Scarborough Fair 2016

 

We all were thrilled when we heard that the Scarborough Fair was back after an 18 year hiatus. Yup, that Scarborough Fair from the time of Simon & Garfunkel, although they were not making an appearance, but a host of other big names were, including Richard Ashcroft, Everything Everything and Lianne La Havas. And this time we've gone high tech - got big data working for us with our data science consultant keeping track of a huge number of performers, songs, record companies, producers, writers, artists (both musical and otherwise), members, ticket holders, and every kind of searchable database records you can think of to help us organize the best festival ever!

This website was created to promote the Scarborough Fair in 2016 and has been restored and archived to preserve the memory of that event. Much grateful thanks to those who helped revive that memory including the team at TNG/Earthling who provided the technical skills and archiving support systems. CEO Bob Sakayama personally oversaw the project with assistance from the original festival organizers. Content is from the site's 2016 archived pages and other sources.

Festival Office, Shed 6, Redcliffe Farm,
Lebberston, Scarborough.
YO11 3NT
+44 (0)1723 282 281

PRESS RELEASE

 

Brand New Scarborough Festival is Cancelled.
By David Renshaw
Apr 27, 2016
A festival in North Yorkshire due to be headlined by Richard Ashcroft has been pulled by organisers.

News that Scarborough Fair Festival has been cancelled was announced today (April 27) with organisers blaming “logistical issues”. Ashcroft was among the headliners of the festival, which also promised performances from Lianne La Havas, Billy Bragg, Everything Everything and Field Music among others.

The decision arrives just one month before the three-day event was due to take place. Scarborough Fair Festival was expected to be held between May 27 and 29 at Redcliffe Farm in the Lebberston area.
A statement on the festival’s website explained the situation to ticket holders: “After much consideration, it is with great sadness that we have to announce we can’t put Scarborough Fair Festival on this year. The organisers have been left with no choice but to call off the three day camping festival due to logistical issues.

“After 18 months of hard work, the last 18 days have been the hardest.

“As tough a decision as this has been for the organising team, we feel it’s only fair to pull the event several weeks before, rather than get into a situation where we let more people down nearer the time.

“All ticket holders will receive a face value refund. Once again, you have our apologies – and our immense gratitude for your support.”

Tickets were priced at up to £100 for the event, which was due to make its debut on 2016. Other artists on the bill included Public Service Broadcasting, I Am Kloot, Teleman and Kiko Bun.

 

 

 

But before the cancellation........

ROLL UP, ROLL UP.

This May, over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, the Scarborough Fair comes back to town, after an 18 year hiatus. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Cayton Bay, we’ll be showcasing a handpicked selection of the very best arts and music from across the country.

For three days, the Yorkshire coast will experience a party like it’s never seen before.

See you there.

A weekend of music and live acts over 5 stages, including:

PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING • SUBMOTION ORCHESTRA
Billy bragg • I AM KLOOT • FIELD MUSIC • CLARE TEAL
MARTIN AND ELIZA CARTHY • LAU • TELEMAN
Charlie Cunningham • KIKO BUN • ELIZA SHADDAD • Mik Artistik’s Ego Trip
ODDCHILD STAGE • MOSHI MOSHI STAGE • SINK THE PINK

CRAZY P (DJ SET) • RALPH LAWSON • TRISTAN DA CUNHA • DAVE BEER
james Barnsley • GAS HOUSE KIDS • JOSH PLEWS • ETHAN MARIn

Craig Charles (BBC 6 Music) • RENEGADE BRASS BAND
Smoove and Turrell • KATHRIN DEBOER (Belleruche)

+MORE TBA

CAMPING

Standard camping is included in the weekend ticket purchase.

 
BOUTIQUE CAMPING

Yurtel – The Finest Boutique Camping in the Land

Whether you’re looking for top end luxury or a more simple yet super easy accommodation option then look no further, treat yourselves to the YURTEL experience at Scarborough Fair this year.

