Weekender: Whitby Fish and Ships Festival set to make a splash

There is just under a month to go until the first Whitby Fish and Ships Festival, an event that will celebrate the Yorkshire Coast’s maritime culture and seafood industry, from the building of its boats to its multi award-winning fish restaurants.

Taking place on May 18 and 19, the Whitby Fish and Ships Festival is organised by Discover Yorkshire Coast and a number of local businesses, in association with Seafish UK, a non-departmental public body set up to support the £10bn UK seafood industry.

A packed itinerary is in place for the two-day celebration, including cookery presentations on the Wharf by local and celebrity chefs, as well as a fish market and a range of demonstrations by local fishermen and fishmongers.

Fusco’s of Whitby, the company behind four of Yorkshire’s leading fish and chips restaurants and takeaways, has announced that it will be holding a series of family-friendly activities at its three businesses.

Meanwhile,Fish Box will celebrate the sustainability of its produce with a daily exhibition focusing on the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) between 10am – 12pm. During the event visitors can hear from a representative of the MSC and learn about the council, what it does and why it is important to the fish and chips trade.

Adrian Fusco, of Fusco’s of Whitby and member of the event organisation committee, said: “Businesses from across Whitby are working hard to make this event a huge success, there is going to be lots to do during the two days. It is great seeing everyone coming together to provide visitors with another fantastic reason to visit our town and celebrate Whitby’s traditional maritime culture and today’s seafarers.

“We are extremely excited to be taking part in the first ever Whitby Fish and Ships Festival. We’re proud of the part that Fusco’s has played in the history of fish and chips in Whitby and look forward to showing this off to visitors at the event.”

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