Over recent years Whitby has increased in popularity and is now probably the most popular holiday resort on the East Coast of England.
This artical will give you a good idea of what is happening in Whitby and when. For all the latest up to date news, information and articles, log onto the Whitby website and even join a Whitby forum and have your say!
For many years, Whitby in North Yorkshire has been an extremely popular tourist resort because of its beautiful scenery and local history.
Recently, however, there has been a dramatic upturn in the towns popularity. Success tends to breed success and this has been the case with Whitby, which now enjoys one of the busiest events calendars of any UK seaside town. It is the jewel in the crown of the East Coast Holiday resorts.
The schedule of events obviously will change to some degree each year so I will give information on the major events which have taken place in previous years. These are very likely to recur again each year. For the up to date forthcoming events calendar for each year, use the link at the bottom of this article.
At the beginning of April there is the Whitby Fishing Festival a two week event to celebrate the importance of fishermen and anglers to Whitby. This is a hugely competitive and popular event. There are two more Fishing Festivals in Whitby later in the year in July and September.
Towards the middle of April, The Spirit of the 40s Weekend is a substantial event in Whitby. This event includes displays of military vehicles and stalls and usually a Gala Dance with reenactors in uniform. The Whitby Spa Pavilion complex and surrounding outside areas on the West Cliff are usually the venues for many of these events.
Towards the end of April, the first of two annual Goth events occurs, with Spring Goth Weekend. Goths from all parts of the globe descend upon Whitby town.
At the start of May, over the last decade, there has been The Whitby Gospel Music Convention which was set up by Paul Wheater and his late wife Jill, from Sleights. This event has become increasingly successful each year which, to a large degree, has been taken over by their daughter Lucy and a team of people to undertake the administration work.
Usually, in the first week of June, there is the Whitby Festival of 60’s Music at Whitby West Cliff Spa Pavilion.
At the beginning of July, Whitby enjoys its Northern Soul Weekend which is held at the Whitby Pavilion Theatre. It is an extravaganza of Northern Soul Music and Dance. Hosted by fine DJs and often in excess of one and a half thousand dedicated Northern Soul fans attend this very friendly event. For more details contact the Whitby Pavilion.
Towards the end of August, usually around the 20th, Whitby experiences the biggest event of the year by far, The Whitby Regatta, which is probably the oldest regatta in England. It is scheduled over three days with numerous events taking place like rowing races, yacht races, and many more events too numerous to mention, but there is an official programme each year. Quite often there will be special events like the Red Arrows display team flying over Whitby. There is also a funfair which stretches along the Harbour side and out onto the pier. On the last night there is a spectacular firework display, which is the climax of Whitby Regattas three action packed days.
Whitby Folk Week usually coincides with the beginning of Whitby Regatta, or follows on after the regatta at the end of August. It is a very lively event over seven days, with music and dance in the streets and public houses. It is a long standing celebration with usually well in excess of 600 events, concerts and general singing and dancing sessions. For all true music lovers, this is an event not to be missed in the beautiful setting of Whitby.
At the end of September there is the annual Whitby Country Music Weekend and also the 60s Weekend, both held at the Pavilion complex.
At the end of October there is the second of the twice yearly Whitby Goth Weekends, with most of the main events once again occurring at the Whitby Pavilion.
So, as you can see, this is quite an impressive list of yearly events in Whitby. For all the actual dates, including the small specialist events which occur in Whitby, Robin Hoods Bay and Staithes and all the latest up to date news, go to the Whitby website.
Thank you Alan Davidson
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