On the whole I agree with your assessment of Whitby as British Isles Folk (traditional and contemporary), but to say you won't find anything else is a bit of a sweeping statement. There's always been plenty of American folk, humour, storytelling etc. And I notice on the guest list there's that well-known English traditional band Shagpile!

I'm sorry that you find my favourite festival boring, but if you can find me in one of the pubs I'll promise to do you some blues and get Maggie to do you one of her forrin songs!

Yes the venues can be a bit weird, but I've really enjoyed seeing Martin Carthy in one of the more 'intimate' venues, and I'm sure that people of that standing have enjoyed playing 'unplugged' and sharing banter with the audience.

Yes, it's all about what you want from a festival. Whitby does it for me, but then I've not been to Broadstairs or Sidmouth, so I'm not one to judge between them and Whitby.

Les Ward