Events, Festivals and Exhibitions

Wish you could dance, sing or play an instrument, but don’t know where to start? Whitby Folk Week this August may be just what you’re looking for.

There are more than three hundred events across the week ranging from progressive daily workshops learning traditional dancing such as clog dancing, how to play different instruments, or how to sing, afternoon and evening social dances and concerts, to late night ceilidhs and concerts. Many of the pubs host music or song sessions, and there are dance displays around the town every afternoon.

People of all ages, and all levels of experience are catered for. Why not come along and learn a new skill, meet new friends, and discover a new hobby?

The festival concludes with a final parade where the Whitby Garland is carried around the town. At the end of the last ceilidh, heather from the garland is handed out to the remaining rabble. Legend has it that those given heather will return to Whitby.

Whitby Folk Festival Programme

This year’s performers include: Granny’s Attic, Maddy Prior & Spud Sinclair,  Bryony Griffith & Alice Jones, Pressgang Mutiny, The McCarthy Family and Huw Williams. The full list of the concerts for the 2023 festival can be found here. There will also be special events.

With its wonderful Whitby Abbey, and world-renowned fish and chips, both town and the surrounding moors are well worth exploring. If you need convincing or inspiration, read Mark Bibby Jackson’s Whitby and the North York Moors.

When is the Whitby Folk Week 2023?

19 to 25 August, 2023.

Whitby Folk Week Camping

The Whitby Folk Festival has a basic campsite for season ticket holders situated at Whitby Rugby Club. This includes showers and toilet facilities, but pets are not allowed.

Whitby hotels

To book a B&B or Whitby hotels or the surrounding area, visit: www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com.

For more information on the Whitby Folk Week

Click here. For more information on things to do in Whitby, click here.