Congratulations to all concerned. I personally saw little of the festival this year as it was a family holiday with new grandson but I spoke to many punters and organisers and got the impression that whilst many things round the country are folding Whitby is going from strength to strength. Long may this happen.

And regarding the 'pensioners convention' comments, this is bound to be the case with any event in the country largely based around British traditional music as we were all very cliquy in the past. However Whitby saw the writing on the wall early and most of the organisers are from the younger generation and those who are not are definitely very young at heart. I was in the Spa all Friday night and I'd say the youngsters were in the majority.

Long may this continue. 50 years coming up!