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.
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.
Flash Company Arts 