(Image: Via Goffy Media)
Manfred Mann star Paul Jones, who is set to headline a North Yorkshire music festival next month, has said its enduring success offers lessons for an industry facing mounting challenges.
Mr Jones, whose hits include Do Wah Diddy Diddy, Pretty Flamingo and The Mighty Quinn, will headline the Whitby 60s Spectacular at Whitby Pavilion from September 18 to 20.
He said: "I always feel for everybody involved when a festival is cancelled.
Whitby 60s!
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"The organisers put their hearts and souls into these events, the artists are looking forward to performing and, most importantly, there are the people who have bought tickets and made plans.
"It’s disappointing for everyone and it shows just how challenging the live music industry can be."
His comments come as neighbouring events face difficulties, including the postponement of Darlington’s Discovery Festival and the closure of Hardwick Live, which had drawn large crowds and major acts in previous years.
Chris Wood 60s
(Image: Via Goffy Media)
In contrast, Whitby 60s has continued to thrive, marking its 21st year in 2026 and expanding from a single annual event to two major festivals each year.
Mr Jones said: "I’ve been involved in live music for more than sixty years and one thing I’ve learned is that people want more than just a concert.
"They want an experience.
"You can have the biggest names in the world on a poster, but that’s no guarantee of success.
"What keeps people coming back is atmosphere, loyalty and feeling part of something special."
Chris Wood 60s
(Image: Via Goffy Media)
He praised organiser Chris Wood, whose dedication has helped the festival grow steadily over two decades.
Mr Jones said: "To be celebrating 21 years is a tremendous achievement, particularly at a time when so many events are finding life difficult.
"There have been huge challenges over those years, including Covid, but Chris has continued to deliver fantastic line-ups and audiences have continued to respond."
Whitby 60s poster
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The festival, which draws visitors from Yorkshire, the North East, and beyond, blends music nostalgia with the appeal of the Yorkshire coastline and the charm of Whitby.
Mr Jones said: "People come for the music, but they also come to meet friends they’ve made over the years.
"The 1960s and Whitby are a perfect fit.
"You’ve got the nostalgia, the Yorkshire coastline, the history, and a town people genuinely love visiting."
The most recent Whitby 60s event in June was headlined by Steve Ellis of Love Affair, who described Whitby 60s as one of the highlights of his diary.
The line-up included The Fourmost, Vanity Fare, and New Amen Corner, as well as a selection of popular tribute acts.
Attention now turns to September, when Mr Jones and The Manfreds will headline another three-day programme.
Other acts include The Dreamers, Union Gap, The Tornados, and The Fourmost, with tributes to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, The Hollies, The Kinks, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and more.
Promoted nationally via Boom Radio, the festival’s matinee shows remain a strong draw.
Visitors from across the UK have already begun booking accommodation in Whitby and along the North Yorkshire coast.
Organisers say strong advance ticket sales and 2027 dates already confirmed reflect the festival’s resilience and appeal.
Mr Jones believes the event’s mix of live music, community spirit, and seaside nostalgia is the key to its success and longevity.
For more information or to book tickets, call 01757 700042 or 07990 073574.