Bram Stoker's Whitby
So wrote Bram Stoker in his famous novel Dracula.
Without the influence of Whitby it is
unlikely that Dracula would ever have been written. It was whilst staying
in the small North East coast fishing town that Bram Stoker found the
influence to begin creating the most famous figure in horror film and
literature.
Apart from being a central setting to the book, Stoker based many of the
events in the novel on real life events from around the Whitby area. The
enduring image of the ghostly ship the Demeter coming ashore and the huge
black wolf
jumping off the deck
and running into the wilderness is often a staple point in film and TV
adaptations of the book. However...
...As unlikely
as it may seem, Stoker based both the ship and beast on information gained
from talking to local townsfolk. The inhabitants would have been able
to tell the writer of the Russian ship Dmitri which in events echoing
that of the book was beached in the town’s port. As far as the huge black
wolf is concerned there aren’t many Yorkshire folklorist’s that wouldn’t
be able to tell you of the Barguest, the huge black phantom hound which
according to legend stalks the Yorkshire Moors and has a particular liking
for Whitby and surrounding areas.
Perhaps the most important location that inspired Bram Stoker was the
local library.
It is here that Stoker first came across the name "Dracula" and thus a
legend was born. Borrowing a book from the local library entitled, An
Account of the Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia (1820) By William
Wilkinson. Bram Stoker took several notes from the book (now part of his
papers housed at the Rosenbach Museum in Philadelphia). Wilkinson’s book
includes a short section on a "Voivode Dracula" who fought against the
Turks. Though the information was sketchy, one item attracted Stokers
attention. He copied it verbatim into his notes: footnote Dracula in Wallachian
language means Devil.
Location - The Whitby Pavilion
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Outside View
The Victorian Theatre and the recently refurbished Northern Lights Suite provide a multi-functional venue suitable for the Bram Stoker International Film Festival.
You can get to the venue either from the cliff top or down the 'Spa' drive from the 'Whale Bones' and all areas within the venue are accessible to the 'Spa' drive from the 'Whale Bones' and all areas within the venue are accessible to the disabled.
Northern Lights Suite
The Northern Lights Suite replaced the original glass 'Floral Pavilion' in 1989 and serves as a multi-purpose venue accommodating up to 900 people. The Northern Lights Suite will be the fantastic setting for the exhibitions and trade stands.
Theatre
The Theatre is a traditional proscenium arch theatre, originally built in 1878; The perfect location for our features. Bram Stoker himself frequented the theatre on many occasions. There are a total of 460 seats over two levels and the Theatre is equipped with an excellent sound and lighting system, full dressing room facilities and an induction loop system in the stalls.
Exhibition Hall
Beneath the Northern Lights Suite is an Exhibition Hall with large arched windows giving panoramic sea views. The hall covers 418 square feet, which could accommodate approximately 35 six-foot stands. Access is available by lift or stairs from the Northern Lights Suite, or directly from external doors at Exhibition Hall level.
Catering Facilities
catering facilities are available for all functions. The Crystal Lounge Cafe and bar adjoins the Northern Lights Suite and boasts floor to ceiling windows and full air-conditioning, making it a wonderful place to sit and relax whilst looking out over the beach. The Theatre Bar serves as a perfect meeting place before a show, whilst the well-equipped kitchen can cater for dinners, lunches and parties of up to 450 guests.
Parking
The two car parks adjacent to the Whitby Pavilion Complex are clearly signposted and there is plenty of on street parking along the West Cliff.
Accommodation
There is a plethora of accommodation in Whitby from Hotels to B + B`s.
We will be working in close contact with the tourist information board
and hoteliers for festival visitors.
Package deals for the festival will be posted soon.
