Whitby 2008

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 01:48 PM

Guy it would be wonderful if you could make it over here. We miss you! Would love to visit with the Wolffs again.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: GUEST,Chris Brownbridge
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 02:34 PM

Mrs Duck: Are you any relation to Gill Duck (nee Read)who used to live at Bay? If so, please pass her my regards.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: Watt Tyler
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 02:37 PM

Note to Graham Pirt - I live in the Whitby area Graham and rarely find anything for me at WFW. Why are there no major concerts at The Spa during the course of the week? There are an awful lot of concerts but nothing that would fill the 450 seater theatre or the 1000 capacity main hall. I'd simply like to know why. Other festivals put on the major acts so why can't Whitby? I would gladly pay the admission fee to see the artists that are booked at other major festivals during August. Just take a look at Sidmouth, Cambridge, Towersey etc. The festival was accused of going downhill in Malcolm's later years and I fear it hasn't really improved. I'm not one for participation and avoid cliquey singarounds like the plague. Maybe you could respond to this please. It's not a gripe as many people obviously enjoyed the week. It's simply that there was nothing there for me which is very disappointing.

Watt

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: LesB
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 03:37 PM

Whitby has never been a 'big name' fest and shouldn't be. As for not filling the Spa, it's full every night, as is the Metropole and most of the venues. In fact this year they had to find extra venues cos people were getting fed up of having to queue for 1/2 hr before hand just to get a seat. There has been a lot of 'bigging up' of the line up at the ill fated Pickering fest. Full of big names, few of which I would go to see. Sidmouth, Cambridge, Towersey and many others are a differt kind of Fest. Whitby is unique.
On the booking front this year, I understand the need to have changes but I feel that too many of the regulars were dumped in one go.
When I look at festival line ups now I take the big names with a pinch of salt, they are likely to only be on for one concert. I look at the depth of a festival line up to see how many of the other artists I would like to see because these are the ones you will get 2 3 or 4 cances to see and form the backbone of a fest. The Brian Peters, Steve Tilsons, Whalley & Fletchers, Askew Sisters, Strawheads, Marie Littles, Bob Foxs, Jez Lowes, Wilsons of this world.
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 03:42 PM

Well Watt, I for one would avoid Whitby like the plague if it became yet another 'Celebrity Festival' If you want the so called big names, you'll find them circulating round the big name festivals like Sidmouth and Cambridge. If however you want to go to a festival which encourages the young, and instructs the enthusiastic, then Whitby is the one for you.
Then again, judging by your post, maybe it's not for you at all.

JM

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: Tig
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 03:51 PM

It is possible for the Regatta to be moved up to a fortnight either way - in fact it should have clashed this year too but Scarborough Council decided to move it. The only way they could be persuaded to move it again is if the traders etc of Whitby demand it.

Watt - I know of at least 2 nights when the theatre had house full notices up. Maybe the guests on offer are just not to your taste.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: Watt Tyler
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 04:01 PM

John,

At what point did I mention the word 'celebrity'? I think you're confusing it with quality. Once more I find myself defending artists that have practiced for years to become experts in their field. What the hell is wrong with that? It shows too. After all, how many of the people that were mentioned above by Les would fill the Whitby Pavilion in a concert. The answer is none of them. People sell out large venues because they are simply quality performers that put on quality shows. Again, there's nothing wrong with that. All I was asking was why couldn't we have a Seth Lakeman, a Kate Rusby or a Capercaillie on at the spa each evening? (Celebrities one and all). They would go down a storm and improve ticket sales. My point was that I live in Whitby and there was nothing there for me. I assume I am entitled to an opinion? Incidentally, my question was directed at Graham. I don't remember inviting others to comment.

As for 'bigging up' Pickering Folk Festival, I disagree. People are entitled to their opinions and are entitled to get enthusiastic about their festivals too. We agree on one thing Les, you wouldn't pay to go to my concerts and I wouldn't pay to go to yours. As for the spa being full every night - we both know that isn't true don't we? Not for concerts anyway eh?

Watt

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 04:15 PM

Whitby possibly couldn't afford Kate Rusby now, or Capercaillie, not that I consider the latter to be folk performers, Folk Rock maybe, but too loud for many people's taste, [on the folk scene that is].
Seth lakeman maybe, but he is on at so many other festivals in the summer. Perhaps as so many of us travel to your town to enjoy the festival as presently constituted, you could return the favour, and travel to any one of many other festivals to see those you nominated?

