'Something special' - Manfred Mann music icon Paul Jones praises Whitby's 60s festival
Sixties music icon Paul Jones believes there is much to be learned from the remarkable success of a North Yorkshire music festival which is celebrating 21 years and preparing for another major weekend next month.
The former Manfred Mann frontman, whose worldwide hits include Do Wah Diddy Diddy, Pretty Flamingo and The Mighty Quinn, will headline the Whitby 60s Spectacular at Whitby Pavilion from September 18 to 20.
His comments come at a time when several festivals have faced difficult times, the Discovery Festival in Darlington was postponed amid rising costs and wider pressures facing the live events industry.
Last summer, Hardwick Live which had for years played host to the very biggest names, also called time on their Sedgefield-based annual events.
Jones says he feels particularly sorry for those caught up in festival cancellations.
“I always feel for everybody involved when a festival is cancelled.
"The organisers put their hearts and souls into these events, the artists are looking forward to performing and, most importantly, there are the people who have bought tickets and made plans.
“It’s disappointing for everyone and it shows just how challenging the live music industry can be.”
Against that backdrop, Jones believes Whitby 60s’ continued success is particularly impressive.
“I’ve been involved in live music for more than 60 years and one thing I’ve learned is that people want more than just a concert.
"They want an experience.
“You can have the biggest names in the world on a poster, but that’s no guarantee of success.
"What keeps people coming back is atmosphere, loyalty and feeling part of something special.”
Organised by Chris Wood, Whitby 60s has grown from a single annual weekend into two major festivals every year, attracting music lovers from across Yorkshire, the North East and way beyond.
“To be celebrating 21 years is a tremendous achievement, particularly at a time when so many events are finding life difficult,” said Jones.
“There have been huge challenges over those years, including Covid, but Chris has continued to deliver fantastic line-ups and audiences have continued to respond.”
Jones also believes the combination of music, friendship and location has been central to the festival’s longevity.
“People come for the music, but they also come to meet friends they’ve made over the years.
"The 1960s and Whitby are a perfect fit.
"You’ve got the nostalgia, the Yorkshire coastline, the history and a town people genuinely love visiting.”
The June festival in Whitby was a major success, headlined by Love Affair legend Steve Ellis, who described Whitby 60s as one of the highlights of his diary.
The line-up also featured The Fourmost, Vanity Fare and New Amen Corner, alongside popular tributes to some of the decade’s biggest stars.
Now attention turns to September, when Jones and The Manfreds headline another packed three-day programme.
They will be joined by The Dreamers, Union Gap, The Tornados and The Fourmost, with tributes to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, The Hollies, The Kinks, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and many more.
The event is promoted nationally via Boom Radio.
The festival’s popular matinee shows will also return, with visitors travelling from across the UK and already booking accommodation in Whitby and along the North Yorkshire coast.
Full details of the Whitby 60s Festival at Whitby Pavilion can be obtained by calling 01757 700042 or 07990 073574.