Flash Company Arts

Tag: whitby

  • 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.

  • Flash Company Arts Founder Awarded British Empire Medal – and we are so proud!

    Flash Company Arts Founder Awarded British Empire Medal – and we are so proud!

    Flash Company Arts is proud to share that its founder, Rebecca Denniff, has been named in the King’s Birthday Honours List as a recipient of the British Empire Medal (BEM) for exceptional services to music education.

    This national honour recognises decades of work supporting young people and communities through creative music-making, performance, and inclusive, community-rooted arts practice. Based in Whitby, Flash Company Arts has become known for its commitment to reaching those often excluded from mainstream opportunities and for its nurturing, youth-led approach to arts engagement.

    The award also acknowledges the challenges overcome by Rebecca in bringing this work to life, including the social and structural barriers faced by many working-class and rurally based women.

    Reflecting on the award, she shared:

    “This kind of recognition is never something I imagined. It’s not something I’ve ever worked toward or expected. But when I saw that the award was specifically for music education, and for the work we do through Flash Company Arts, I felt I had to accept it – not for myself, but for everyone who’s been part of this journey.

    As a northern, working-class woman who has lived through domestic violence, and the isolation that comes with being a rurally based parent to children with disabilities, I know how often opportunities and recognition are out of reach for people like me. To have the work we’ve done in Whitby acknowledged in this way means more than I can easily put into words.

    This medal may have my name on it, it belongs to many. To the young people who’ve trusted us with their creativity. To the artists who’ve walked alongside us. To the communities who’ve welcomed and supported what we do. And to every individual who’s helped make space for our work to thrive.”

    Flash Company Arts continues to work at the heart of its community, championing inclusive, accessible, and creative opportunities for all. This recognition marks a powerful milestone in that journey.

  • The Whitby Big Sing Returns – A Celebration of Voices, Joy and Community

    The Whitby Big Sing Returns – A Celebration of Voices, Joy and Community

    We’re thrilled to announce that the Whitby Big Sing is back for its fourth joyful year — and it’s already shaping up to be something really special.

    On Thursday 19 June 2025, schools from across the Whitby area will come together at the Whitby Spa Pavilion for a full day of music, movement, and shared creativity. This free event, which runs from 10am to 2pm, is part of the international Make Music Day celebration — connecting us to thousands of musicians and singers taking part around the world.

    As always, the Big Sing is being delivered in collaboration with Flash Company Arts, the Community Anchor Organisation for Whitby and East Whitby School with support from Julie Matthewson, and led by local singer, composer and community artist Rebecca Denniff, along with a dedicated creative team.

    What makes the Big Sing so special?

    If you’ve ever stepped into the Pavilion during a Big Sing, you’ll know the feeling: hundreds of young voices, warm-up songs echoing off the walls, teachers clapping in time, and that unmistakable sound of community rising.

    Every year, schools are invited to:

    • Perform one or two songs of their own choosing
    • Join together to learn and sing a selection of shared songs
    • Take part in energetic group warm-ups and vocal games
    • Enjoy a professional development opportunity for staff
    • And of course, take part in the full-company Big Sing to close the day

    There’s no pressure, no competition,just a chance for children to sing their hearts out on Whitby’s town stage in a fun, supportive environment.

    Looking back…

    Over the past three events, we’ve welcomed schools of all shapes and sizes — some bringing whole classes, others arriving with choirs or even their entire school. We’ve heard show tunes, pop favourites, original songs, sea shanties and everything in between. Each year has been a little different, but the atmosphere is always the same: electric, encouraging, and filled with joy.

    What’s new for 2025?

    This year’s event will also feature:

    • A lunchtime performance from young musicians in local schools
    • A preview of Flash Company Arts’ upcoming KS2 ‘5-a-day’ Song Bank — a new resource for regular singing in schools

    And as always, the event is completely free to take part in — schools just need to arrange their own transport to and from the venue.

    Want to get involved?

    If you’re a school already signed up — we can’t wait to see you!
    If you’ve never joined us before and want to know more about future events, keep an eye on our website or get in touch with the team at Flash Company Arts.

    Because when we raise our voices together — something magical happens.

    The Whitby Big Sing 2025
    🗓 Thursday 19 June
    📍 Whitby Spa Pavilion
    🎤 10am – 2pm
    🌍 Part of Make Music Day

  • 🌿 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.