It's true that we are all getting steadily older, Jack. Every year, some festival-goers grow too old for the children's activities and have to move on. Fortunately, there are youth activities to occupy them.

You're assuming that there is enough accommodation in Whitby for all the new participants that the expanded fringe will attract, and enough venues to put on all the new events. I'd say that finding either will be difficult, especially when Folk Week coincides with the Regatta. And any economic benefit to Whitby will be marginal.

I'm puzzled when you say that the morning workshops and activities don't contribute extra custom to the venues. I attend several where people get a drink and something to eat in the morning and stay for lunch afterwards.

Many participants in existing sessions and singarounds loudly declare themselves independent of Folk Week. How many of the new participants will be willing to queue up for the chance of a seat at an evening concert at the Spa Theatre or the Metropole?

I can't see how an expanded fringe will bring any significant benefit to the Folk Week. There is, however, the prospect of competition for accommodation and venues. So why not hold the fringe another week when Whitby is not so crowded? That would be better for everybody.