WFW shrinks slowly year on year, says Jack Campin. Yet it put on a programme of 616 events this year, and my Season Ticket was No. 1163.

And it's clearly ridiculous to compare the fringe events at Whitby to the Edinburgh Fringe. The Edinburgh Fringe is organised! It is run by the Fringe Society, a charity supported by sponsors and partners, Angels, Patrons, Friends and supporters.

The Edinburgh International Festival does not depend upon the Fringe. It is organised by the Edinburgh International Festival Society, a charity funded by Members, Trusts and Foundations to present a programme of dance, opera, music and theatre, as well as a programme of community engagement, creative learning and professional development throughout the year.

And I can understand that a gathering of folkies in Whitby after Christmas is independent of Folk Week. But surely a gathering of folkies during Folk Week is more than a coincidence.