I very much enjoy sitting in the pub and making our own music at Whitby...and taking in the occasional concert too if I feel like it . It presents opportunities for meeting and greeting old friends from all over the country..and other parts of the world too . Many are only met up with when at Whitby each year in informal settings which allow music AND a renewal of friendships and a chat too. There should be room for all kinds of experiences there....from the workshops,sing arounds , watching the dancers and formal concerts to the casual get - together in the pubs....and endless conversations . It all depends on what one is looking for in such a diverse festival. There should be tolerance and room for all....long may it continue for it is part of the special appeal which is WHITBY !! For ME the music is important there.... but so are the PEOPLE. Enjoy !