A NEW cultural festival exploring issues relating to the environment, climate change, education and employment will take place this year. Big Ideas by the Sea is taking over the former Thomas Cook shop, in Scarborough, from May 14 to 16. The festival is the brainchild of artist Kane Cunningham and former City of York archaeologist, John Oxley, and will be focusing on concerns facing communities and people from across the globe. Speakers will include mountaineer Alan Hinkes, Professor Joann Fletcher, photographer Joe Cornish and adventurer and TV presenter Paul Rose. “We did plan the festival for May 2020, though like many events we had to postpone due to the pandemic, so are announcing now our intention to run the festival in May 2021,” said Kane Cunningham.