Amazing festival of steampunk fun at seaside town
WHITBY is set to play host to thousands of Steampunk enthusiasts as its annual weekender takes place.
The popular event first started in 2017 and is one of the largest gatherings of the subculture in the UK.
Thousands of people dressed in spectacular themed outfits are set to descend on the North Yorkshire seaside town from Friday, July 22 to Sunday, July 24, with multiple events and attractions happening over the threeday celebration.
Steampunk is described as a subculture of science fiction that incorporates technology and aesthetics inspired by 19th-century steam-powered machinery.
From top hats and metallic goggles, to clocks and corsets, Steampunk takes a lot of inspiration from Victorian and Wild West fashion, and is often seen as an “alternate universe”.
The main event will take place on Whitby’s seafront Pavilion, which will be home to a number of activities, presentations, demonstrations and stalls throughout the weekend.
The much-loved Steampunk Retail Emporium will be open on Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm. Around 70 vendors are expected to set up shop in the pavilion selling a variety of clothing and accessories all themed around Steampunk, with live entertainment also planned throughout the weekend.
The event is family friendly and daytime entry to Whitby Pavilion is completely free of charge.
Free daytime activities include presentations on Whitby Ghosts and Legends, Mesmerism, Victorian Violence, Swords and Duelling as well as the Victorian martial art of Bartitsu.
The weekend’s special guest speaker is Tim Maltin QC – a world-renowned expert on the Titanic, who will be giving a presentation at the Pavilion from 12pm on Sunday, July 24.
Every Whitby Steampunk Weekend has evening entertainment lined up, and this time includes The Old Time Sailors, a 20-piece rowdy pirate and shanty ensemble, and the “ethereal” Alice Strange.
A Soultown Kats Ball held in the beautiful surroundings of The Met Ballroom starts the weekend off on Friday night. It will feature 10-piece live band Kal’s Kats, playing a set of soul, Motown and Stax.
More details and information on Whitby Steampunk weekend can be found on the Whitby Steampunk Weekend’s facebook
page.