Whitby Krampus Run Proceeds Despite Coastal Storms

The 10th annual Whitby Krampus Run festival saw attendees undeterred by weather warnings and Storm Darragh. This event, a celebration of festive folklore, draws inspiration from an Austrian tradition featuring half-demon, half-goat figures who appear before Christmas to encourage good behavior in children. A majority of Saturday’s scheduled events were relocated indoors, with workshops and performances held at Chapel on the Hill. Nevertheless, Krampus participants, many adorned as the mythical figure, later ventured into the weather for a march down Baxtergate. According to organiser Laurence Mitchell, a photoshoot scheduled for Sunday at Whitby Abbey was called off because the Abbey had closed its doors due to strong winds. He stated: “We shall try to venture forth for a procession around Cholmley House to the Whitby Brewery around 3.30pm if it is a little calmer.” Mitchell also confirmed live music performances were planned from 16:00 GMT to 19:00 GMT, featuring the Tengu Taiko Drummers and Westenra. On Saturday, both a sunset drumming event slated for the Whalebone Arch and a scheduled fire performance were cancelled. “Wind and rain also aren’t the best combination for Mister Fox’s fire performance, so instead they will be doing a raid and indoor dance at the Chapel on the Hill,” he explained. Prior to the festival, he remarked: “We are shaking things up this year and it’s 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.”” The organisers integrated local folklore into the weekend’s activities, such as the tale of St Hilda expelling evil snakes from the town by casting them from the cliffs.