One of the most beloved events of the year will return to Newark this bank holiday weekend.
Now in its third year, Newark Steampunk Festival will transform the town centre into a world of imagination over four days of fantastical fun
Steampunk is a movement which combines elements and ideas from Victorian science fiction and fantasy, to create imaginative outfits and creations inspired by the age of steam.
Starting on tomorrow evening (May 24) a Steampunk themed Gala Ball will be held for guests in the ballroom of Newark Town Hall ahead of a packed weekend of events.
Saturday is the day when the fun well and truly begins, when the weird and wonderful flood the streets in their creative costumes.
A market featuring over 100 arts, crafts and food stalls will set up shop in the Market Place and inside of the Buttermarket from 10am to 4pm, giving visitors plenty to look, and from 11am to 1pm a Victorian picnic will be held in the Gardens of Newark Parish Church.
Then for ticketed guests, the steampunks will sped the evening showing off their exquisite outfits with a fashion show in the Town Hall and Buttermarket.
On Sunday the market will return for another day of trading from 10am to 4pm, before the weekend is rounded off with a procession where participants will promenade through the town led by a brass band.
The procession will set off from Kirkgate at 3.45pm, before heading down Middlegate, turning onto Stodman Street and finally ending in the Market Place.
Monday is for relaxing with the steampunks enjoying casual photoshoots around our historic town centre, and the public are encouraged to get involved and join them.
After the success of last year’s events in May and December, which saw thousands flock to Newark, organisers hope that this year will be bigger and better than ever.
Organiser Parvin Mannering, of Newark Steampunk Society, said: “Our first festival back in 2022 attracted about 300 people, but then it just exploded, doubling to 600 at the next event and last May we over 1,500 steampunks over the weekend.
“It’s inspiring to see so many people engaged with what we love and it spurs us on to make it the best it can be.
“We have been welcomed by Newark, and people love coming back to the town because of the beautiful architecture and history all in one place.
“Steampunk is for everyone, we don’t care who you are, all are welcome.”
