Sensational costumes and Steampunk fun to land in Lincoln this bank holiday

This Bank Holiday weekend, Lincoln is set to welcome the 9th instalment of the globally-renowned Steampunk festival, Weekend at The Asylum.

The festival will attract enthusiasts from all around the world who are to fill the streets of the city with wonderful costumes and wacky events.

Over 100,000 people are expected to attend the event. which kicks off on Friday, August 25 until Monday, August 28.

A variety of free activities will take place across the Bank Holiday weekend and pre-purchased wristband holders will also have access to certain events.

Full timetable on the website here.

Costumes to beat

Check out some of the spectacular costumes featured in

Masked punkers. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

This man looked excellent at last year’s festival as he walks around Lincoln riding a green dinosaur. Photo: Aaron Renfree

Groups of costumed festival goers posing for some dramatic photos outside Lincoln Cathedral. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Quirky costumes from the 2015 festival. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

a fantastic creature. Is he from the sea? Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

There are lots of futuristic contraptions to be seen! Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

What is Steampunk?

Steampunk incorporates sub-genres of science fiction, fantasy, horror and history. The setting is inspired by industrial Western civilisation during the 19th Century.

Steampunk is recognisable for its Victorian or American Wild-West-style influences combined with fictional and steam-powered machinery.

The genre often refers to fictional machines like in the works of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne.

What to expect from the festival

Speaking to The Lincolnite, Weekend at The Asylum director, John Naylor, said:

“There’s loads of stuff to do with over 200 items taking place across the weekend.

“There’s also a huge outdoor market that will run on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday.”

Free talks from academics across the world will take place at Bishop Groseteste University as part of the Steampunk Campus where vehicles, silly games and meet and greets will run throughout the weekend.

Weekend at The Asylum costs over £100,000 to run, with money from ticket sales the main contributor to financing the event.

“We try and incorporate what the community want and we want to be warm and welcoming with activities that people can join in with,” he added.

John also said he is most looking forward to the Steampunk promenade which takes place in the Bailgate area on the Monday from 10am where Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is hoping to lead the parade.

The festival is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary next year and John said: “I hope it’s going to be bigger and better next year and we will be re-branding the festival to Steampunx.”

Tickets

Tickets for the much-anticipated weekend have sold very well, however there are still limited tickets available for some shows.

For tickets and more information on the event, visit the Asylum Steampunk Festival website.