Whitby Krampus Run
A brief history of Whitby Krampus Run
We’ve always been interested in comparative folklore from being children although Elaine liked Hammer House of Horror, MR James and ghost stories, Laurence more science fiction and the outer reaches of space. In 2004 a visit to Prague to look for the Golem we came across and bought a little wooden figurine, devil like with long tongue and one cloven hoof. We had brought back a Krampus.
Decadent Drawing
At the end of 2010 a move to Whitby where Elaine was able to pack up the day job to concentrate on art. It didn’t entirely work out because the established art scene seemed very limiting so in 2013 we decided to start up Decadent Drawing, named after the French Symbolists. We organised what were to be simple themed life drawing sessions at La Rosa Hotel but they swiftly turned into full performances. The sessions lasted a couple of hours with a story line, props,costumes, custom projections and a soundtrack. There were usually 6 poses lasting 15 minutes where the “models“ froze for people to draw, photograph, write or however they wished to create. The models were mostly us out of necessity and people we persuaded. Themes included Victorian slum life, Richard Dadd, Alchemy, The Dark Side of the Hippy Dream, the Dybbuk and more.
Come December it was time for a Decadent Drawing Christmas Special and we remembered our little wooden figurine and created the story of 'Naughty Little Hans, his sister Lottie and a visit from Krampus' and introduced the then little known Austrian/German folklore figure to our audience. A custom made Krampus mask by Rubber Gorilla was worn for the session. It seemed a pity to not use 'Olde Faithful' again, so the following day with it also being the Eve of the Feast of St. Nicholas, a lone Krampus made his first journey around Whitby.
Through out 2014 - 2015 we were kept occupied putting on a number of art shows, the 'Dark Arts' for the Bram Stoker International Film Festival and a series of art and music events under the name 'Everything Is Illuminated' raising funds for the local hospice.
Origins
On the Eve of the Feast of St. Nicholas, December 5th, Saint Nicholas visits homes to give gifts to good children. He is accompanied by his dark counterpart the Krampus. In folklore, Krampus is a horned figure described as "half-goat, half-demon" who, during the Christmas season, punishes children who have misbehaved. Krampus can be found in several regions including Austria, Bavaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Northern Italy including South Tyrol, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
Whitby Krampus Run is our own particular interpretation and take on the age old European ritual, weaving in local folklore and wintry figures alongside our Krampus, Perchten and St. Nicholas. Celebrating an alternative Yule, aiming to bring the wonder and excitement of the festive season back in the ideal setting of Whitby’s streets.
2015
Krampus finds some friends and roams the streets to punish the naughty, so begins the very first Krampus parade in the U.K. to bemused onlookers.
2016
Krampus not only finds more friends but also unexpectedly large crowds waiting excitedly to see what Whitby Krampus Run is about .... and with a busy Church Street, press attention, coverage from BBC Tees and plumes of green smoke it would certainly be the last time we could get away with being unofficial. We also added the first evening event 'Eine Kleine Nacht Muzik' with live music from Blue John vs Quidgybopper.
Al Ridenour's book 'The Krampus And The Old, Dark Christmas' was released and we made connections with the author with debut copies available at a launch at Whitby Bookshop.
We also chose the charity Whitby Wildlife Sanctuary to donate the £809.00 raised from the event. We have continued to raise funds for them since with the street collection at the parade.
2017
With official permissions granted and help from Discover Yorkshire Coast 2017 saw Whitby Krampus Run grow. Making links with other Krampus Societies in Austria and America. We also learnt of the fascinating Mesolithic Star Carr site and the findings of horned head dresses. It could be said that Krampus is now no longer an import but part of an extended history of man dressing as wild beasts. Naturally we incorporate our version of a Mesolithic Shaman into the parade. The evenings Eine Kleine Nacht Muzik was an esoteric performance from Elfland.
There are a number of challenges when putting on a public parade, the filling in of many forms / permissions / funds / health and safety etc are normal but we also had to win opposition over that this was not about running around and scaring people. We've always encouraged family and child participation through references to fairy tales and popular books such as 'Where The Wild Things Are'
We also got to know Rune Hjarnø Rasmussen who was planning to revive the Julebukken in Copenhagen. He has become a good friend and his group Nordic Animism is well worth following.
£1307.00 was raised for Whitby Wildlife Sanctuary.
2018
2018 we were encouraged with further support from friends in Passes elsewhere in Europe and the U.S. and delighted to welcome new members from the Hastings Drummers and Sussex Bonfire Girls who would form the drumming troupe 'The Krampus Krümpettes'. Funding support came from Welcome to Yorkshire. Footage of the parade taken by Kate Middleton West has to date reached over 4,500,000 views. Eine Kleine Nacht Muzik was provided by Doom Folk and Elvus Krampley.
£1409.00 was raised for Whitby Wildlife Sanctuary.
