Whitby Regatta 12th, 13th and 14th August 2023
This year’s Whitby Regatta promises to be one of the best yet!
From the Red Arrows to the Regatta Fun Run, this year’s line-up of family-friendly entertainment is fantastic.
It makes up for the recent ‘missing years’ due to the Pandemic.
The best way to tell you all that’s going on is to list the events each day.
Remember to check ALL details though, in case of any last-minute changes.
Here, we’ve listed the main events in this article.
Saturday 12th August 2023
RAF Battle Of Britain Lancaster Flying Display.
View this at 1.52pm, view from East and West Piers.
Helping to commemorate those brave souls who fell in service, the BBMF usually includes several aircraft: Spitfires, Hurricanes, a Dakota, Chipmunks and of course a Lancaster bomber.
It operates from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
Rowing Races will provide lots of excitement, view from West Cliff and the Harbour.
Miles M.65 Gemini – Flying Display, view from West Cliff.
Time – to be confirmed at time of writing.
First flown in October 1945, this is a British twin-engine four-seater touring aircraft.
North Yorkshire Birds of Prey
Find these magnificent birds and trained falconers in the Crescent Gardens on the West Cliff.
Amazing Captain Kipper
From 11am in the Captain Cook area, including a traditional puppet show suitable for young and older kids alike!
Dalek Panther
Find it on the West Cliff.
Why not get a photo taken with it!
Parkour Action
At the West Cliff, next to the Crescent Gardens.
If you haven’t heard of Parkour, sometimes called freerunning, this incredible sport is about getting from one spot to another in the fastest way possible.
This can include leaping over obstacles, climbing, and more.
For the Regatta, there will be a new portable rig in place, measuring 4m high, so you will see how these talented athletes show their latest tactics and tricks.
Three performers are set to take part in 15-minute displays, three times a day.
And there will be coaching sessions too.
It’s safe to say, don’t try this at home, though!
Whitby Regatta Swim
This year sees welcome return of this event is organised by Whitby Wild Swimmers and Sea Swim Yorkshire will take place on Saturday 12th at 10am if weather and sea conditions allow.
If it can’t take place on Saturday, then the back-up date and time is Sunday 13th August at 11am.
The swim route is from Sandsend to Whitby and there’s also a new Beach Hut Swim of 1000m.
Star Viewing and Star Party
From the seas to the skies as the Whitby and District Astronomical Society will be in situ next to the Royal Hotel, West cliff (next to the Grover Optics stand) from 1.30pm to 4.15pm for some solar viewing,
Then from 9.15pm at the West Cliff Pitch and Putt, next to Archery Green, a Star Party will take place.
Other events include Bungee Trampoline, Bouncy Castle and Giant Slide.
A more relaxed Pick a Pen will be available in the Captain Cook area from 11am.
A vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club Rally will be on the Spa Green from 11am.
A Rally Car Display will be in the same location again from 11am.
If you love sailing the Robinson Cup will take place in Whitby Bay, from 1.30pm; the best viewing point is from West cliff.
Then the Regatta Sail Past and Life Boat Launch in the Harbour takes place at 5.15pm.
The Regatta Tombola will be in place from 9am.
‘This Is the Coast’ radio will be out and about, too.
Sunday 13th August 2023
One of the main attractions on Sunday has to be the spectacular Red Arrows Aerobatic Display Team.
Their stunning display can be viewed from the East and West Piers, and from West Cliff from 5.10pm.
These fast-moving Hawk jets have been flying since 1965.
Fun Run
If you feel energetic, the Whitby Regatta Fun Run will set off at 10am in the Crescent Gardens, organised by Whitby Running Club.
This event will be fully inclusive, and proceeds will go to the Regatta and Whitby Running Club.
There will be two distances and fees are to be paid on the day, registrations accepted from 8.30am to 9.45am.
See the Spit and Polish Classic Car Rally
This will be in place on the Spa Green, West Cliff from 11am.
