October's Whitby Goth Weekend called off

Whitby Goth Weekend has now been called off.
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At the weekend, organisers had announced they were pressing ahead with the event, which usually attracts thousands to the town.

But yesterday they posted on social media that the October weekend is now cancelled.

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Their post read: “We were informed at 7pm last night of the severity of the situation in Whitby through, shockingly, formal channels, and not through angry Facebook messages from the usual anti-goth crowd.

Ruth and Hardy Davenport from The Midlands at the April 2019 Whitby Goth Weekend.Ruth and Hardy Davenport from The Midlands at the April 2019 Whitby Goth Weekend.
Ruth and Hardy Davenport from The Midlands at the April 2019 Whitby Goth Weekend.

“Obviously, we're not foolish enough to hold Goth Weekend during a period of such sudden escalation and, with this in mind, have to revert to our plans for cancellation.

“Our plans are always with the safety of Whitby and the community in mind; something long-term followers of the event should be well aware of.

“We would never make a decision if we felt it could lead to any form of unnecessary risk and made our original decision based on formal reassurance from our venues.

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“We can only apologise for the inconvenience or confusion caused, and sincerely hope the situation - and those affected - sees a strong recovery very soon.”

Enjoying Whitby Goth Weekend, April 2019.Enjoying Whitby Goth Weekend, April 2019.
Enjoying Whitby Goth Weekend, April 2019.

Prior to this announcement, Whitby Leisure Centre had stated on their Facebook page there were no plans to continue with the Goth weekend at the centre next month.

A string of businesses shut in Whitby over the weekend.

Some said they were closing because staff or customers had tested positive for coronavirus.

Others said they were closing as a precaution. Several have since reopened.