South Bay Fails Again... But Why?

Hey Scarborough! Here's what's happening this week 👋

Another busy week in Scarborough brings a mix of big news and tempting getaways. First up, South Bay is back in the spotlight as new figures confirm the bathing water rating remains poor. It's an issue with real impact on residents and visitors alike, and we've included the key story so you can stay up to speed.

Meanwhile, the OAT continues to make waves of its own with a growing list of major headline acts announced for 2026. The energy around next summer is already building, and it's shaping up to be a standout year for live music on the Yorkshire coast.

Closer to home, there's a lovely castle break at Hazlewood Castle, complete with spa access and dinner.

Scroll down to catch the full events lineup, live music, activities and more happening across the area.

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🔥 Happening Now - Don't Miss Out

Fri Nov 28 | 19:30 | Nashville at Heart | Scarborough Spa

Fri Dec 05 | 19:30 | A Night at the Darts | Scarborough Spa

Sat Dec 06 | 17:00 | Jack & the Beanstalk: Pantomime | Whitby Pavilion

Wed Dec 24 | 14:00 | Magic Mike's Christmas Special | Scarborough Spa

Wed Dec 31 | 19:30 | Tony Skingle as ELVIS | Scarborough Spa

📰 Scarborough Life

🎵 Scarborough OAT drops six huge new headline shows for 2026. The UK's biggest open-air arena just levelled up again, adding global superstar Michael Buble to a stacked lineup that already features Scissor Sisters, Madness, Rick Astley, The Kooks and Teddy Swims. And that's just the start.

This latest wave of announcements brings even more major names: Anastacia with Heather Small, Richard Ashcroft with Tom Meighan and Apollo Junction, Bastille with Nectar Woode, CMAT and a wild night with Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter supported by The Stranglers and The Undertones. It's shaping up to be the venue's biggest summer ever, with promoters confirming more than 20 headline shows and even more acts still to come.

From June through August, the Yorkshire coast will be buzzing with world-class music, massive crowds and serious summer energy. See the full lineup and lock in your summer tickets.

💆 Treat Yourself to a Romantic Castle Break. Enjoy a thermal spa and dinner in the ancient keep of Hazlewood Castle. It is the ultimate restorative trip near home. Read the reviews.

🌊 South Bay bathing water is still rated poor despite upgrades. New Environment Agency figures reveal no improvement for South Bay, raising fresh concern over pollution, tourism and who’s really to blame. See what’s driving the ongoing worries.

📊 Report slams Whitby Town Council's budget controls. An investigation exposes significant financial failings, eyebrow-raising budget gaps and tiny reserves - setting the stage for a fiery council meeting. Dive into the drama behind the numbers.

🦇 Ready for Dracula's Whitby on Your Own Terms? Discover the historic streets and clifftops that inspired Bram Stoker’s dark tale via a self-guided audio walk. Check out the guide today: Check Out the Guide Today.

💦 Alpamare drops new low-season prices for winter fun. Slides, steamy pools and a complete wellness spa now come with bargain weekday tickets from £10 - perfect for a budget-friendly winter splash. Make your next dip a cheap one.

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🎯 Saturday Morning Challenge launches at North Yorkshire Water Park. Kids can dive into high-energy games, outdoor adventures and a free hot chocolate every Saturday morning - but with only 20 spots, it's a scramble to get in. Snag a spot before they vanish.

🏨 Seamer’s Mayfield Hotel wins approval for major expansion. Ten new bedrooms, extra parking and fresh landscaping have been approved to support the hotel’s long-term future as a community hub. Take a peek at what’s coming.

🏗️ Scarborough flat expansion plans blocked by councillors. A proposal to double a block of flats near the station was rejected over cramped layouts, parking issues and holiday-let concerns. Get the full story behind the refusal.

🎡 North Yorkshire attractions draw 80,000 visitors on average. Councillor Simon Myers says major cultural programmes like the Scarborough Fair are pulling huge crowds, delivering strong satisfaction scores and impressive social value returns. See what's driving the surge in interest.

🎁 A charity-powered Christmas wonderland opens in Scarborough. Santa's Garden invites locals into a glowing festive escape while raising vital funds for two remarkable children's charities. Feel-good vibes guaranteed. Experience the magic for yourself.

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Posts From Last Issue

🦷 Scarborough could get a new community dental practice. Plans to turn the former Quaker Meeting House into a clinic. This could fill a major gap in local care.

🥾 Find Your Next Coastal Adventure. Explore North Yorkshire's best beach trails with curated maps, clear directions, and real reviews. Download for free.

🚙Motorhome parking ban sparks thousands of complaints. A trial ban has backfired, with campervans shifting into residential streets. Get the full story here.

📅 Plan Ahead - Book Now

Sat Jun 06 | 18:00 | Madness in Concert | Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Fri Jun 12 | 18:00 | Paul Weller | Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Fri Jun 26 | 18:00 | Pete Tong presents Ibiza Classics | Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Sat Jul 04 | 18:00 | David Gray + The Divine Comedy | Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Wed Jul 22 | 18:00 | Teddy Swims | Scarborough Open Air Theatre

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

We keep it short here - head to our EVENTS PAGE for complete descriptions, links and future events.

Fri, 28th Nov

09:45 🏅 Social Bowls - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
17:00 🎄 Scarborough Sparkle - Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Scarborough
18:00 💃 Line Dancing - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
18:00 🎉 Sportlight - Various Scarborough Locations, Scarborough
19:00 🏅 Social Bowls - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
19:00 💬 Drop-in Meditation Class - The HUB, Scarborough
19:00 🎤 Robbie Williams Tribute - The Mayfield, Scarborough
19:30 🎶 Nashville at Heart - Scarborough Spa, Scarborough
20:30 🎶 Open Mic Night - Crescent Lounge, Scarborough
21:00 🎶 Live Music Night - The Merchant Irish Bar, Scarborough

Sat, 29th Nov

09:30 🎭 Sprites: For Families - Scarborough Spa, Scarborough
11:30 🧘 Yogalates - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
13:00 🎭 Sleeping Beauty - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
17:00 🎄 Scarborough Sparkle - Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Scarborough
18:00 🎉 Bongo’s Bingo - Scarborough Spa, Scarborough
18:00 🎭 Sleeping Beauty - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
19:00 🎶 ABBA Tribute Night - The Mayfield, Scarborough
19:00 💬 Tour: Dark Tales - To The Grand Hotel, Scarborough
19:30 🎶 Eliza Carthy & Jon Boden’s Wassail - Whitby Pavilion, Whitby
19:30 🎸 Slade UK - Scarborough Market Hall, Scarborough
19:30 🎶 Old Red Eyes - Paul Heaton Tribute - Crescent Lounge, Scarborough
20:00 🎧 Goth/Alternative Night - The Westover Club, Scarborough
21:00 🎧 Live DJ Set - Scarborough Flyer, Scarborough
21:00 🎶 Live Music Night - The Merchant Irish Bar, Scarborough

Sun, 30th Nov

09:30 🎭 Sprites: For Families - Scarborough Spa, Scarborough
11:00 🚶 Sunday Social Walk - North Yorkshire Water Park, Wykeham
14:00 🎂 Festive Cake Workshop - Love Brew Cafe, Scarborough
17:00 🎄 Scarborough Sparkle - Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Scarborough

📅 Got A Local Event To Share?

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