08/08/2026
It’s regatta weekend 🎢🎡🚣
Escape the crowds and come visit us after a wander along the cliff - we are open all day and it looks like it may be a hot one🍸🍹
One of Whitby Regatta’s most memorable and slippery traditions is finally making its return this weekend.
The Greasy Pole Challenge is back on Saturday, 8 August. Brave competitors are invited to try crossing a 37-foot greased pole set up over the water at the end of the pier.
The goal is simple: stay on your feet, reach the end, and grab the flag. Spectators will see lots of slips, splashes, and laughter as challengers try not to fall into the harbour too soon.
The winner will receive a trophy, and the first 50 people who take part will get special wooden discs as a keepsake.
Turvey’s Tattoos is sponsoring the revived tradition, and the Mulgrave Estate donated the tree used for the challenge. Local joiner Andy Cass shaped the timber, which was brought from Sandsend to Coates Marine behind a Fisherman’s Rowing Club boat.
The competition is set to begin at about 12.10pm, close to high tide, on Saturday.
📅 Saturday, 8 August 2026
⏰ Approximately 12.10pm
📍 Whitby Regatta