Motorcycle and Quad Bike Gymkhana
Taking place from 10am on near the Khyber Pass.
If you missed some of the events on Saturday, don’t worry as some are repeated today.
The tombola, ‘This Is The Coast’ radio, and Pick a Pen will be taking place once again on Sunday.
Parkour Action will also take place, as will the Bungee Trampoline, Bouncy Castle and Giant Slide.
There’s another chance to see the Dalek Panther, and Captain Kipper, North Yorkshire Birds of Prey, and the Mile M.65 Gemini flying display.
The Rowing Races also take place on Sunday and there is another chance to see the RAF Battle of Britain Lancaster Flying Display at 3.43pm.
Whitby Astronomical Society will be offering solar viewing from 1.30pm to 4.15pm on the West cliff, along with a Star Party at 9.15pm.
New events on Sunday including the Whitby Scooter Club Rally in the Crescent Gardens from 11am.
Tuby’s Vintage Commercial Vehicles Display takes place from 10am on West Cliff.
Vintage and Post War Motor Cycles will be on display from 11am in the Crescent Gardens.
Monday 14th August 2023.
As the final day of this spectacular event takes place, the Grand Parade is not to be missed.
From 10am the parade includes decorated floats which you can see throughout the town.
There is Fancy Dress Judging and Prize giving near the Royal Hotel at 10.45am.
Repeat events include the tombola, ‘This Is The Coast’ radio, and Pick a Pen will be taking place.
The Amazing Captain Kipper can be ‘caught’ from 11am on the West Cliff.
Solar viewing thanks to the Whitby Astronomical Society will take place from 2pm to 4pm near the Royal Hotel.
Parkour Action will also take place, and the Bungee Trampoline, Bouncy Castle and Giant Slide will be in place.
Rowing Races will also be in full swing, while there’s a final chance to see the North Yorkshire Birds of Prey.
Today is the last chance to see and meet Dalek Panther.
A Fun Fair will be offering bright lights and rides on Pier Road and West Pier from 10am.
The Rowing Club’s prize giving takes place at Abbey Wharf from around 7.30pm.
Firework Finale
And the grand finale will be marked by the Spectacular Fireworks Display.
This takes place at 9.45pm, and can be viewed from West Cliff and the West Pier.
Illumination pyrotechnics will be in control with a stunning display over Whitby Harbour.
This year’s theme is ‘A Sky Full of Wonder’, and it will feature a colourful and dazzling place that will form the incredible finale to this special event.
What About Parking?
Parking in just about any coastal resort is at a premium during the summer.
Put it another way, we can’t deny the town gets exceptionally busy for the Regatta.
As a day visitor, it’s best to arrive early so you can get to a parking space.
If you’re staying for a few days, be sure to park legally … see our parking blog for info.
Of course, Whitby has a railway station, and regular bus services.
What About Food and Drink?
It’s always a great idea to support local cafes, restaurants, pubs and take away venues when you visit a town.
However, there can be queues so patience is a virtue.
You can always bring a picnic to save on the pennies.
Volunteers
Organisers are looking for volunteers to help out at this very community-based event <LINK>.
Sponsors
Thanks to the generosity of numerous sponsors, Whitby Regatta is one of the best events of the year.
You can see all the sponsors here.
How Do We Get Tickets?
The event is free although some attractions and venues may have an entry fee.
How Old is Whitby Regatta?
It is thought it first began over 180 years ago and is maybe one of the oldest of its kind along the northeast coast.
This history of the event goes back to the mid-1800s, and in the 1930s, when yacht racing was in its heyday, Whitby Regatta began to take its current form.
Find Out More
Visit the Regatta’s website here:
https://whitbyregatta.co.uk/events.html
Missed Out This Time?
Whitby Regatta is one of the key events in the town’s calendar so if you’ve missed out this year, then next year’s dates have been announced: 17th, 18th and 19th August 2024.
