Music Festivals set to boost Whitby economy as demand builds for summer events
Two 60s music weekends in June and September are set to attract visitors from across the UK and overseas, with promoter Chris Wood reporting very strong demand again and continued growth for Whitby’s long-running nostalgic events.
Whitby’s popular 60s Weekends are very much on course this summer, with excitement building as fans prepare to travel to the North Yorkshire coast — bringing a welcome boost to the local economy through hotel stays, dining and tourism.
The June 5-7 weekend will feature a packed programme of 60s hitmakers with headliner Steve Ellis the voice of Love Affair, plus The Fourmost, Vanity Fare and New Amen Corner, alongside tributes to legendary artists such as The Beatles, Buddy Holly, The Four Seasons, Billy Fury, Wayne Fontana, Elvis, The Kinks, The Beach Boys and Small Faces.
The September weekend, taking place from September 18-20, will be headlined by Paul Jones, whose catalogue includes timeless tracks such as Do Wah Diddy Diddy, Pretty Flamingo and 5-4-3-2-1. He was top of the bill in 2024 when the event totally sold out and returns this year following popular demand.
Promoter Chris Wood says demand remains very strong for both weekends, with enquiries coming in from across the UK and overseas.
“We’ve been linking people from all parts of the country with accommodation in and around Whitby,” he said. “We’re taking calls from across the UK and even from abroad. So many people use the weekends as an annual calendar meet up social events”
He added that while many similar 60s festivals across the country have disappeared in recent years, Whitby continues to buck the trend.
“It is sad to see so many 60s events having fallen away, but Whitby continues to support these weekends so strongly. The demand is still there, and we’re already booking ahead with dates in place for June and September 2027.”
“Whitby 60s Weekends have really touched a place in the hearts of a generation. People want to know where best to stay and where to eat, and we always tell them that fish and chips is a must — and of course we now have the countries official finest chippy in Trenchers - Whitby is the fish and chip capital of the UK.
“Flower power by the sea feels right at home in Whitby, cobblestones, harbour views, the wider North Yorkshire coastline and a big splash of 60s nostalgia turning the coast into one big good-vibes postcard for these long weekends in June and September.''
Chris added that the weekends continue to bring significant benefits to the town, supporting local businesses across the hospitality and tourism sectors.
“The bands love it too,” he said. “Artists like Steve Ellis return and often stay for an extended visit. He always tells me how much he enjoys Whitby — it’s very different from city life and something he really looks forward to so very much.”
Tickets & Information for the 60s Festivals in June and September at the Whitby Pavilion can be found at: https://whitbypavilion.co.uk/event/whitby-60s-spectacular/