Whitby Musicport 2026 gives north east performers platform to share their talents
Whitby’s Musicport festival organisers are ready to welcome a ‘phenomenal’ line-up of talent from Mali to Morocco – as well as showcasing emerging stars and established acts from across the north of England – when the event takes place at Whitby Pavilion.
Breathing creative fire and charm into this year’s elemental themed Musicport – which is on from Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25 – is Robin Hood’s Bay’s folk music star and power folk fiddle pioneer, singer, songwriter, Eliza Carthy, who will be performing with her band, the Restitution.
Together, they launch their new studio album, Frenemies at Musicport 2026, co-produced by Mercury nominee, Ben Seal and releasing through HemHem Records on October 30.
Eliza is a powerhouse folk musician and singer, twice nominee for the Mercury Prize with an MBE for services to folk music and daughter of folk legends, Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson.
This year sees a phenomenal line-up of emerging stars and established acts from across Yorkshire, Tyne Side and Lancashire at the festival.
Among some of the regional entertainers appearing at the festival are:
• York-based a cappella quintet PitchWitches brings its stunning vocal harmonies to Whitby. Led by composer EM Whitfield Brooks, the vocal ensemble weaves rich, multi-layered arrangements that blend folk traditions with soulful contemporary artistry.
• North East poet, songwriter and dramatist Harry Gallagher is bringing his warm, resonant performance to the stage.
Blending gritty northern observation with acoustic songcraft, he captures the humour and heart of working-class life.
• The Ballad of Blea Wyke arrives at Musicport as a deeply atmospheric fusion of folk songcraft and local folklore, weaving haunting melodies, historical storytelling, and coastal atmosphere.
• Rising indie-folk sensation Jessie Reid adds her live show and signature percussive guitar style to the Musicport line-up
Featuring on the 2026 programme are also musicians from Mali, Vietnam, the Sahara, Catalonia, Hungary, Morocco, the Balearic Islands, Tibet and India.
Supporting the programme is a dedicated team of volunteers.
Festival operations director Sue McLaughlin said: “Being an indoor festival creates a really special, friendly and intimate ambience for all ages.
“We have people coming from far and wide in the UK and beyond, as well as those who have the luxury of being able to just ‘pop down the road’.
“Loyal returners and new faces are all welcomed and we’re constantly working to involve younger people and local communities with our workshops and pre-festival concerts in surrounding villages.
“We’ve learnt over the years that Whitby and Musicport can’t be separated – it’s a unique mix that makes for memorable experiences.”
Programme director for Musicport 2026, Jim McLaughlin, added: “Diversity is the key at Musicport.
“This year we invited the vibrant Vietnamese rock and soul musicians, Saigon Soul Revival for their first Musicport performance.
“Our Saturday night headliner is Hungarian group, Romano Drom (Gypsy Road) performing in the spirited Romani language and the polyphonic vocal group, Aluca Trio from Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.”
The Lobster Lounge is a unique feature at Musicport.
With its own bar and stage, the programme of speakers, musicians and poets at the Lobster Lounge is organised by Whitby Lobster Hatchery.
This includes talks by conservationists, environmental speakers, and eco-conscious poetry.
Everyone will be welcomed by Eko, 13ft-tall Sea Giant, brought to life by five puppeteers and the star of Austin Dance Theatre’s acclaimed show Out of the Deep Blue.
Visit https://www.musicportfestival.com/ for more information.