Two main events are Whitby Regatta and following Whitby Folk Week
The Traditional Regatta in Whitby North Yorkshire
An ancient gala awaits you in the delightful seaside town of Whitby. With a vast array of nautical fun, you will be swept away by the enchanting excitement of the annual regatta.
Featuring yacht racing, rowing events, parades, competitions and entertainment of all kinds, Whitby embraces the sport of yachting on the 18th, 19th and 20th of August, 2012. Prizes will be awarded for racing events and a dazzling fireworks display will explode above the ocean.
For over a century Whitby has hosted what is considered to be the oldest sailing regatta in England. Whitby's rich history of boating includes the stories of Captain James Cook. Traditional accounts lay claim to the tale that Captain Cook set sail from the village of Staithes, a nearby fishing village.
The practice of the annual Whitby regatta began when local fishermen raced their boats beside one another. In 1847, an official "Whitby Challenge Cup" was awarded by the yacht club, then known as Royal Yorkshire, to a local sailor. He took away the cup and fifty guineas as a prize and so began the custom of the Whitby regatta.
Racing begins out at sea, and ends near the Whitby harbour lifeboat station. The cheering crowds scream their encouragement for the sailors, welcoming and congratulating a successful voyage.
Each year sailors gather in Whitby for the coveted cup. Come and explore the adventure and excitement in Whitby this summer. Dine in local restaurants or enjoy the massive array of food presented for the regatta. You may not win fifty guineas, but you have Whitby's promise that the victor's name will be announced and displayed in the centre of town.
See you there!
Next we have Whitby Folk Week
In the late lazy days of summer, the folks and their friends in Whitby start dancing. In 2012, Folk week begins August 18 and ends August 24. Folk singers, bands, callers and dance teams will all gather in Whitby, North Yorkshire for an amazing week of traditional music. For an entire seven full days of dancing, singing and celebration, in honour of traditional music and dance of British and Irish music, no other festival can rival these unique events. The week-long happening will be nestled in the quaint, seaside civil parish of Whitby, with over 600 exciting folk events to discover, learn and take part in. Relish the dances, songs, the various sessions and workshops. There will be music in the streets alongside the festivities. Storytellers will entertain, while you hear the spooky stories whispered of Count Dracula, who shipped his casket full of dirt to this sleepy town. The festivals will offer ghost walks and other frighteningly fun entertainment.
Some of the finest top folk talent will be found making music in Whitby. This week of festivity features a fanciful line up of folk artists from around the world. Lodging is available seaside or in the town, but naturally, no folk festival would be complete without a campsite! The local Whitby college grounds serve as a makeshift camp so the party can go €till you drop. Wear your finest folk costumes or shop for new finery in among the Whitby markets.
In attendance with you will be hundreds of folk admirers travelling from all over the British Isles to join the festival. Lift your pints with other folk dancers in the spirit of revelry in the finest British tradition. The town of Whitby welcomes all visitors to enjoy the town, appreciate the companionship and honour the traditions so thoughtfully put together for this yearly event. Enjoy the cosy seaside with music, food and fun for the whole family!
An ancient gala awaits you in the delightful seaside town of Whitby. With a vast array of nautical fun, you will be swept away by the enchanting excitement of the annual regatta.
Featuring yacht racing, rowing events, parades, competitions and entertainment of all kinds, Whitby embraces the sport of yachting on the 18th, 19th and 20th of August, 2012. Prizes will be awarded for racing events and a dazzling fireworks display will explode above the ocean.
For over a century Whitby has hosted what is considered to be the oldest sailing regatta in England. Whitby's rich history of boating includes the stories of Captain James Cook. Traditional accounts lay claim to the tale that Captain Cook set sail from the village of Staithes, a nearby fishing village.
The practice of the annual Whitby regatta began when local fishermen raced their boats beside one another. In 1847, an official "Whitby Challenge Cup" was awarded by the yacht club, then known as Royal Yorkshire, to a local sailor. He took away the cup and fifty guineas as a prize and so began the custom of the Whitby regatta.
Racing begins out at sea, and ends near the Whitby harbour lifeboat station. The cheering crowds scream their encouragement for the sailors, welcoming and congratulating a successful voyage.
Each year sailors gather in Whitby for the coveted cup. Come and explore the adventure and excitement in Whitby this summer. Dine in local restaurants or enjoy the massive array of food presented for the regatta. You may not win fifty guineas, but you have Whitby's promise that the victor's name will be announced and displayed in the centre of town.
See you there!
Next we have Whitby Folk Week
In the late lazy days of summer, the folks and their friends in Whitby start dancing. In 2012, Folk week begins August 18 and ends August 24. Folk singers, bands, callers and dance teams will all gather in Whitby, North Yorkshire for an amazing week of traditional music. For an entire seven full days of dancing, singing and celebration, in honour of traditional music and dance of British and Irish music, no other festival can rival these unique events. The week-long happening will be nestled in the quaint, seaside civil parish of Whitby, with over 600 exciting folk events to discover, learn and take part in. Relish the dances, songs, the various sessions and workshops. There will be music in the streets alongside the festivities. Storytellers will entertain, while you hear the spooky stories whispered of Count Dracula, who shipped his casket full of dirt to this sleepy town. The festivals will offer ghost walks and other frighteningly fun entertainment.
Some of the finest top folk talent will be found making music in Whitby. This week of festivity features a fanciful line up of folk artists from around the world. Lodging is available seaside or in the town, but naturally, no folk festival would be complete without a campsite! The local Whitby college grounds serve as a makeshift camp so the party can go €till you drop. Wear your finest folk costumes or shop for new finery in among the Whitby markets.
In attendance with you will be hundreds of folk admirers travelling from all over the British Isles to join the festival. Lift your pints with other folk dancers in the spirit of revelry in the finest British tradition. The town of Whitby welcomes all visitors to enjoy the town, appreciate the companionship and honour the traditions so thoughtfully put together for this yearly event. Enjoy the cosy seaside with music, food and fun for the whole family!
