Duran Duran and Adam and the Ants tributes meet talks on Lewis Carroll and Victorian funerals in another jam-packed Whitby Steampunk Festival this weekend.

Whitby Steampunk Weekend began in 2017 and is considered by many to be one of largest free Steampunk gatherings in the UK.

It is family friendly and free daytime entry for you to enjoy all what is on offer.

Another exciting event is in store this time, from Friday July 24 to Sunday July 26, with a number of activities, presentations, practical workshops and demonstrations lined up as well as the Steampunk Retail Emporium, opening Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm, with free daytime entry.

People engaging in chat at Whitby Steampunk Festival. photo: Richard Ponter

placeholder image — People engaging in chat at Whitby Steampunk Festival. photo: Richard Ponter

Around 70 purveyors of quality merchandise have been carefully selected for you to peruse, ponder, purchase and perhaps even wear on the day, plus live entertainment also awaits.

Free daytime activities include presentations on Whitby Ghosts and Legends, and also Vikings and Vampires and a journey into the past rediscovering Viking mythology and subsequent use by a certain Bram Stoker, from acclaimed author, adventurer and parapsychologist Paul Fitz-George.

Whitby Steampunk Weekend will also host a talk by Funeral Director Emma Sparre-Newman, covering how and why Victorian social conditions gave rise to the modern day funeral director and shaped so many funeral customs that still hold true today.

The curators of Whitby Museum are also back to take people through some of the curious, weird and wonderful artefacts and treasures housed at the museum.

Whitby Steampunk Festival visitors dressed in their finery. photo: Richard Ponter

In keeping with the Whitby theme, Elizabeth Cheyne – an expert on all things Lewis Carroll – will announce something special coming to Whitby in 2027.

Carter The Cabman Author, Toby Virgo is visiting with two new talks especially for Whitby Steampunk Weekend.

One is the story of one famous night in the West End of London in February 1895 through the eyes of two men, Oscar Wilde and Sir Henry Irving, and compares their fates at the hands of Victorian Society.

The other is when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle of Sherlock Holmes fame, met escapologist Harry Houdini - and their incredible falling out.

There are various workshops and musical interludes from The Antipoet with their exceptional beat rantin' rhythm and views.

Over the weekend there will also be outside performances from the Ravens Morris from East Yorkshire, entertaining with Steampunk Morris dancing, as well as the wonderful voices from Whitby Tillermen Friends, a group singing traditional sea shanty songs.

Every Whitby Steampunk Weekend has evening entertainment lined up too.

On Saturday July 25, Rusty Shears will host a general knowledge quiz, £10 per four and all proceeds to Whitby and Scarborough Dog Rescue.

There is a treat for 80s music fans same night, with the Duran Duran Experience and Ant Trouble – Adam & The Ants Tribute, in concert at Whitby Pavilion.

A few advance tickets are still available at £25 including booking fee, or £30 on the door.

https://www.ticketebo.co.uk/wsw-events/duran-duran-experience-adam-the-ants-tribute-ant-trouble for your tickets.

Andy Dolan from WSW Events said: “Don't wait for all the gorgeous pictures to appear on your Facebook social media newsfeed and then wish you'd attended.

"Make the effort and a day to remember, we look forward to welcoming you.”

Whitby Pavilion is dog friendly too.

Visit www.facebook.com/wswevents for more details about Whitby Steampunk Weekend and WSW Events’ other festivals.