WHITBY will be awash with tall ships and a host of nautical attractions during the upcoming Captain Cook Festival.

The festival, from July 6 to 8, marks the 250th anniversary of the Marton explorer’s first voyage of discovery to the South Seas and a packed programme of entertainment has been designed to celebrate and explore his legacy.

It will see leading folk musicians rub shoulders with Michelin-starred chefs, Maori musicians and dancers and a new generation of sailors and custodians of the sea.

The main attractions include two magnificent tall ships sailing into Whitby’s historic harbour to stay for the duration of the festival.

Ten of the country’s top chefs will take part in two-days of live cooking demonstrations as part of ‘Cook’s Kitchen’, with menus inspired by the ingredients that fuelled his voyages.

And the festival finale will see a spectacular firework display from 9pm on Saturday, July 7.

Cllr Helen Mallory, Scarborough Borough Council deputy leader, said: “It’s shaping up to be an unmissable weekend for all the family and a fantastic addition to this year’s Yorkshire Coast event calendar.”