Whitby Krampus Run Festival Marks Tenth Anniversary

The town of Whitby is preparing to host the 10th annual Krampus run this weekend, an event celebrating festive folklore. This tradition, inspired by an Austrian custom, features figures that are part demon and part goat, whose role is to encourage good behavior in children leading up to Christmas. While past iterations included a parade through the coastal community, this year’s performances will be distributed throughout Whitby. Due to a forecast of wet and windy weather, certain activities are scheduled to occur indoors at Chapel on the Hill. The festival will also incorporate elements of local folklore, such as the tale of St Hilda expelling malevolent snakes from the town by casting them from the cliffs. Laurence Mitchell, an organiser of the event, stated: “We are shaking things up this year and its nice to involve the whole town in the celebrations. “For our 10th celebratory year we are building on what Whitby Krampus Run means – we need to make it relevant to the UK.”” Elaine Edmonds, another organiser, commented that the weekend is expected to offer “something different from a commercialised shopping centre Christmas, with a nod to old traditions and finding your old wild self”. North Yorkshire Council provides partial funding for the Whitby Krampus Run, with this year’s grant allocated to support a range of events instead of a singular large parade. Mr. Mitchell explained, “Public parades cost a lot of money, people don’t realise that you have to pay for road closures, security, first aid, lighting and sound.” He added, “We would rather spend our resources and the money we get from the council across the whole weekend, rather than an hour or so that can easily be rained off.” Admission to Chapel on the Hill, located on Brunswick Street, is free of charge, featuring stalls by local artisans, entertainment for children, and activities centered around the Krampus theme.