Rick Astley Scarborough gig inspires police safety message

The officer took to the force’s Facebook page to share practical tips for fans heading to the coastal venue last night, Friday, with a light-hearted social media post packed with the singer’s lyrics.

On a more serious note, the message also advised people to plan a safe place to meet if they lose their group “or The Ones You Love” – and urged people not to venture into the sea if they’ve been drinking: “It Would Take A Strong Strong Man (or woman) to fight the current in the North Bay. We don’t want you having to Sink Or Swim.”

Rick Astley’s Scarborough gig inspires safety message from a North Yorkshire Police officer. (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

The officer whose identity was not revealed is clearly popular among page followers, with several issuing a warm welcome: “Fabulous you’re back”, wrote one, and ‘Yay, you’re back’.

Others joined in the theme with “Sounds like a Cry For Help” and “Ah good to have u back love these posts glad your never gonna give us up”.

One suggested the post must have been vetted by four levels of police management, to which the officer replied “No, it was just me! Wrote it, posted it!”

Recommended reads:
Thousands watch Rick Astley open record Scarborough Open Air Theatre season

Firefighters cut ring off person’s finger during busy North Yorkshire night

Would you ditch restaurants for this magical woodland fireside feast near York?

‘Once-in-a-lifetime’ event set to attract thousands to North Yorkshire town

To give the officer’s talent the bigger platform it deserves, we’re sharing the post here in full:

“Let’s hope the Angels On My Side look after me for this one!

“There won’t be any Rickrolling tonight, because the man himself, Rick Astley, takes to the stage to open the summer season at Scarborough‘s Open Air Theatre.

“Rick will be joined by The Covasettes and The Lottery Winners. This year, you can meet our team who regularly patrol outside the venue, as we will be getting boots on the ground with our Beat Bus.

“Come and find us round the corner from the Box Office between 5pm and 7pm.

“See if you can find Elizabeth! As It Was in previous years, you will also find us on patrol around the outside of the venue.

“Whenever You Need Somebody, make a Cry For Help whether on 101, 999 or in person and we get to you.

“You might find me Dippin My Feet on the golden sands of the North Bay, as high tide isn’t until just after 8:30pm tonight. Please don’t try to enter the water if you’ve been drinking. It Would Take A Strong Strong Man (or woman) to fight the current in the North Bay. We don’t want you having to Sink Or Swim.

“Now, I Like The Sun, but it has decided not to show up today, with cloudy skies and temperatures to be in the mid-teens, make sure you keep hydrated tho.

“On that note, toilets outside the venue are located in the car park opposite the entrance.

“Please don’t be Slipping Away into the bushes, no matter what you think….we can see you! You can find hospitality venues for food and drink both inside the venue and outside, all within a 5 minute walk.

“Make sure your personal items are not on show in your car before you leave it. You don’t want to make 85 Trips to check.

“In previous years, the mobile phone signal has been a bit sketchy in the area. Check out the Box Office for the Wi-Fi codes to show your digital tickets. When you arrive, plan a safe place to return to, should you become separated with your group, or The Ones You Love.

“When it comes to Lights Out and its time to leave, Keep Singing as you leave the venue, Don’t Say Goodbye! Hearing a sell-out crowd singing… What A Rush.

“If you head towards the roundabout as you leave, you can find buses to town and taxi’s. It’s going to be a bumper year in 2026 for events at the OAT, and when you ask about these posts, I’m Never Gonna Stop! I’ve managed to avoid working the opener this year so I hope you have a great evening and stay safe.”