Add a touch of decadence to your weekend with one of Yurtel’s Luxury Yurts (from the vintage French linen headboards on the kingsize beds to the handcrafted ash furniture and fresh flowers, it’s the attention to detail and little touches that make this a magical and memorable experience), their fabulous Deluxe Bell Tents or one of a choice selection of Classic Bells to suit a range of budgets.

Boutique Campers will also enjoy a range of other exclusive features including top notch loos and showers

Take a look at the YURTEL WEBSITE to see full details of what’s on offer and to book online. Or if you would prefer talk to a human being you can call their lovely team on 01225 290120.

Please note that the hiring of accommodation does not guarantee you entry to the festival – you require a separate WEEKEND FESTIVAL TICKET for entry.

tent hire &
pre-pitched
accommodation

HOW TO GET HERE BY TRAIN
Direct trains run to Scarborough from all over the country, please check National Rail for more info: www.nationalrail.co.uk.
There will be shuttle buses running between the train station and the festival site all weekend. Tickets will be £5 tickets and available on board.
HOW TO GET HERE BY CAR
You can access the festival by road and the site is just off the A165. This is the road that connects Scarborough to Bridlington and is often known as The Filey Road. You come off at the Cayton roundabout, and just follow signs to the festival.
Car Parking is in fields of Redcliffe Farm. You can save time and money by pre-buying you car park ticket from our website. Advance parking tickets are £10 for the day / £20 for the weekend.
TELL ME ABOUT TICKETS


Tickets will be sold in a tiered pricing system. Early bird weekend tickets are now sold out and Tier 1 tickets are now on sale. All weekend tickets include on site camping.

  • Tier 1 – £119.00
  • Tier 2 – £129.00
  • Tier 3 – £139.00
  • Tier 4 / Gate Tariff – £149.00

Day tickets are also available now at £39.50, with tiered pricing when these run out. Day tickets do not include camping.
Tier 1 – £44.00
Gate Tariff – £49.00
Weekend ticket holders will be allowed on site from 16.00 on Thursday 26th May and must have left the site by lunchtime on Monday 30th May. Day ticket holders are allowed on site at 10am on the date they have purchased a ticket for.
A deposit scheme is also available. The first payment will be 50% of ticket price at time of purchase, and you will be prompted to pay the balance of the final 50% by March 1st 2016.
A Teenage ticket (13-17 years) is 50% of the adult prices above.
A Child ticket (6-12) is 25% of the adult prices above.
Children 5 and under go free, but still need to register for a ticket.
E-tickets will be sent out via email at the time of purchase (or in the case of the deposit scheme upon receipt of the final payment).
Please print out your e-ticket(s) and bring them with you to the festival. Each ticket has a unique bar code identifier, and will be scanned and exchanged for your festival wristband at the gates. Please note you do not need to bring matching ID with you, but each barcode can only be scanned once.
Please note the following forms of ID can be used as proof of age for entering the festival:

  • Current Passport
  • Current UK Driver’s License or Provisional
  • License
  • VALIDATE UK
  • Citizen Card
  • NUS Card

TELL ME ABOUT STUDENT TICKETS
We do offer (rather usually for a festival) a student discount. This will be as CASH BACK on arrival. Simply register as a student when you purchase your ticket, and we’ll make sure a little extra pocket money is waiting for you at the gate. Just remember to bring a valid student photo ID. The student discount is valid for weekend tickets only.

 

 

More Background On Scarborough Fair

Scarborough Fair is a historic and iconic event that has evolved from its medieval roots into a modern cultural celebration. Originally a significant trading fair, it now encompasses a wide range of arts, heritage, and sporting events, drawing visitors from across the globe.

Historical Background

Scarborough Fair dates back to 1253 when King Henry III granted a royal charter allowing the town to hold a 45-day fair starting on August 15. This fair attracted merchants from across England and Europe, including Norway, Denmark, and the Byzantine Empire. It was a bustling hub for trade, entertainment, and socializing.

