Coastival set to brighten up resort's winter season with 100-plus events

THE stage is set for Scarborough’s Coastival event – proving there is more to seaside entertainment than Punch and Judy and donkey rides.

The first Coastival, in February 2009, drew thousands of extra visitors who spent an estimated 175,000. More than 9,000 people attended events in 30 venues over three days.

But next year’s event will offer an even bigger and better line-up of music, theatre, comedy, dance, arts and entertainment organisers promised yesterday.

More than 100 events – many of them free – will be staged from February 18 to 20 in a programme headlined by rock band Levellers. The event will include award-winning British jazz favourite Claire Martin, comedian Count Arthur Strong, German world music heroes 17 Hippies and the Paper Birds Theatre Company.

It will start with a spectacular parade featuring dinosaurs, lights and music leading up to a free concert at The Spa featuring the cream of local talent.

A free poster is available from outlets including Woodend, Mojo’s, The Spa, Scarborough Library and the Stephen Joseph Theatre or see www.coastival.com.