A FESTIVAL is set to be held to celebrate the fishing heritage of the North York Moors coast.

Fish Fillet Feast will see chefs and fishermen from the 36-mile stretch of coast between Saltburn and Cloughton, just north of Scarborough, show visitors how to catch and prepare fish such as mackerel and cod before barbecuing and serving tastings to visitors.

Restaurants and cafés in Saltburn, Staithes, Runswick Bay, Sandsend and Robin Hood’s Bay will showcase catches landed in the area at the event on Saturday, June 18, from 11am until 7pm.

Most activities at the event, which will include artists and photographers exhibiting a range of arts and crafts and shows by street performers and musicians, are free.

The festival is being organised by Scarborough-based arts development company Create on behalf of the North York Moors National Park Authority

A spokeswoman for the authority said: “For centuries, fishing was at the heart of community life along the coast with the fishermen venturing out in coble boats and wives making nets and gansey sweaters for their menfolk.

“Today, the sea offers an abundant array of fish from mackerel through to lobsters and brown crabs, and fishing is undergoing a renaissance here particularly as more people are seeking out locally-caught, seasonal food.

“It’s therefore great to see so many local businesses coming together to celebrate their heritage and showcase the simple delights of eating freshly-caught and cooked fish.”

For details, visit northyorkmoors.org.uk/fish