Whitby's Eskdale Festival of the Arts forced to abandon 2021 event

Chairman of the Festival, Ros Barningham, said: ‘We tried very hard to think of ways of safely running the competition, but finally decided that it would be better to leave it for this year."

However, members of the committee are delighted to announce that not all music and drama will be lost for the year, as they are planning a ‘virtual’ Jazz Lunch on March 12.

Organisers Bob Butterfield and Zak Parlby will invite local jazz musicians to record some of their favourite jazz classics, which will be posted to the festival’s Facebook page.

The concert will be available free of charge, but there will be a link to a fundraising site to support professional musicians who have been unable to work during the pandemic.

Plans are also in hand for a concert later in the year to include local children performing in drama or music.

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