Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled

Subject: Whitby folk week 2020
From: r.padgett
Date: 17 Apr 20 - 01:10 PM

Bad new Whitby cancelled due to Covid 19 concerns, s/b back next year 2021

Ray

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020
From: Raggytash
Date: 17 Apr 20 - 01:17 PM

Sad but inevitable. First time I will have not attended it since 1990.

However the health of the nation is paramount so well done to the organisers for taking this decision.

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020
From: JHW
Date: 17 Apr 20 - 04:13 PM

And no Glaisdale session I'll guess too.

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020
From: Raggytash
Date: 17 Apr 20 - 04:45 PM

Nowt to do with me anymore John!

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: Joe G
Date: 17 Apr 20 - 06:59 PM

Sad but sensible decision - Shrewsbury at the end of that week cancelled a few days ago - a shame as we missed last year due to unexciting line up and this year's was much better

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: r.padgett
Date: 18 Apr 20 - 04:08 AM

Again we will have to wait and see and wait for the "all clear" or not as the case may be ~ accommodation booked by many of course already

Ray

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 18 Apr 20 - 04:22 AM

What a shame but perfectly understandable. I am guessing that Moira Furnace at the same time of year will do the same.

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 18 Apr 20 - 08:50 AM

Family of 20 hoping for unlockdown before and sticking with accommodation in hopes. Whitby is such a lovely place we can find plenty to do without the music. Sad, but I'm sure with all the great commitment of YOUNG people involved it will bounce back.

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: r.padgett
Date: 18 Apr 20 - 09:49 AM

Yes Whitby folk week is in demand as an annual holiday regardless of the artists booked ~ sad to see but loss of artist will see full pubs and sessions etc no doubt

Ray

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: Raggytash
Date: 18 Apr 20 - 10:40 AM

Not this year I hope, unless someone comes up with a cast iron treatment for this virus.

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Apr 20 - 02:13 PM

Are you sure Whitby wants you before you all start making plans

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 19 Apr 20 - 09:20 PM

The approach had already been made re Glaisdale session but if the pub is shut obviously we can't go ahead.
Just keep safe and well and once things are resolved plans can be made.

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: r.padgett
Date: 20 Apr 20 - 03:03 AM

Yes no one's going anywhere until the "all clear" hooter sounds

Ray

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST,Brimbacombe
Date: 20 Apr 20 - 06:18 AM

"Are you sure Whitby wants you before you all start making plans"

Whitby doesn't speak with one voice, so this will be very difficult to discern. But if the lockdown has been sufficiently reduced, and there are cafes, restaurants, shops, etc... that need business then people will be within their rights to go, as long as it fits in with government guidelines. If there is a movement within Whitby - a genuine one involving business communities, councillors, etc... rather than a small handful of gobshites on Facebook tarring all folkies with the same brush because someone made half a pint of diet coke last two hours in a singaround - asking us not to go, then our party would not go. The plans are already made for most people, as the accommodation will be booked. It's just whether we go through with it. We will, however, do what we can to support a place we love as soon as it is safe to do so. Hope that answers your question!

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: JHW
Date: 20 Apr 20 - 08:44 AM

Thanks Malcolm. I do like the Glaisdale session.
We keep hearing contrary things as was always the way with headlines and the net. Pubs won't thrive though with customers two metres apart.
Guess I should practice singing with a mask on. Got a B&Q one somewhere.

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: Johnny J
Date: 20 Apr 20 - 10:41 AM

The pubs and other venues may not feel obliged to welcome sessions and the like if there is no official festival.

That's not to say they wouldn't welcome you, me, or us as regular customers but that's a different matter.
As others have hinted, there would probably still be some spacing restrictions and limits on numbers. So, sessions could be problematic.

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: Mo the caller
Date: 20 Apr 20 - 12:46 PM

tunes on the cliff, dancing on the beach.
Probably not. It's just hard to say goodbye to the year's highlight.

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 21 Apr 20 - 05:22 AM

For people who have booked accommodation but reluctant to go, perhaps enquire about rolling over accommodation to 2021? It's happening elsewhere.
Derek

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: r.padgett
Date: 21 Apr 20 - 06:32 AM

Yes as a final act, we all no doubt hope to get there yet it is April 21 st and Whitby 4 months away!

Ray

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Apr 20 - 04:04 PM

Consider this no cases of the virus in Whitby then folk week arrives people take over pubs etc a fortnight later Whitby is a virus hotspot do you think we will be welcome the following year?

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: r.padgett
Date: 22 Apr 20 - 01:47 AM

Very likely ~look at USA

Ray

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST,Peter
Date: 22 Apr 20 - 03:33 AM

The odds are that we will be in a "soft lockdown" with restrictions on the number of people allowed into pubs.

