Updated Tuesday, 4th May 2021, 10:00 am In the light of the continuing pandemic and the uncertainty of restrictions such as social distancing and face coverings being fully relaxed by August, Whitby Folk Week directors have taken the "extremely difficult decision" to postpone the 2021 festival until August 20-26, 2022. They said in a statement: "The very essence of Whitby Folk Week is our community; being together to dance, sing, play music and be with friends and family. "Ceilidhs, morris dancing, sessions, workshops, sing-arounds and bustling venues are at the heart of this, and they are simply not possible with any level of social distancing in place.