Whitby Goth Weekend was founded in the early 90s and has grown into quite the event. The seaside town celebrates its connection to Bram Stoker, who must have seen something eerie in the town's Georgian streets and atmospheric clifftop abbey, because it was following a visit here that he was inspired to write his world famous novel Dracula. Now thousands of people appear twice every year to celebrate, turning this spooky link into a delightfully family-friendly event.
The Goth Weekend takes place once in April and once in October around Halloween. The weekend attracts guests dressed in outfits inspired by all kinds of alternative genres and has a really fun feel to it. There is music to enjoy, dancing, stalls and food and drink. The Bizarre Bazaar is a particular favourite, an alternative market that sells a range of items. The weekend is host to a selection of weird and wonderful events and, during the October weekend, an extra treat greets guests at the abbey itself. The beautiful ruin is illuminated come nightfall and costumed characters share tales of the town's past darker side. The abbey will often have events taking place throughout the year. A gripping performance of Dracula is staged in the grounds and the audience follow the actors through the abbey as the story unfolds. There are performances taking place over the Goth Weekend and through the summer. Find them here.
A great lineup of live music brings people from far and wide to join in the fun, and over the weekend you will see costumed visitors making their way through the town, down by the harbour or even wandering the graveyard that featured in the opening of Dracula up by the abbey. It's certainly a sight to behold, and an interesting weekend if you fancy something a little different!
The next Goth Weekend is taking place from the 22nd – 24th April 2016.
