Our Festival celebrates James Cook, ‘the greatest ever sailor’, the maritime heritage of Britain and this part of the North Yorkshire Coast from Teeside in the north.

The Captain Cook Festival combines an amazing variety of maritime entertainment & music, set against the backdrop of breathtaking Captain Cook Country, where visitors will find plenty to see and do to suit all tastes. Each year a host of sea song singers and shantymen meet in this perfect setting to perform in concerts, pub sessions and (weather permitting) at outside venues too.

We are a friendly family festival with plenty of fun for all ages.

Founded in 1995 by maritime musician, singer and writer, Richard Grainger, the festival is now managed as a ‘not for profit’ organisation through a committee of enthusiasts and experts in their field. Our aim is to provide the highest quality maritime entertainment and music. We are also committed to providing tuition to those who are interested in learning the skills of traditional music, shanty singing, storytelling etc.

Together with our sister organisation, the Festival on the Moor, we also encourage the involvement of young people through education, tuition and workshops.

We have an enviable heritage here in ‘Cleveland’ and along the ‘North Yorkshire Coast’ so we hope you’ll combine a visit to the festival with time to explore more of what the area has to offer.