Thousands flock to Whitby for annual goth festival

It provided the perfect setting for the autumn event which has become possibly the biggest in Whitby’s annual calendar.

Whitby Goth Weekend is increasing in popularity year-on-year as people flock to the town in fancy dress, to support live music or simply watch the spectacle unfold in front of them.

It’s origins were small and understated in the back room of the Elsinore pub back in 1994. It was there that a group of friends, headed by organiser Jo Hampshire, decided to put on a music event with live bands.

Over the years that has developed and while the event still attracts top bands from the gothic and alternative genre it has also become about theatrical costume and expression. Each year the outfits become more extravagant with themes ranging from Victorian to steam punk, film adaptation and a tantalising twist on the traditional fairy tale.

Nine year-old Lily Cartwright from South Kirby was at her first Goth weekend with her parents and even put her own outfit together.

Mum Debbie said: “We have been before and told her about it and she would rather do this than go trick or treating. Some of the costumes are a bit scary for her but there a lot that she likes.”