We set off from our flat behind the station every morning at 9.30 and returned every evening after midnight. We attended four or five events everyday, and found the great majority running as advertised.

But with over 600 events listed in the programme, it's inevitable that some will have to be re-arranged. The stewards were helpful whenever we asked for advice.

The concert line-ups were well balanced, and the festival-goers were well distributed. As ticket-holders, we were never locked out, but some events would benefit from larger venues.

The single room provided for tin-whistle classes cannot provide space for three groups. The Rifle Club concert room is usually full for the Christmas carols. And the Metropole ballroom is a modest venue for the Final Concert, especially when it has to accommodate over 100 choristers from the harmony workshops.

Whitby Folk Week offers a fantastic opportunity to meet friends and artists, participate in workshops and see some of our best performers. And without the main festival, the fringe events would not take place.