at Sewerby Hall
After a lively public vote, Sewerby Hall and Gardens Zoo has officially named their newest penguin chick Pebble. The tiny Humboldt penguin is already charming visitors and joins siblings Pickle, Crackle, and Bumble. Meet her

🏡 The Rammy Isn’t Closing - But Big Changes Are Coming
Adam and Connor have confirmed that The Ramshill isn’t closing - but the current team is stepping aside after a run of record-breaking success. They're working with Heineken to ensure the pub remains in safe hands and retains its community spirit. Read the note

🎉 Dessert Giveaway from Sabroso in Scarborough
Sabroso Burrito & Nacho Bar is running a sweet competition with three, five, or eight desserts up for grabs - including Jammy Dodger Cheesecake and Marshmallow Brownies. To enter, tag two friends, like the post, and share it before tonight's teatime draw. Enter now

🥾 Final Stretch of King Charles III England Coast Path Opens
Walk from the Scottish border to Lincolnshire as the newest trail section opens between Bridlington and Easington - complete with coastal views, history, and holiday vibes. Plan your walk

🎄 Haven Expands for the Holidays with Four New Coastal Parks
Haven Holidays is opening four more UK sites for Christmas 2025, including Primrose Valley and Rockley Park, offering festive meals, Santa visits, and seaside cheer through early January. Find out more

🎂 Cooplands Celebrates 140 Years with Fancy Dress, Sand Sculptures, and Cake
From a giant Victoria sponge walking the high street to sandcastle cupcakes on the beach, Cooplands marked its milestone with community fun and plenty of pastries. See the celebrations

🎓 Scarborough Colleges Win Right to Award Degrees
Scarborough TEC and East Riding College have been granted new powers to award degrees, opening the door for more local learners to access higher education without leaving the region. Learn more

🛏️ Scarborough’s First Big Sleep Out to Support the Homeless
The Rainbow Centre is hosting its inaugural "Big Sleep Out" on August 30, inviting locals to experience a night outside while raising funds and awareness for those facing homelessness. Get involved

🌊 North Sea Off Yorkshire Coast Hits Record High Temperature
The sea off Scarborough reached 18.7°C in July, the warmest recorded since 1870, raising concerns about climate change and its impact on marine life. Read the full story

Readers' Choice: Most Visited Links from the Last Issue

1. 🍺 Oktoberfest returns to The Tipi Venue for 4 weekends of Bavarian fun

2. 🌾 Treat yourself to a quiet break on the North York Moors

3. 📅 Head to our EVENTS PAGE for full event descriptions and links

🎟️ Events, Activities & Live Music 🎾

We keep it short here - head to our EVENTS PAGE for full descriptions and links.

Fri, 22nd Aug

All Day 🌾 Ayton Scarecrow Trail - Ayton Village
09:30 🐎 Dressage Clinic - Westfield Farm, Cloughton
10:00 💃 LoveFit Lite Dance - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
10:00 🎨 Friday Urban Sketching - NYAS Shop, Scarborough
10:00 🎻 Whitby Folk Week - Various venues, Whitby
10:00 🎒 School Uniform Giveaway - Westborough Methodist Church, Scarborough
12:30 🦆 The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck - Holbeck Clock Tower, Scarborough
18:00 👢 Line Dancing (Beginners) - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
19:00 🎧 Live DJ & Karaoke - The Ramshill, Scarborough
19:00 🎸 Lachlan Bryan & The Wildes - Old Parcels Office, Scarborough
19:30 🎭 Comedy Theatre: Noises Off - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
20:00 🐎 Race Night - The Tow Bar, Cayton Bay
20:30 🎤 Open Mic Night - The Crescent Lounge, Scarborough
21:00 🎤 Karaoke Night - The Scarborough Arms
21:00 🎧 DJ Cut – Resident DJ - Scarborough Flyer
21:00 🎤 NikNaks Karaoke - The Prince of Wales Hotel, Scarborough
21:00 🎶 Music: Emily Cline - The Mayfield, Seamer

Sat, 23rd Aug

All Day 🌾 Ayton Scarecrow Trail - Ayton Village
10:00 🎨 Filey Art Society Summer Exhibition - Filey Evron Centre, Filey
11:00 🌿 Wellness Retreat Day - Beeforth’s Hive, Scarborough
11:00 🎠 Family Fun Day - The Foulsyke, Scarborough
11:30 🧘 Yogalates - Alexandra Centre, Scarborough
11:30 🐕 Barrowcliff Dog Show - Barrowcliff Park Green, Scarborough
12:00 🎉 Family Festival - The Mayfield, Seamer
12:00 🎶 The Ship’s Free Music Festival - The Ship, Scarborough
12:00 🎭 Backstage Tour: Noises Off - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
14:30 🎭 Comedy Theatre: Noises Off - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
15:00 🚢 Naval Warfare Show - Peasholm Park, Scarborough
18:00 🎸 80s Rock & Pop - Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough
19:00 🎧 Live DJ & Karaoke - The Ramshill, Scarborough
19:00 🕯️ The Black Widow – Dark Tales Walking Tour - To Grand Hotel, Scarborough
19:00 🎶 Lachlan Bryan & The Wildes - Old Parcels Office, Scarborough
19:30 🎭 Comedy Theatre: Noises Off - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
19:30 🎶 ELO Again – Tribute Show - Scarborough Spa Theatre
19:30 🤼 First Class Wrestling - Whitby Pavilion Theatre
20:00 🎧 Bank Holiday Throwback Party - The Mayfield, Seamer
20:00 🦇 Goth/Alt Night - The Westover Club, Scarborough
21:00 🎧 DJ Matty Blinkstar – Party Night - Scarborough Flyer
21:00 🎤 Karaoke Night with Nik Nak - The Scarborough Arms
21:00 🎤 NikNaks Karaoke - The Prince of Wales Hotel, Scarborough
21:00 🎶 Live Music: JnJ - Indigo Alley, Scarborough

Sun, 24th Aug

All Day 🌾 Ayton Scarecrow Trail - Ayton Village
10:00 🎾 Free Tennis - Scalby Tennis Club, Scarborough
10:30 🛍️ Artisan Fair - Lilly’s Treasures, Scarborough
11:00 🎨 Open Studio with Lynne Arnison - 23 Grosvenor Road, Scarborough
11:00 🎼 Scarborough Spa Orchestra - Scarborough Spa Suncourt
12:30 🎪 Family Fun Day - The Ship, Scarborough
13:15 🎶 Scarlet Dusk: Live - Ye Olde Forge Valley Inn, Scarborough
13:30 🦖 Dino Tales - Whitby Pavilion Theatre
14:30 🎺 Summer Band Concert - Peasholm Park Bandstand, Scarborough
15:00 🍸 Xanders Open Masterclass - Xanders, Scarborough
18:00 🎤 Will Smith Live - Scarborough Open Air Theatre
19:30 🎙️ Elvis Tribute: Tony Skingle - Spa Theatre, Scarborough
21:00 🎤 Karaoke Night with Nik Nak - The Scarborough Arms
21:00 🎤 NikNaks Karaoke - The Prince of Wales Hotel

Future Events

🎉 Want to see what’s coming up? Our EVENTS PAGE features a growing list of upcoming events, complete with descriptions and links.

👋 That’s All For Now 🎬

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