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST,Brimbacombe
Date: 22 Apr 20 - 03:36 AM

Guest - there are already reports of cases in Whitby. Also, Whitby is a tourist resort. As soon as restrictions are lifted, thousands of (non-folkie) people will descend upon the town within weeks. And Whitby's economy needs this - bills will still need paying, mortgages kept, food put on plates. On an annual visitor basis, folkies are a drop in the North Sea in Whitby. There may be a small risk of the odd ill-informed social media blowhard blaming folkies should there be a spike in cases there, but given the numbers of tourists that will be in Whitby (should restrictions be lifted enough for people to still visit in late August) it will be ludicrous for anyone to blame a particular sub-group of those tourists.

It should also be added that 'folk week' won't be arriving. Just a percentage, probably a fairly small one, of people with existing bookings, many of whom will be indistinguishable from your regular tourist.

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: Mo the caller
Date: 22 Apr 20 - 08:00 AM

'For people who have booked accommodation but reluctant to go, perhaps enquire about rolling over accommodation to 2021? It's happening elsewhere.
Derek '
Tried that. The agency are only dealing with bookings for May & June at present, and say that they don't know what their policy will be as folk week cancelled without being forced to.

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST,Henry Piper (of Ottery)
Date: 23 Apr 20 - 05:33 AM

I cant see how anyone can say that event organisers weren't "Forced" to cancel, the regulations quite clearly state that Public assemblies of 2 or more people are not Permitted, anyone organising such an event could leave themselves open to prosecution. that seems fairly clear to me, and I would have thought most people.

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: Jack Campin
Date: 23 Apr 20 - 05:49 AM

My wife just ordered some supplies from the (very good) local fabric shop. The proprietor said she'd had to close ahead of the official lockdown because people were packing the shop out more than she thought was safe. Folk Week customers like us did help but they weren't essential.

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 23 Apr 20 - 02:56 PM

Henry... but they'll point to the 3 weeks at a time decision making...
Derek

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: r.padgett
Date: 23 Apr 20 - 03:11 PM

Whitby folk week is as things stand cancelled for 2020 ~ at the behest of the UK Govt ~ contracts are thus frustrated! in my view ~ there is no indication that UK Govt will give any notification of an "all clear" before the end of the 2020 year ~ indeed may continue into 2021 and in fact unlikely to be an "all clear" as such for many years if ever ~ the virus is with us and gradual return to "normal" will be some time hence

Ray

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 23 Apr 20 - 08:31 PM

A great pity that Whitby has succumbed to the inevitable and probably wise to make the decision now.
It is not going to get better until a reliable vaccine or other cure is available for this terrible virus.
I don't know if things have changed regard to the booking of accommodation but it is normal to pay balances approximately a month before the booked date. So what is the problem? Yes deposits may be lost.
But, beware, as the Rector of Whitby told me many years ago
"there's a right way and a wrong way to most things except in Whitby where there is a right way, a wrong way and a Whitby way!!!

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 23 Apr 20 - 08:39 PM

Forgot to mention that the Rector was the reverend Ben Hopkinson, lovely man.

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: r.padgett
Date: 24 Apr 20 - 01:50 AM

In my case and our "party" accommodation has had a deposit carried over from previous years ~ as I tried to point out we want to have the annual holiday in Whitby ~but if UK Govt says there is a restriction on travel the this is not possible

I therefore say the contract for holiday bookings is frustrated ~ so in our case we would go if permitted by raising the travel ban, or if not permitted rebook for the following year

This will in time need to be properly agreed as the norm for holiday booking ~ regardless of where and why!

No one should lose their deposit!!

Ray

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Apr 20 - 02:51 AM

Brimbacombe
if you are in a pub singing or playing music you are NOT indistinguishable from your regular tourist. by all means (go if allowed) but do not damage folk week by trying to have your own festival it has been CANCELLED

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST,Brimbacombe
Date: 24 Apr 20 - 04:29 AM

Guest: Whitby has many singarounds/sessions in non-Folk Week time. Are they folkies or locals? Are they potentially damaging the folk week if these sessions return? And I said 'many of whom', not 'all'. I think most people will go just to be at Whitby, if allowed. As long as rules are adhered to and common sense is prevelant I doubt the Folk Week will be damaged by anyone.

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 24 Apr 20 - 05:17 AM

A bigger potential problem for 2021 Folk Week is the fact that the Regatta for this year has been cancelled whilst at the same time announcing that they will be sharing their dates with Folk Week in 2021.
No doubt the festival is/will be aware of this and make appropriate arrangements.
Whether individuals want to plan that far ahead is entirely their decision but at least mudcatters have been alerted.
Ray, although I might share your feelings regarding deposits, just be aware of the WHITBY WAY!
We were once berated by a hotelier for having the nerve to ask for a receipt!

