The first of a series of exciting festivals was a soaraway success at the weekend.
Tens of thousands attend Redcar Kite Festival on Saturday and Sunday (6 and 7 June) – see photographs here.
It was just the first exciting, popular festival in the borough this summer. In the coming weeks it will be followed by Armed Forces Day, the Festival of Thrift and Between the Tides family fun weekend.
There is also packed summer programme of events and including fun activities involving dinosaurs and pirates at Kirkleatham Museum, Sunset Markets on Majuba and even an event dedicated to puddings, Redcar Dessert Festival.
There are many other hugely popular privately-organised events in the borough too including Summer Sound music festival in Guisborough, Saltburn Food and Folk Festivals.
Cllr Carrie Richardson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Culture and Climate Change, said:
“I honestly think it is the busiest and best summer programme we’ve ever had. Events range from teddy bears picnics at Kirkleatham Museum to national events like the Festival of Thrift. It might be a cliché but it is absolutely true - there is something for everyone.”
Armed Forces Day
A chance to show your appreciation of our Armed Forces on Saturday 27 June from 10.30am to 3.30pm on Redcar High Street. There will be a military parade, entertainment and displays and a military aircraft fly-past.
Organised by the Redcar branches of The Royal British Legion and Rotary Club in partnership with the council, there will be a moving opening ceremony before live music, children’s activities, stalls and cadet drill displays.
Festival of Thrift
The free, family, thrifty festival is returning to Kirkleatham Museum and Grounds on Saturday 4 July and Sunday 5 July after a three-year absence and is once again expected to attract up to 40,000 visitors from across the country. Visitors can roam the grounds and enjoy outdoor performances, hands-on workshops, interactive installations, pre-loved fashion and market stalls from independent makers.
Expect a mix of thrifty favourites (including the beloved Best In Show) and new surprises. Entry is free and you are welcome to bring a picnic or enjoy delicious food and drink onsite. Find out more here festivalofthrift.co.uk
Between the Tides
A free weekend of adventure and exploration for children and their grown-ups, this year’s festival will once again take place at Kirkleatham Village on Saturday 22 August and Sunday 23 August from 11am to 5pm (with a quiet hour from 10am to 11am for families with special needs). And this year there will be with the added bonus of an extra day in Redcar High Street for teens (on Wednesday 18 August).
Now in its fourth year, the festival won the prestigious Best Event of the Year at last year’s North East Culture Awards, after transforming the grounds of the village into a spectacle of theatre, puppetry, circus, dance, storytelling and live music.
This year the festival will be extended over a larger area to accommodate some magical woodland experiences. Expect all the best bits of last year – Big Bubble Bash foam party finale; party animal woodland disco; interactive chalk walk; walkabout characters – along with some spectacular shows, including the much-loved Luminarium light show. Suitable for all ages.
Kirkleatham Museum
The hugely successful Dinosaurs, Monsters and Lost Worlds exhibition will be open all summer and tie-in workshops and fun activities are also planned. Other highlights include Pirates Week with a trail around the ground, a teddy bears picnic for little ones, Saxon Week and Camp and much more.
Outdoor fun
The first ever Redcar Dessert Festival will be held on Saturday 18 July and Sunday 19 July. There are many other events and activities including outdoor theatre at Kirkleatham Museum and Grounds including Romeo and Juliet on Thursday 9 July and Friday 10 July. Treasure Island on Friday 24 July, As You Like It on Sunday 26 July and The Tale of Peter Rabbit on Saturday 29 August.
Find out more – including the hugely popular privately-organised events Summer Sound and Saltburn Food Festival – on the council’s ‘Enjoy’ website and listings page.