While we're in a useful mood, what are the origins/dates of other Whitby traditions?

Was the garland/singing of Wild Mountain Thyme done from the off? Has cricket always, to some extent, played a part at the festival? I assumed the latter was an 80s-onwards thing but reading this, maybe not.

And as there are a few Whitby organisers/old hands on this thread, it's as good a place as any to thank you all for making the festival what it is and always has been (i.e. bloody terrific).