Skatefest 2026 coming to Thornton-le-Dale, North Yorkshire

Skatefest 2026 will take over Manthorpe Park Skatepark in Thornton-le-Dale on Saturday, May 23, running from 10am to 4pm with a packed programme of activities.

The free, family-friendly event is open to all ages and aims to celebrate skateboarding while supporting the long-term regeneration of the skatepark.

Manthorpe Park Skatepark in Thornton-le-Dale (Image: Supplied)

Ryan Swain, a community advocate and lead organiser, said: “This is about community coming together.

“Working alongside the Manthorpe Play Park Committee, we wanted to create a free event that celebrates skate culture while also giving something lasting back to the village.

“The skatepark is a brilliant space and this is about helping rejuvenate it, inspire pride in it, and make it somewhere young people feel excited to be.”

Skatefest is a collaboration between the Manthorpe Play Park Committee and Ryedale Skate School.

Skatefest 2026 will take over Manthorpe Park Skatepark in Thornton-le-Dale (Image: Supplied)

Organisers describe Skatefest as a community culture festival, aiming to bring together families, young people, creatives, and residents.

The skatepark, which opened in February 2001, marks its 25th anniversary this year.

New graffiti and street art features will be added to the skatepark wall as part of the wider improvement project.

These will be created voluntarily by artist Ben Walgate, known professionally as Moni Graffiti Art.

Skatefest 2026 (Image: Supplied)

The artwork is intended to give the park “a more inspiring, welcoming environment for young people and the wider community.”

The wall is also being restructured thanks to funding from Matthewsons.

The Skatefest line-up will include live music from bands and DJs such as Lukey-G, Swag, Ryan Swain, Charlie Boy Sings, Strawb, and Callum Russell.

There will also be skate competitions with prizes for best tricks and best runs, as well as free learn-to-skate sessions led by Ryedale Skate School.

Artisan stalls, food vendors, and live street art and graffiti demonstrations will further add to the festival atmosphere.

Organisers say additional activities and announcements will follow.

The event is one of two free community skatepark gatherings planned for the year across Ryedale, with details of the second still to be announced.

Organisers are calling on performers, traders, sponsors, and community partners to get involved.

Enquiries, participation requests, and sponsorship opportunities can be directed to ryedaleskateschool@gmail.com.