A weekend of extraordinary music, inspiring workshops, and a warm, welcoming community spirit brought visitors from far and wide to the town to enjoy a fascinating and eclectic mix of performances. Set against the stunning backdrop of Whitby’s dramatic coastline, Musicport has grown from a local celebration into a nationally acclaimed festival.
Festival Director Sue McLaughlin said: “The Musicport team are absolutely delighted with how the festival went, despite the dramatic weather!
“Many people have said it was their favourite yet, and it felt so full of warmth, love and the most fantastic performances on every stage.
“Highlights included the EKO puppet leading so many of us down to the beach - his puppeteers made him so expressive, it was quite emotional.
“Beach art from James Brunt - beautiful yet transitory as the tide came in.
“Hilarity in the Lobster Lounge alongside anger and sorrow at the state of our seas and fishing.
“Every emotion evoked by the vast range of music - from reflective and poetic to high energy Saigon soul, African rhythms, protest and celebration.
“Hard to describe it all in a few words - but what a wonderful weekend!”
Whitby Gazette photographer Richard Ponter and reporter Louise French went along to capture the occasion in pictures.
