Thousands of fans flocked to watch a multi-platinum indie pop band make a triumphant return to the North Yorkshire coast.
Scarborough Open Air Theatre set the scene for a high-energy performance as Bastille became the latest headline show at the seaside venue.
Bastille delight thousands during Scarborough comeback, (Image: Cuffe & Taylor)
The four-piece, fronted by vocalist Dan Smith, alongside Kyle Simmons on keys, bass and guitarist Will Farquarson and drummer Chris ‘Woody’ Wood, previously played at the Scarborough venue in 2018 and enjoyed a warm welcome on a balmy Saturday night.
Crowds pack Scarborough Open Air Theatre as Bastille return with hit-filled set. (Image: Cuffe & Taylor)
Tracks came from the band’s 16-year career, opening with Things We Lost In The Fire and Shut Off the Lights before Smith addressed the crowd saying: “Scarbados! How are you doing tonight? Thank you so much for coming back!”
Bastille wow Scarborough crowd as record summer concert series continues (Image: Cuffe & Taylor)
The 90-minute setlist featured a string of fan favourites including Good Grief, Flaws and the mash-up cover Of The Night. In a signature moment, Smith jumped into the crowd during Happier, before closing the night with the era-defining hit Pompeii.
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Support came from British-Ghanaian singer-songwriter Nectar Woode, in what marked a homecoming performance.
Bastille’s Scarborough comeback sees thousands sing along to Pompeii and fan favourites (Image: Cuffe & Taylor)
Bastille’s return forms part of the TK Maxx presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre 2026 series, which features a record 28 headline shows. The programme continues next weekend with Alex James’ Britpop Classical and CMAT.
Previous stars to take to the stage this summer include Rick Astley, Madness, Paul Weller, The Kooks, Skunk Anansie + Garbage, Billy Ocean, James Arthur, and Michael Bublé.
Future gigs include:
JUL 17 ALEX JAMES’ BRITPOP CLASSICAL
JUL 18 CMAT + KATY J PEARSON
JUL 22 TEDDY SWIMS + JORDAN RAKEI
JUL 23 TEDDY SWIMS + JORDAN RAKEI
JUL 25 JAMES TAYLOR and his ALL-STAR BAND
JUL 26 TOM JONES + STONE FOUNDATION
AUG 1 THE STREETS + CASISDEAD AUG 2 SEX PISTOLS + THE STRANGLERS + THE UNDERTONES
AUG 8 SCISSOR SISTERS + THE HIDDEN CAMERAS
AUG 14 HOLLY JOHNSON + ABC + HEAVEN 17
AUG 15 HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES + THE DAMNED
AUG 22 NILE RODGERS & CHIC + BRAND NEW HEAVIES + JAMES EMMANUEL