The Port Hole is our retail outlet - another "window on the world", selling fairly traded gifts and artefacts from Africa, India, South America, Indonesia and elsewhere. Musicport is always on the lookout for new and additional ways of fundraising, and all profits from the shop are ploughed straight back into Musicport, to support the organisation of its festival and other activities.

The Port Hole also acts as our office for bookings and ticket sales - tickets for all events can be bought here in person or over the phone using any major credit card (no booking fee).

Why fair trade?
The ethos of fair trade, and the idea of bringing beautiful things from around the world, seemed to fit well with the philosophy that led to Musicport itself, so this was one decision which took little discussion.

What is fair trade?
www.oneworldhull.co.uk and www.bafts.org.uk both have good, clear information about fair trade, and links to other useful sites. You can also look at the Shared Earth website

Fair trade focuses on respect for the needs of individuals and for the skills they offer. According to the BAFTS (British Association for Fair Trade Shops) website it encompasses
· paying a fair price for goods, reflecting the cost of their production
· supporting social and environmental initiatives, including the provision of health care and appropriate working conditions
· promoting gender equality in pay and working conditions
· advising on product and market development
· long-term commitment to provide stability and security, allowing forward planning
· campaigning to combat the inequalities of world trade which threaten human rights and the environment in the pursuit of profit

The Port Hole is currently applying to join BAFTS and believes it meets its trading criteria.

What is absolutely clear is the response of customers :
"What a lovely shop - where do you find all these wonderful things?" and
"We've never found you on our trips to Whitby before - but this is great!"
"I'll be back for Christmas and birthday presents."

We sell a wide range of products from djembes to jewellery, pottery to panpipes, mirrors to maracas, baskets to bongos, clothes to calimbas - so why not come and discover us for yourself at 16, Skinner Street, Whitby, North Yorkshire?