South Yorkshire’s favourite seaside resort to celebrate its remarkable story this September

Visitors to Elsecar are ‘shore’ in for a treat when Elsecar by the Sea, the village’s annual celebration of its unique historic role as the ‘Seaside resort at the heart of the Yorkshire coalfield’, returns on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September.

The free family weekend celebrates when families from across South Yorkshire flocked to Elsecar and its reservoir for seaside trips. There will be lots to see and do including rides, games and entertainment at the community gala in the award-winning Elsecar park (Saturday), real beer, a beach to recreate summer holiday magic, family activities, a makers market (Saturday) and Antiques Fair (Sunday) in The ironworks, traditional steam trains and much more. 

While there visitors can also take a look around the Victorian Earls’ Workshops, now converted into a wide variety of independent retailers, quaint cafes, antiques centre and indoor children’s play area.

The fascinating history of the village will be brought to life on special historic tours taking place in the village over the weekend.  Hidden gems will be uncovered, secrets shared and incredible stories of power, industrial might, aristocratic rivalry and more revealed…

For much of the 20th century Elsecar was a holiday destination for residents of Yorkshire.  The picturesque reservoir in the village inspired the nickname, Elsecar by the Sea. Visitors travelled from miles around to enjoy the day in its pretty surroundings and people are invited to do so again at the village’s annual event.

Cllr Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place (Regeneration and Culture) says:

Elsecar by the Sea is such an important part of Elsecar’s history and it is wonderful to see this tradition celebrated in a way that all of our communities can enjoy. A real gem in Yorkshire and of huge historic importance the village has so much to offer for a trip out and looks set to thrive in future years.

Neil Spencer, Chief Executive of the Forge Community Partnership, said:

It is fantastic to see how this event grows year on year. We are proud to organise the Community Gala now in its 16th year at Elsecar’s award-winning park on the Saturday of what promises to be an unforgettable weekend.