Whitby 60s Festival hailed 'best yet' as visitors flock to coast
Promoters of the long-running Whitby 60s Festival have hailed this year’s first three-day event in June as one of the most successful in its 21-year history, bringing un visitors from across the UK.
North Yorkshire promoter Chris Wood said visitors once again travelled from far and wide to enjoy a weekend packed with live music, nostalgia and friendship.
“It has been another remarkable three days for Whitby and the wider North Yorkshire coast,” he said.
“We now have more people than ever heading to the town for our two annual festivals in June and September.
“We welcomed visitors from all over the UK and there were some wonderful stories created along the way.”
Among the many memorable moments was a large group from Teesside celebrating a 65th birthday.
Their weekend became even more special when relatives travelled from Spain to surprise them, creating an emotional reunion and adding to the festival’s feel-good atmosphere.
“There was plenty of laughter, memories, dancing and singing along to that unforgettable 1960s soundtrack,” added Chris.
“Moments like that perfectly capture what this festival is all about.
"It’s not just the music – it’s the friendships, reunions and memories that continue to be made year after year.”
This year’s event promoted across the UK in association with Boom Radio, featured a host of original 1960s performers, tribute acts and matinee shows, with million-selling Love Affair vocalist Steve Ellis headlining the weekend.
Famous for worldwide hits including Everlasting Love, he spent the weekend enjoying the Yorkshire coast during a break from his home in Brighton.
Steve said: “It was another incredible weekend of making memories and the crowds were loving every second of being taken back to a much simpler era.
“Friendships formed over the past 21 years were reunited once again and many people told me they felt this was the best festival yet.
“Whitby and the wider North Yorkshire coastline seem perfectly suited to an event like this.
"With nearby Goathland forever associated with Heartbeat and its unforgettable 1960s soundtrack, visitors already feel transported back to another era before the music even begins.
“At a time when many festivals around the country are facing huge challenges, Whitby’s 60s Festival continues to grow.
"That’s a remarkable achievement and a testament to the loyalty of its audience and the affection people have for both the music and the memories it brings.” Businesses across Whitby and the surrounding area also benefited from the busy weekend.
Sixties Icon Paul Jones, famous for the million-selling hits Do Wha Diddy and Pretty Flamingo and many more, will bring his group The Manfreds to headline the second event from Friday, Saturday and Sunday on September 18, 19 and 20.
Visit https://whitbypavilion.co.uk/event/whitby-60s-spectacular/ for more.