Second gothic weekend of the year draws crowds

Whitby Goth Weekend returned to town this weekend with thousands of fans of the culture flocking here for the first of the organisation’s two annual events.

Gary and June Hornby from York are regular visitors to the Whitby Goth Weekend. Saturday 2 May. Picture: Ceri Oakes

With outfits having been planned for months – from Victorian to steampunk, to cyberpunk, fairytale and post apocalyptic – Whitby Goth Weekend (WGW) is a spectacle for visitors and the hundreds of photographers who visit especially to capture it.

WGW was set up in 1994 by Jo Hampshire as an alternative music event and has become one of the world’s most popular Goth gatherings.

Crowds of visitors and goths on Church Street during the Whitby Goth Weekend. Saturday 2 May. Picture: Ceri Oakes

Throughout the weekend there are music events at various venues around the town, literature, art, socials, trade stalls, markets and shopping.

It follows last weekend’s Gothic Gathering which has split opinion about whether two events should be run close together.

Kaia from Middlesbrough jumps for joy at Whitby Goth Weekend. Saturday 2 May. Picture: Ceri Oakes

Gary from York said: ‘We remember when the weekend was divided in October a few years back, it caused a few problems back then. I think the main thing is people not getting to see their friends or the usual faces if it’s split over two weekends. We have actually attended both events but not everyone will be able to afford to come twice in a month’

WGW will return for its immensely popular Halloween event which takes place from October 30 to November 1.

Clair and Martha Durow attended the Witchmarket at Whitby Pavilion during Whitby Goth Weekend. Saturday 2 May. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Posing in the sunshine at Whitby Goth Weekend. Saturday 2 May. Picture: Ceri Oakes
A girl with huge homemade wings poses for crowds at the Whitby Goth Weekend. Saturday 2 May. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Whitby Anchor