Saturday, 20 October, 201812:00Whitby Pavilion Complex (Spa)
West Cliff
Whitby YO21 3EN
GBJim McLaughlin
Phone: 01947603475Musicport 201819th -21st October & on tour to villages 21st-26th OctoberWhitby Pavilion, West Cliff, Whitby YO21 3ENwww.musicportfestival.com  Whitby opens its doors to the world and the town will be buzzing when the wonderful Musicport returns over the weekend of October 19-21 for its 19th consecutive year.  Centred around Whitby Pavilion with its North Sea backdrop and Whitby’s golden beaches below its dramatic cliff top position the warmth of the Whitby welcome will be felt throughout the town with a colourful (and noisy!) parade on Friday evening and free fringe alongside the incredible programme of local, national and international music in Whitby Pavilion. Very much a “weekend for everyone” the Pavilion is magically transformed with eye catching decor and a very special international yet intimate atmosphere.  You can buy tickets for the whole weekend, day tickets for Friday, Saturday or Sunday or just drop in for a daytime or evening session over the weekend - (there’s a 20% reduction on all tickets for local residents YO21 YO22 TS13 postcodes). What’s more, tickets for teenagers are half price and kids under 11 are free so the whole family can sample the fun. All the village tour concerts are free entry “pay what you feel” events. “Whitby’s welcome is an essential ingredient to our international weekend” says festival director Jim McLaughlin “we have a great reputation as the UK’s best indoor festival and each year we attract more and more music lovers from across the country to Musicport. It’s the mix of visitors and local residents and the family friendly atmosphere that gives our weekend such a special and relaxed feel.  The artists pick up on that and feed of it, they love performing with us and mingling with the audience and it’s wonderful to see so many people of all ages and different backgrounds and cultures coming together and having a great time.”  The musical line this year is fabulous with over 50 acts appearing from all corners of the globe along with comedy, DJ’s, films, poetry, cookery, book launches and the chance to brush up your circus skills, improve your dance steps, have a go at Tai Chi or even learn to yodel amongst the many individual sessions throughout the weekend.  Predicted highlights of the festival·         Vieux Farka Toure, Dobet Gnahore & Mokoomba - 3 major young African acts.·         Tankus The Henge one of the greatest festival band in the UK.·         Luar Na Lubre from Galicia on rare UK visit.·         Destyn Maloya from La Reunion in exclusive UK performance.·         Crime author & comedian Mark Billingham with The Other Half – a music and story show·         Natty & The Rebelship – chart inhabiting reggae artist & his fine musicians.·         Martha Tilston Trio – Providing finale of the tour on Friday 26th at Aislaby Church. Both prior to the festival and during the week after international acts will be working in local schools and developing interest and understanding of their cultural heritage. Tickets are available in advance via website or on the door. Tel 01947 603475 Much more information on the Musicport website  www.musicportfestival.com