Mis-Shapes

Earlier this year Pulp announced their first live shows in over ten years.
The standout shows for us were obviously the first one in Bridlington and then a larger outdoor gig in Scarborough a month later. It was also ten years since we had visited these two iconic North East seaside towns, so the symmetry felt good. As a teenager I recall always seeing the Bridlington Spa venue on tour itineraries and being visited by heroes such as the Jam. It was somewhere I'd always wanted to see a gig. The venue went through several years of renovation in the noughties and it is now a fitting centre piece of Bridlington. Pulp's return to the live arena at this wonderful Edwardian theatre was a triumph, but that was never in doubt.

Flamborough Head Lighthouse, Yorkshire

The Spa sits perched over the harbour which separates the expansive north and south beaches. There is a small fun fair and the promenade along the north beach has it's fill of traditional seaside shops and arcades selling rock and kiss-me-quick souvenirs, but the town has a feel of being more than a bank holiday destination. There are good independent shops and a big choice of  bars and restaurants to cater for a community that can enjoy a thriving town and fresh sea air all year round.

Pulp arrive in Bridlingon, Yorkshire

One thing that particularly stood out about Bridlington was value for money. Eating out, pubs and even the music venue, which often hike the bar prices were unbelievably cheap. No wonder the place is so popular.

A short drive out of Bridlington is the village of Flamborough and passing through here you'll reach the old and new lighthouses that look after the seafaring folk navigating around Flamborough Head. There are lots of great paths and walks around the headland and the nearby Selwicks Bay, it is a truly spectacular part of the Yorkshire coastline. 

Flamborough Head Lighthouse, Yorkshire

Eighteen miles north of Bridlington is the iconic seaside town of Scarborough. The two natural bays of the town are separated by a prominent headland on which sits Scarborough Castle which protects the long beaches on the north and south bays from attack.

Postcard Scarborough, Yorkshire

The South Bay is postcard Scarborough. The funicular, the wonderful Spa and it's blue and white deck chair display, the imposing Grand Hotel, the seafront of cafes and amusement arcades and the Luna Park fair in front of the prominent lighthouse. The Diving Belle statue threatens to launch herself into the sea from the pier in front of the lighthouse and with her partner Bathing Belle on the North Beach, celebrates the town's popularity as a Spa Resort over the years. 

The Diving Belle, Scarborough Lighthouse

The North Bay is a little more sedate than it's neighbour but boasts another excellent beach and a small railway for the young and the older enthusiasts. On behalf of my wife I must also mention Peasholm Park who's 'Tree Walk Wonderland' is a twinkling, favourite childhood memory. North Bay is also home to the rather splendid Scarborough Open Air Theatre, which would host six thousand Pulp fans in a fabulous communal celebration of the the indie here and now, certainly not lamenting if we'd all never met.

South Bay, Scarborough

The Pulp family descending on these two Yorkshire seaside towns made for a wonderful couple of days. Whether that was pre-gig beers in the pub, the next day English fry-up or cliff -top walks to blast away that hangover. The Mis-shapes took over the towns. They brought their own welcoming manner, a distinctive cut of cloth and a warm, positive outlook to create a safe, magical atmosphere.

Common people culture burning so bright for a short time by the sea. Oh Yeah.

Pulp, Bridlington Spa

Pulp, Scarborough Outdoor Theatre

As a footnote, there is another great Yorkshire lighthouse at Withernsea which we visited whilst extending our stay in East Riding with night in the quaint little seaside town of Hornsea.

Withernsea Lighthouse, Yorkshire

Withernsea is a short drive away and is an unusual lighthouse in regards to it's location, which is quite central in the town and it's surrounded by houses. There is a charming tea shop, lovely gardens and even a small museum dedicated to local Kay Kendall, who was born a stone's throw from the lighthouse and became a big Hollywood star in the 1950s.