Christmas is a special time of year, and this is especially true on the beautiful Yorkshire Coast. This area of Northern England has a long and rich history that dates back centuries, reflected in the unique customs and traditions observed each holiday season. From carol singing to pub crawls, Christmas on the Yorkshire Coast is a unique experience that should not be missed. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the traditional activities and festivities that take place on the Yorkshire Coast during Christmas; they're sure to make your Route YC road trip one to remember.
Boxing Day - Fisherman vs Fireman Football Match
This unique tradition to Scarborough dates right back to the 1800s and starts with a sad tale of a local fishing smack lost at sea in a massive storm in 1893. The match was organised to raise funds for many widows and orphans and has continued ever since.
The players are organised into two teams – the Fishermen and the Firemen. Each team consists of 8-10 players from the local community, many of whom have been participating in the event for years.
The match itself is quite unique and looks more like rugby than football; it's often quite physical and can be very humorous to watch.
At the end of the match, the winners take home the bragging rights, and the proceeds from the event are donated to the Fisherman and Firemen Charity fund before the players from the opposing team are dragged down to the sea and dunked.
Boxing Day - The Raft Race
Every Boxing Day, a tradition takes place on the Yorkshire Coast that is sure to bring a smile to the faces of onlookers. The Scarborough Sub Aqua Club organises a hilarious fancy-dress raft race from the harbour quayside.
Participants dress up in costumes and use their rafts, canoes or other homemade vessels to navigate the stretch of water from the harbour to the sea. The event is held around midday and follows the annual Football match.
The wild and wacky race is a spectacle for all ages, with people dressed up as pirates, superheroes and all kinds of fun characters. It's all in good fun, with participants competing for bragging rights and the title of champion raft racer.
Afterwards, the racers head back to the harbour and enjoy a celebratory drink while they wait for the winners to be announced. All in all, it's a fun event that brings joy and laughter to locals and visitors alike.
Photo credit: Flamborough Fire Festival
Flamborough Fire Festival
Every New Year's Eve, the town of Flamborough, East Yorkshire, celebrates a centuries-old Viking tradition of cleansing the air of old spirits with fire at the Flamborough Fire Festival. The event takes place in the village green and starts at 8 pm.
At the heart of the festival is a huge bonfire built from wood that has been collected by local Vikings. Once the bonfire is lit, the crowd is mesmerised as the light dances across their faces. Then, as the fire burns and sparks fly, local musicians play traditional songs to accompany the festivities.
The celebration also includes a torchlight procession around the village, with many residents joining in. Afterwards, everyone gathers around the bonfire to enjoy hot drinks and treats while they watch the flames and chat with friends.
At midnight, when the bonfire has died down, villagers, young and old, join together to sing Auld Lang Syne and welcome in the New Year. This time-honoured tradition is a great way to start a new year with an appreciation for the past and all it has to offer.
New Year's Day - Tug of War
The tug of war between East and West Ayton villagers is an age-old tradition in the Yorkshire Coast area on New Year's Day. Every year, the two villages face off across the River Derwent, with each team pulling a heavy rope until one side gives up. Although the competition can get intense, it is all in good fun, with both sides cheered on by family and friends.
After the tug of war, the fun continues at the Forge Valley Inn with a talent show. This is an excellent opportunity for local performers to showcase their skills and for residents to come together and celebrate the start of a new year. This talent show's proceeds will benefit charities like St Catherine's, MacMillan and Mind. So why not join in the festivities and support a good cause at the same time?
Photo Credit: Ye Olde Forge Valley Inn
New Year's Day Dip
The New Year's Day Dip is an exciting event that takes place on the South Bay beach in Scarborough every year. Organised by Scarborough Lions, it's a great way to celebrate the start of the New Year.
Registration for the event begins at 10.30 am at the Scarborough Lions minibus, which is clearly signposted. Fancy dress judging will take place at 12.30 pm, followed by the dip itself, starting at 12.45 pm. If you're participating, changing facilities are available at the Scarborough Rowing Club on the seafront.
There are prizes up for grabs, too, including the best team costume, the best overall single costume and the best child aged under 11 costume. This is a fun event for all the family and a unique way to kick off your New Year!
Photo credit: Scarborough Lions Club