I don't normally get involved in replying to the various comments and views expressed as it can be like reading a crit of a performance and can be demoralising! However, to illuminate a few points raised. Regatta does clash next year. Chris Stephenson and I met with the Regatta committee and are trying to work with them on the first weekend. It is a shame that the events coincide as it is usually possible for Regatta to move. In fact I was informed by someone close to the rowing clubs that Aug 8, 9 & 10 are better tides.

Folk Week falls into a calendar of festivals and the date is known to performers and audiences simply by knowing when the bank holiday is - we are the week leading up to it.

In reply to Watt, I'm sorry if nothing attracted you at the festival. Many of the other people seem to have answered the question as well as I could. However, next year Kate Rusby will be appearing in a one -off concert - free to season ticket holders but we will not be moving down that road as there are plenty of excellent festivals around that offer limited appearances of 'big names'. Whitby is a participative festival with a host of excellent performers who have perfected their craft and are often better at providing entertainment that some of those names.

The Pavilion Theatre (Spa) was not full every night and we were pleased about that as we took on the extra venue to relieve pressure on other venues.

I've also read in one of the other threads that numbers were down - actually not true. Numbers were up in 2007 on 2006 and were up again this year. And for those thinking of coming in 2009 our advance ticket sales were up on the last day of the festival by 50% so if you're coming book your accommodation early.

Well, for someone who doesn't reply to threads that's not bad,

By the way Ray I ddn't take your comments personally and look forward to working in partnership with Yorkshire Garland next year. Just to explain - we're directors because we are. Whitby Folk Week is now a company limited by guarantee with a board of directors - but we're still just us - fools who spend vast amounts of time trying to put on a good festival and hoping each time we'll get it right! Fingers crossed for 2009.