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: r.padgett
Date: 25 Apr 20 - 03:17 AM

The Hotelier was in error and the UK law is the law Malcolm

As I say we are all watching and hoping for a positive outcome, of not a ruling on the correct approach to deposits in this one off situation

All the best

Ray

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Apr 20 - 08:45 AM

Yes I know all about the 'Whitby way'. Couple of years ago booked a flat a year in advance, was informed 6 weeks in advance that the flat had been sold. Of course any flat available then was dearer but all the agency offered was a return of my deposit, said my contract was with the owner not them, but refused to give me contact details for the owner!
In the end I found a larger flat and an extra couple to share with, so wasn't out of pocket, but even the 2 bedroom flats similar to the one I paid the deposit on were dearer by June.

Some people pay quite a large proportion of the price as deposit, it's not pennies. And if you've booked for folk week and there isn't a folk week it isn't the same at all.

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 25 Apr 20 - 02:12 PM

Whoops that was me!
Ray. I am well aware of the position re receipts - just pointing out the mind set of some in Whitby and thought it might introduce a little humour.
Hope your funny bone gets better.
cheers

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: r.padgett
Date: 25 Apr 20 - 04:34 PM

I'm fine Malcolm ~ yes it is a bad time for all at the seaside and for pubs as well as accommodation ~as it is for all people in need of a holiday

I am aware of businesses needing to ensure their cash flow and profits continue to work out and for professionals to be able to claim for expenses etc

It's a funny old world now isn't it

Similar situation happened to us regarding a cottage we had booked at Whitby when the cottage was sold and the new owner refused to honour the booking ~ gutted we were!

Ray

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST,Selby
Date: 25 Apr 20 - 05:36 PM

A number of years ago when regatta and folk week clashed we was offered our usual accommodation for the following year at a 50% increase we obviously declined

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: JHW
Date: 27 Apr 20 - 04:25 PM

I emailed a cottage in Bay I'd stayed at before. Never heard a thing so cost me nowt.

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: Michael
Date: 27 Apr 20 - 05:05 PM

Better news; On the day it was announced that the festival was postponed our B&B landlord emailed and asked if we wanted our deposit back or transferring to next year. So ther are some decent ones.

Mike

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 29 Apr 20 - 07:32 PM

Refresh in the public interest

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: r.padgett
Date: 30 Apr 20 - 03:29 AM

Yes I think it a great idea if the accommodation booking can be rolled over to next year ~ assuming 2020 is a none starter

Ray

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: JHW
Date: 02 May 20 - 05:48 AM

I'll stick with the Glaisdale sing rather than visit Whitby if the Regatta's on. Once was enough.
Maybe they'll not be able to row 2m apart? And 2m apart on the fairground rides?

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 02 May 20 - 07:28 AM

JHW … an earlier message stated that the Regatta is cancelled for 2020, as is the folk festival of course.
Derek

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST
Date: 02 May 20 - 10:45 AM

I think it was a reference to next year Derek, when they will clash

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 02 May 20 - 06:59 PM

I do wish that people would not refer to the Folk Week and Regatta clashing.
It is not true - the Regatta, for reasons I have never been able to fathom, decide to share their dates with Folk Week on an arbitrary basis. They say it is to do with the tides but that has been proved a nonsense on more than one occasion. I suspect the real reason is that they wish to have the event as late in the year as possible as it marks the end of their season.
In planning Folk Weeks during my tenancy I always planned for a joint weekend - whether or not it was happening.   
The comments above regarding the coincidence of dates emanate from my alerting Folk Week participants and Mudcatters to the position for 2021.

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: Mo the caller
Date: 03 May 20 - 03:47 AM

I seem to remember that at one stage it was decided that they would be separated.

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 03 May 20 - 05:04 AM

Another nasty rumour Mo. Any idea who made the decision? Or did the rumour not get that far?
I pointed out many times to the council (as much help as a chocolate fireguard)and other well meaning folk that the dates of Folk Week were determined by other folk events around the UK and it was the Regatta which moved about. Any discussions such as they were always focused on getting the Folk Week to similarly dodge about to give the Regatta a clear run.
Incidentally the dealings with the council will be detailed in a long chapter in my forthcoming bestseller where all the skeletons will be revealed. (Ho Ho)

Subject: RE: Whitby folk week 2020 - cancelled
From: JHW
Date: 03 May 20 - 06:02 AM

Yes I was thinking about next year, thanks though.