JM

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 05:50 PM

Watt-
If Whitby had the name acts that all the other festivals have, it would be just like all the other festivals. And I'd stay home.

It's wonderful to have a tradition-based festival, and I hope they keep it going forever.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 05:59 PM

Watt,
Are Waterson Carthy not big enough names for you, or is it just that they're locals? There were no seats left for the Yorkshire Garland concert and some people watched standing in the aisles. I know cos I was one of 'em.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: LesB
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 07:17 PM

Different folks for different strokes, I wouldn't go to see the afore mentioned Seth Lakeman, Kate Rusby, Capercaille. However I would go to see Bellowhead / Spiers Boden, Waterson Carthy & Vin Garbutt and many others. Whitby is not that type of festival. The Spa was full every night for ceilids (inc Queen ceilidh) and Bop till u Drop.
The Pavillion Theatre was used more this year than in the past and was not full every night, possibly due to the fact that they had several new late night venues this year. Like Steve said it was a full house for the Yorkshire Garland concert with Martin & Norma being the only 'names' on the bill. Yet I thought it would be packed for The Doonan Family Band & it wasn't. Sid Kipper packed it out as well.
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: GUEST,Graham Pirt
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 06:52 AM

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.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: GUEST,Betsy at Work
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 08:09 AM

Hello Graham.
Something you wrote and I never ever dreamt about and I feel silly about admitting it...... " In fact I was informed by someone close to the rowing clubs that Aug 8, 9 & 10 are better tides ".
Graham I hope (respectfully) that you are in touch with Johnny T from Saltburn Festival as I'm sure that they understand that time and tide wait for no man (to plagarise.)
I have had the horrble thought that those (Aug 8, 9 & 10) are the dates which Saltburn used this year , and coupled with the fact that Pickering was also going to use those same dates , shit, I wouldn't wish a triple clash. The other "clash" caused enough problems , - enough for Joe to close a thread.
Hopefully there isn't a clash - I don't know when Saltburn is in 2009 , but I know that as soon as one Festiaval finishes, you're busy with the next one, so it may be something worth while to consider.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: Watt Tyler
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 08:37 AM

Thanks for your reply Graham. At the end of the day, it's your festival and I totally respect the fact that you have a format and it suits you. I simply wanted to state my views.

John Mac - Just got back from Towersey mate and often frequent Broadstairs, Sidmouth, Beverley, Cambridge and would have gone to Pickering. Hopefully that's enough travelling for you!

Watt

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: r.padgett
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 08:42 AM

Many thanks for your comments Graham, I thought I had put me foot in it so to speak! not meant to

Betsy check out that the other festival has moved to Spring Bank holiday in 2009! same as Chester, Chippenham, Cleethorpes (if on)

The dates for Saltburn 2009 no doubt some will be able to advise how close to 2009 Wff

Ray

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: GUEST,Betsy at work
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 09:50 AM

Hi Padge ,
It's a F8cking minefield isn't it ?

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: CannieShieldsLaddie
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 10:18 AM

Saltburn 2009

14/15/16 August

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: GUEST,Betsy at work
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 10:49 AM

Cheers CSL - that's THAT bit sorted !

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: Tig
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 01:52 PM

Betsy, no one is talking about moving the dates of the folk festivals! Saltburn is the 2nd weekend in August, Whitby week is the one running up to the Bank Holiday.

Very few people attend both the Regatta and the Folk Festival - they draw from different audiences. However it does causes difficulties when they clash due to lack of accomodation, the increased population in the town and the fact that traders only get one week's bite at the cherry for making money.

Hugs
Tig

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: Betsy
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 02:21 PM

I agree with everything you say Tig and thanks to CannieShieldsLaddie for the clarification.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: Dennis the Elder
Date: 29 Aug 08 - 12:02 PM

The above all confirms it was a silly question regarding changing dates.
At lease I now know many reasons for leaving it as it is and always has been and wish I had not mentioned it in the first place.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2008
From: GUEST,old girl
Date: 29 Aug 08 - 04:05 PM

It was our first time at Whitby what a great festival, we will be back next year God willing. Rose & Dave