The original fair, known for its vast array of goods and bustling atmosphere, experienced a decline in the 17th century due to competition and increased taxation. Although briefly revived in the 18th century, it eventually ceased in 1788. The name and legacy of Scarborough Fair lived on, immortalized by the famous ballad "Scarborough Fair."

The 2016 Revival Attempt

In 2016, Scarborough Fair was set to make a grand return after an 18-year hiatus. The festival was scheduled to take place at Redcliffe Farm overlooking Cayton Bay from May 27 to 29. The event promised an eclectic mix of music, arts, and cultural activities, with performances from well-known artists such as Richard Ashcroft, Lianne La Havas, Billy Bragg, Everything Everything, and Field Music.

The festival was designed to kick off the UK summer festival season with a diverse lineup including pop, folk, funk, jazz, and dance music. Additionally, there were plans for comedy shows, cinema screenings, and a Talks Tent. The event was set to feature multiple stages, boutique camping options, and a variety of food and drink vendors.

Despite the extensive preparations, the 2016 Scarborough Fair Festival was ultimately cancelled just one month before it was set to take place. The organizers cited logistical issues as the reason for the cancellation. This decision came after 18 months of hard work and was described as extremely difficult for the organizing team.

Reviews and Press Coverage

The news of the cancellation was widely covered in the media, highlighting the disappointment among ticket holders and the local community. Many praised the ambitious plans and the high-profile lineup that had been assembled. The festival was expected to attract a significant number of visitors, which would have provided a substantial boost to the local economy.

The cancellation, however, did not dampen the spirits of the festival’s proponents. The effort and vision put into reviving Scarborough Fair were acknowledged, and there were hopes that future attempts could overcome the logistical challenges faced in 2016.

Cultural and Social Significance

Scarborough Fair holds a special place in both local and national heritage. The fair's historical significance as a major medieval trading hub is complemented by its modern role as a cultural beacon. The festival not only preserves and celebrates Scarborough's rich history but also enhances the town's contemporary cultural landscape.

The fair’s legacy is intertwined with the famous ballad "Scarborough Fair," which has been covered by numerous artists, including Simon & Garfunkel. This song has helped keep the memory of the fair alive in popular culture, linking the medieval event with modern artistic expressions.

Insights and Specifics

The modern Scarborough Fair is designed to be inclusive, accessible, and diverse. Events are carefully curated to appeal to a wide range of audiences, from local residents to international visitors. The festival includes both free and ticketed events, ensuring that everyone can participate in the celebrations.

In addition to arts and cultural events, the fair features educational and community-focused activities. These initiatives aim to foster a sense of pride and belonging among residents while promoting Scarborough as a vibrant, year-round destination.

Examples of Events

  • International Street Arts Festival: This event transforms the town's streets into a vibrant stage for performers, with acts ranging from street theatre to music and dance.
  • Scarborough Lights: Highlights of this festival include a mesmerizing drone display over Scarborough Castle and a beautifully illuminated winter trail in Peasholm Park.
  • Scenes of Scarborough Art Trail: Art enthusiasts can follow a trail that takes them through various parts of the town, discovering unique pieces inspired by the coastal landscape.
  • Scarborough Fringe: This event features cutting-edge contemporary art and performances, providing a platform for emerging artists and entertainers.

 

Scarborough Fair is a testament to the town's enduring cultural heritage and its ability to adapt and thrive in the modern era. From its medieval origins as a bustling trading hub to its current incarnation as a vibrant cultural festival, Scarborough Fair continues to captivate and inspire. Through a diverse range of events and activities, the festival not only celebrates the past but also looks forward to a bright and inclusive future for Scarborough and its community.

Sources

  • Wikipedia: Scarborough Fair (fair)
  • North Yorkshire Council: Scarborough Fair
  • This is the Coast: Scarborough Fair to Bring Fringe Festival to the Town
  • Skiddle: Scarborough Fair Festival 2016 Reviews
  • eFestivals: Scarborough Fair Festival 2016
  • Music Mafia UK: Scarborough Fair Festival 2016

 

ScarboroughFairFestival.com