August 24, 2015 12.25 pm This story is over 108 months old

Thousands expected to attend returning Lincoln Steampunk festival

Bank Holiday festival: Thousands of Steampunk fans from across the continent are preparing to head to Lincoln dressed in their aviator goggles and corsets for a weekend to remember.
Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Thousands of Steampunk fans from across the continent are preparing to head to Lincoln dressed in their aviator goggles and corsets for a Bank Holiday weekend festival to remember.

Billed as the biggest event of its kind in Europe, the city is gearing-up to welcome Steampunks for Weekend at The Asylum VII from August 28 to 31.

The Victorian Steampunk Society Chairman John Naylor said that he expected at least 2,000 people to attend on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

He said: “Steampunks are coming to Lincoln from most of the European countries, but also from America, Canada and New Zealand.

“Numbers have been growing over the last few years, because it’s all about people being nice to each other. They also share the same frames of reference – history combined with a dash of imagination and creativity thrown in.

“People are intrigued by the Steampunk genre. They want to come and take a look and, before they know it, they find they have got involved.”

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Serious Steampunks will be portraying the neo-Victorian science fiction theme, including bustle skirts, waist-nipping corsets, military outfits, pith helmets, pocket watches and fantastic goggles, many customised for the occasion.

The programme for the weekend is crammed with activities, including a range of open events which anyone can attend, as well as ticketed sessions.

Such has been the demand that all the tickets for the evening events have been snapped-up.

Last year's Steampunk Festival. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Last year’s Steampunk Festival. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Lincoln BIG Events & Promotions Manager Michael Armstrong has worked closely with the Steampunk Society in the preparations for the festival.

He said: “Weekend at The Asylum VII is one of the most important occasions in Lincoln BIG’s events calendar.

“This year it will be centred on a variety of uphill venues, including Lincoln Castle, Castle Hill, The Assembly Rooms, Bailgate Methodist Church Hall, the Westgate Academy and Bishop Grosseteste University.”

A full timetable of events over the weekend can be found here.