2019
Planning for 2019 started quite swiftly with ideas for the evening entertainment to become a Krampus Ball at The Met Lounge and Ballroom headlining was Syd 31. There were ambitious plans and this was the year that Mister Fox performed for the first time and the return of the Krümpettes. We took on quite a task especially as the event had grown there were 3 sites to cover but with a top team pulling together we got through. Decadent Drawing became a Community Interest Company ( CIC ) with guidance from Coast and Vale Community Action. We were fortunate this year with funding support from both Yorkshire Coast BID, Discover Yorkshire Coast and Whitby Town Council. Another magical year which also included appearances at Beltane at Thornborough, Swordpunk and in a cave at Creswell Crags on the Solstice and getting to appear alongside Al Ridenour at Folk Horror Revival's Winter Ghosts event.
£701.00 was raised from the street collection for Whitby Wildlife Sanctuary.
£1680.00 at the Krampus Ball for Saint Catherine's Hospice.
£260.00 for Whitby Dog Rescue.
2020
The Year Of Our Pestilence
By the time Covid hit we had got plans mostly sorted. Inkubus Sukkubus were to headline the Ball. We were to relocate the Parade to the West side of Whitby because the beautiful but narrow streets of Church St had become too crowded for an increasingly popular event. This year more people were up for joining in. We watched the situation develop, especially as Elaine being a former medic meant we were able to keep well informed and update and modify plans. It was apparent early on that with the Ball being an indoor event it would be cancelled but hoped that outdoors could still take place in some form. In October it was clear that a public event was also not possible. Undeterred we looked at how to put the event online and created a number of short film pieces to mark the occasion of WKR VI and made a small appearance. WKR Tier VI was a surprising online success and opened up another creative direction for us.
2021
The year started off with a photographic outing and collaboration with Angela Child. In April the showing of Channel 4's 'Trip Hazard' and later as restrictions lifted a much needed beach party and photo shoot.
Also during lockdown Coast and Camplight had contacted us and offered their support of a safe outdoor location to hold an event. This led to plans for the first Sömmerkramp which aimed to be a relaxed gathering to socialise and exchange ideas for WKR. Quite a magical time was had by all.
A partnership with Whitby Brewery gave us a brief artistic diversion with an idiosyncratic take on the legend and folklore of John Barleycorn and a new tradition was created of tossing the seed.
In 2021 we got cinematic.... we collaborated with film maker Chad Hodgson who filmed our Solstice Special, made a music video with our friends SYD.31 and with funding and support from Yorkshire Coast Bid and Scarborough Borough Council we created a promotional video and continued to plan for WKRVII - Release The Beast.
Another development was receiving funding from Sirius Minerals Foundation for Covid Recovery to put on socially inclusive workshops making props, creatures and sharing skills. This has been fun experience, good for raising self confidence and has led to some great opportunities working with The Mens Shed and a session at West Cliff school with enthusiastic and curious pupils.
December 4th 2021, one week after the devastating storm Arwen which led to many events being cancelled, WKR VII - Release The Beast went ahead with a number of challenges due to the new and untested route, changeable weather and for many participants the very first time meeting up and taking part. The return of the Krampus Krümpettes, Mister Fox, Tengu Taiko Drummers, two new St. Nicks, a children's division, lighting up of the Whalebones, The Krampus Ball with Inkubbus Sukkubus, Auger and Westenra AND an additional second day for Thee Wyld Hunt and the inaugural Horse race up at the Abbey Headland, it was full on!
£1108.00 was raised from the street collection for Whitby Wildlife Sanctuary.
£3146.00 at the Krampus Ball for Saint Catherine's Hospice
2022
Sherwood Forest Wassail
2022 started with a summons by the Sherrif Nottingham (who just so happens to be our Saint Nicklaus) to participate in the Wassail at Sherwood Forest. We were performing as bad spirits (!!!) to be banished by The Ruff Band. It was a fabulous fun weekend for the Krampus Krew and all with the rare opportunity to be close to the Major Oak of Sherwood Forest. It looks as if this is going to be an exciting part of the yearly Krampussing. WASSAIL!!
Krampus ist koming
Stay up to date for all Krampus related goings on by following our page and group and website
.
How You Can Help
Putting on an event that is safe and enjoyable for all takes time, good will and especially funds. We are always keen to hear if you can help us in any way with volunteering as a steward, becoming a Whitby Krampus Run member as a participant or if you have skills and talents that can be incorporated into the event or workshops. We are working hard to raise money to put on the next Whitby Krampus Run and of course donations, sponsorship and grants are gratefully received to help put on this unique magical experience. Or visit our shop and get yourself some WKR Merchandise. Grusses Vom Usses at WKR and Be Güt.
Press & Media & Photography
. BBC . BBC Tees . Bob Fischer BBC Tees . The Guardian . The Telegraph .
. The Daily Mail . Teeside Live . Derbyshire Times . CHAD .
. Yorkshire Post . Whitby Gazette . Fortean Times . Room 2850 . The Atlantic .
. Alchemy England . Getty Images . Scare Tours . Folk Horror Revival .
. Contrary Life . Yorkmix . Krampus Flickr . Bryan Ledgard . The Silent Eye .
Contact & Social Media
Contact Elaine Edmunds or Laurence Mitchell by
https://www.decadentdrawing.com
07928 481030
Facebook Krampus page / Krampus group
Facebook Decadent Drawing page / Decadent Drawing group
Instagram Decadent Drawing
Twitter Decadent Drawing