Flash Company Arts

Tag: history

  • Results of our F.A.B. November snap survey!

    Results of our F.A.B. November snap survey!

    Flowergate and Beyond: Artisan Quarter Community & Business Insights November!

    What People Love About the ‘Artisan Quarter‘

    Independent Shops and Local Businesses
    🛍 Visitors and locals enjoy the variety of independent shops, cafes, and creative spaces.

    Community Feeling
    🤝 There is a strong sense of community among business owners and residents.

    Character and Charm
    🎨 The area is known for its quirky character, alternative culture, and unique charm.

    Takeaway: The Artisan Quarter’s independent businesses, community spirit, and unique character make it a place people love to visit, work, and spend time in.

    What Could Be Better in the Artisan Quarter

    Signage and Wayfinding
    🗺 Clear maps and signs would make it easier to navigate the area and discover hidden corners.

    Community Activities and Leisure
    🎭 People want more inclusive workshops, pop-up exhibitions, and evening or non-pub activities.

    Social Inclusion and Tensions
    ⚖ Promoting respect, inclusion, and a welcoming atmosphere is important for everyone.

    Practical Infrastructure
    🚗 Easier parking and improved accessibility would help both visitors and local workers.

    Takeaway: Improvements in navigation, accessibility, inclusive activities, and community-building initiatives could strengthen the area.

    Hidden and Special Spots

    Quirky Spaces
    🌿 There are lots of hidden yards and corners waiting to be discovered.

    Community Spaces
    ☕ Public halls, gardens, and social spaces offer quiet spots for gathering and creativity.

    Takeaway: Highlighting these unique areas can increase engagement, footfall, and community enjoyment.

    Events and Activities People Want

    Creative and Cultural
    🎶 Music performances, theatre, street art, and creative maker events are popular ideas.

    Community and Inclusivity
    🤲 People value inclusive activities and opportunities for networking and collaboration.

    Family-Friendly
    👨‍👩‍👧 Activities that can be enjoyed by families are also desired.

    Takeaway: There is strong interest in arts, culture, inclusivity, and family-friendly programming.

    Barriers to Participation

    Cost and Affordability
    💰 Expenses and high rent can make it difficult for people and small initiatives to get involved.

    Limited Space and Opportunities

    Timing and Accessibility
    ⏰ Limited opening hours and scheduling conflicts restrict participation.

    Footfall and Environment
    🧹 Low visitor numbers and litter affect the experience and business opportunities.

    Takeaway: Addressing affordability, accessibility, and environmental concerns will help more people engage with the area.

    Business Highlights

    What Businesses Appreciate

    • Independent, creative, and diverse character of the area.
    • Footfall from visitors and events that support local enterprise.

    What Could Be Better

    • Improved signage, communication, accessibility, parking, and general environment.

    Events or Initiatives That Could Help

    • Pop-up spaces, community events, artisan discovery initiatives, collaboration opportunities, and skills development.

    Takeaway: Businesses value visibility, community support, and practical assistance to thrive in the area.

    Overall Insights

    • Strengths: Independent shops, quirky character, creativity, and events.
    • Opportunities: Improve signage, accessibility, inclusive activities, and promote hidden spots.
    • Challenges: Cost, limited space, low footfall, litter, and social tensions.
    • Business Priorities: Collaboration, pop-up events, promotional initiatives, and practical support such as parking and skills development.

  • 🌿 A Hedge, a Song and a Celebration of Whitby: Penny Hedge 2025

    🌿 A Hedge, a Song and a Celebration of Whitby: Penny Hedge 2025

    This morning, as the tide crept into Whitby’s Upper Harbour, a small crowd gathered for one of the town’s oldest and most curious traditions: the planting of the Penny Hedge. And of course, Flash Company Arts was there to witness it, alongside our friends in the Whitby Community Choir, to mark the moment in our own creative way.

    The Penny Hedge

    If you’ve never seen it, the Penny Hedge is a quiet but powerful ritual. Every year on the eve of Ascension Day, a symbolic hedge is planted in the mud of the harbour using hazel stakes and woven twigs. It’s an act rooted in legend, penance and centuries of local history. The hedge must be strong enough to withstand three tides — or tradition says dire consequences will follow.

    For us, it’s a chance not only to observe a beautiful piece of living folklore, but to come together as artists, singers and proud Whitby folk.

    As the hedge was planted, Whitby Community Choir sang our traditional song for the day — a simple, heartfelt moment of reflection and joy. There is something special about singing in the open air, with the harbour behind you and a community around you. This is what Flash Company Arts is all about: connecting creativity with place, people and tradition.

    We didn’t stage a performance or take the spotlight. We were there to witness, to sing, and to celebrate a town that inspires so much of what we do. Our presence at Penny Hedge is part of a growing rhythm for us — marking the calendar not just with dates, but with shared experiences and artistic responses.

    🪵 Fun “Facts” About the Penny Hedge Legend

    • The tradition dates back to 1159, making it over 860 years old.
    • Legend has it that three noblemen killed a hermit while hunting near Whitby. As penance, they were ordered to build a hedge in the harbour every year — forever.
    • The hedge must be built with a wooden penny knife, without metal nails or modern tools.
    • If the hedge doesn’t survive three tides, the tradition says the penalty would return to Whitby’s noble descendants.
    • The ceremony is still performed by the Bailiff of the Manor of Fylingdales, and the hammer and horn are kept under lock and key except for when they are used during the ceremony!

    To everyone who paused with us this morning — thank you. See you next year, same place, same tide.