Further to Grab's post - yes Whitby does support traditional folk from all parts of the british isles, but there are plenty of performers of different material (contemporary song, storytellers, dance etc)many of which come from the America, Australia etc. Over the years I have come to love Whitby for two reasons: because I know I will see many familiar faces that I might not otherwise see performing in my area, and because I am always guaranteed to see people who are new to me, and perhaps to the festival scene.

Over the years I have been to all three festivals (although not to the Southern ones recently. Whitby comes out top, but I guess, like everyone else I'd have to admit that was personal taste, rather than anthing specific I could identify. But I have enjoyed all three whenever I have been, and I don't think you could make a 'wrong' choice.