Cuts, Chaos, and Community Grit

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

There's no easy way to say it - £100,000 has just been slashed from coastal parish budgets, and people are fuming. The cuts hit grass cutting, lighting, and bus shelters - the small things that keep our towns ticking - and councillors say they were blindsided. North Yorkshire Council calls it "streamlining." Locals call it "gutting."

Villages up and down the coast are wondering how they'll cope. Some are already talking about fundraising to keep the basics going. It's the kind of story that makes you stop and ask - who's really looking out for our coast?

But it's not all bleak. In Robin Hood's Bay, the old Dolphin pub is getting a new lease of life after five years in the dark. Locals have rolled up their sleeves and are determined to pour the first pint by Christmas. And if you need to escape the headlines, Hazlewood Castle Spa is serving up autumn retreats that sound downright heavenly.

So yes, there's frustration - and a fair bit of it. But there's also hope, humour, and a whole lot of heart along this coast. Let's dig into the stories that matter this week.

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📰 Scarborough In Brief - Headlines This Week

💷 £100k cuts hit coastal parishes as council trims budgets. North Yorkshire Council plans to scrap duplicate funding for grass cutting, bus shelters, and more, sparking alarm in rural communities. See what’s on the chopping block.

💆 Need a rest? Try Hazlewood Castle’s Autumn Spa Retreat. Slow down with a thermal spa session, 2-course dinner, overnight stay, and hearty Yorkshire breakfast. From £215 per couple, it’s the breather you’ve earned. Plan your escape.

🎄 Festive Farm Weekend returns to Eastfield Garden Centre. Meet the animals, explore the Christmas shop, and enjoy free family fun Nov 15-16 in Bridlington. Hot cocoa, cute goats, and holiday cheer await! Plan your festive visit.

🌟 Scarborough Open Air Theatre's 2026 lineup is pure fire! Billy Ocean, Marti Pellow, and Pete Tong's Ibiza Classics are set to light up the coast next June. Summer just got louder. Get your front-row fix.

🍻 Robin Hood's Bay pub gets new life. The Dolphin is being lovingly revived after five years closed, thanks to new owners and a team of volunteers. Locals hope to raise a pint by Christmas! Toast the full story.

🚗 Scarborough MP urged to push harder on A64 upgrade. Alison Hume faces mounting pressure to fast-track long-delayed dualling plans on the key York route, with locals calling time on decades of waiting. Follow the road ahead

🎭 Scarborough Comic-Con storms the Spa! The "little Comic-Con by the Sea" lands Nov 9, 2025, with cosplay chaos, comic icons, and seaside fandom in full force. Capes optional - fun guaranteed! Grab your pass to the madness

💀 Last Chance for Scarborough's Spookiest Tours. If you've been meaning to join the Ghost Walk or Dark Tales tour, act now - seats are disappearing fast. Haunted tales, eerie streets, and Halloween magic await. Book Ghost Walk • Book Dark Tales.

🏃 Thousands set to race the Yorkshire Coast 10K. Runners return Oct 19 for Scarborough's scenic seaside challenge, plus a 5K and Fun Run! Expect waves of charity runners, cheers, and medals made of slate. Lace up and learn more

The Game is Changing

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On November 13, they’re unveiling what’s next at their first-ever Winter Release Event. For the people shaping the future of content, community, and media, this is an event you can’t miss.

RSVP today

🏉 Touch Rugby Wednesdays at Scarborough Rugby Club. Fast, friendly, and totally non-contact! Open to anyone 14+, it's the perfect way to stay active, social, and smiling. No experience needed - just bring your boots! Join the midweek fun

❄️ A Fairytale for Christmas comes to Scarborough Spa. The hit Irish-inspired holiday concert returns on Nov 14, blending festive cheer with Celtic spirit and St Patrick's Day energy! Platinum Lounge upgrades available. Book your seat for the magic

🎭 Scarborough's cultural stars rally behind Town of Culture bid. From MPs to theatre execs, excitement is building for Scarborough's shot at becoming the UK's first Town of Culture in 2029. Discover the big supporters

🏘️ MP urged to back brownfield-first housing plan. Councillor Heather Phillips wants development to focus on brownfield sites, not green fields, while MP Alison Hume fights for better infrastructure and curbs on short-term lets. Dive into the housing debate

🤘 Ferocious Dog tear up Scarborough Spa! The folk-punk rebels bring riotous energy and Celtic soul to the Grand Hall on Nov 1. Expect sweat, sing-alongs, and serious noise. Snag your spot in the pit

🌈 Join Scarborough's Rainbow 100 Club. Local businesses are being invited to back The Rainbow Centre's life-changing work with the homeless and vulnerable through monthly donations and perks for members. Become part of the cause

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Links From Last Issue

• 💆 Yorkshire’s newest spa might ruin your productivity

• 🎭 Scarborough Fair brings culture to the coast this winter

• 🎰 Council slams "reprehensible" 24/7 gaming plan in Scarborough

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

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

Friday, October 17

09:45 🎳 Social Bowls - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
10:00 ✏️ Urban Sketching - NYAS Shop, Scarborough
13:00 🫂 Workshop for Stroke Survivors - Age UK, Scarborough
18:00 👢 Line Dancing: Beginners - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
19:00 🎳 Social Bowls - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
19:00 🍺 Oktoberfest - Tipi Venue, Scarborough
19:30 🎵 Musical: The Story of Swing - Whitby Pavilion
19:30 🩰 Nutcracker - Scarborough Spa Grand Hall
19:30 🎭 Theatre: Maybe a Ghost Story - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
20:30 🎤 Open Mic Night - Crescent Lounge, Scarborough
21:00 🎶 Live Music Night - The Merchant Irish Bar, Scarborough

Saturday, October 18

11:00 🍂 Autumn Market - The Poachers Barn, Scarborough
11:30 🧘 Yogalates - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
19:00 🎤 Em Louise: Live - East Ayton Lodge, Scarborough
19:00 🍺 Oktoberfest - Tipi Venue, Scarborough
19:00 🕯️ Tour: Dark Tales - To The Grand Hotel, Scarborough
19:30 🎤 The Amy Winehouse Experience - Whitby Pavilion
19:30 🎶 Musical: Play on Words - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
21:00 🎧 Live DJ Set - Scarborough Flyer
21:00 🎶 Live Music Night - The Merchant Irish Bar, Scarborough

Sunday, October 19

9:45 🏃 Yorkshire Coast 10K & 5K - Scarborough Spa
19:00 🤿 Discover Scuba - Scarborough Aqua Club
19:00 🎬 Film: The Final Football Tried To Forget - Whitby Pavilion
19:00 🍺 Oktoberfest - Tipi Venue, Scarborough

Future Events

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

📅 Got A Local Event To Share?

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