Musicport Festival organisers announce that for the first time in its history it has sold out in advance!

 Musicport Festival

A celebration of music without borders

Whitby Pavilion, West Cliff, Whitby Y21 3EN

Musicport Festival organisers have announced that for the first time in its history it has sold out in advance. Part of this success has been its 20-year celebration and part the bringing back of a lot of favourite acts from those 20 years including unexpected late addition Andy Kershaw.

Festival founder and director Jim McLaughlin  says “It’s been a labour of love for such a long time now it’s gratifying to see it still in the ascendant even though we often walk a financial tightrope in order to bring together the best line-up we can and this year is no exception! Before the recession hit, we often sold out on the weekend but to sell out 2 weeks in advance is a new one on us.”

That said, there are still events that people can get involved in without an advance ticket:

·         The Unknown – an interactive sci-fi theatre show along the clifftop from the top of Khyber Pass to the Whalebones. Performance 10.30, 13.30 and 16.00 Friday 18th October (tickets £5 adults, £3 under 16), call 07775734705 or pay on arrival.

·         The Opening Parade Friday 18th 18.30 at The Whalebones with The Peace Artistes, fire jugglers and percussionists from West Cliff school.

·         The FM Organ at La Rosa Hotel 11.00-18.00 (Saturday & Sunday 19th/20th). A playable drone instrument built using 10 FM transmitters and multiple FM radios. Drop in and see/interact with it – free entry.

·         Sponsored Sea Dip Join our sea-dippers on the beach below the Pavilion at 9.45 Sunday morning (20th) and complete a sponsor form to raise donations for the Trussell Trust, supporting foodbanks across the UK and campaigning to end food poverty.

·         Workshops at The Royal Hotel Ballroom (£5 per I hour session) Tai Chi / Flat Dance / New Games Movement / Hang (hand pan) workshop / Somatics / Salsa Dance / Indian singing / Bollywood Dance / Musical saw.

Village Tour “Musicport On The Road” For the 5 days following the main festival Musicport goes on tour to the local villages with a diverse range of acts. All the concerts are free entry “pay what you feel” events which in previous years have attracted large and appreciative audiences. Compered by the inestimable Paul Armfield it should be a week of magical experiences in unexpected places.

·   Monday 21st October 7.00pm Andy Irvine (Eire) @ All Saints Church, Hawsker. Legendary Irish singer hailed as “a tradition in himself” and “one of the great Irish singers”

·  Monday 21st 9.30pm Moussu T E Lei Jovents (France) @ The Grosvenor, Robin Hoods Bay. Brilliantly quirky and musically talented Marseilles band who reflect the diverse nature of their Blues Reggae, Jazz, and Caribbean and Brazilian influences sung in the Occitan language

·   Tuesday 22nd 8pm Moussu T E Lei Jovents (France) plus Blanty @ The Forge Aislaby

·   Wednesday 23rd 7.30pm Naghma plus Paul Downes @ St Hilda’s Church Danby. Naghma explore Indian and western music traditions. Paul Downes is widely experienced singer widely regarded as one of the best acoustic guitarists on the folk scene

·   Thursday 24th 7.30pm Paul Armfield plus Mackie @ The Robinson lnstitute, Glaisdale Paul is an exceptionally gifted songwriter and performer whose big burly character belies the beauty and sensitivity of his songs.

·   Friday 25th 7.30pm Poor Nameless Boy (Canada) @ St Oswalds Church, Lythe.  lndie folk artist with his band on first date of their UK tour. “Pop hooks hidden in melodies you can drink your coffee to. Folk lyrics to drive you to the contemplative. lndie voice that softens the bitter topics and wounded hearts.” A real treat to finish the tour in the most beautiful venue.

Musicport 2020: 23rd -25th October @ Whitby Pavilion.