Newark Steampunk Society to host Newark Christmas Steampunk Festival 2024 in Newark Market Place, December 7 and 8, attracting visitors from across the East Midlands and UK

The spectacular sights of Newark’s Steampunk Christmas Festival will return this weekend for an event which is expected to be more popular than ever.

Every year in the run up to Christmas, hundreds of enthusiastic Steampunks and visitors flock to Newark town centre to experience the festival’s unique atmosphere and get into the spirit of the holidays.

Steampunk is a movement which combines science fiction and fantasy ideas from the age of steam, with Victorian fashion and modern technology, to create imaginative outfits and characters.

People travel from far and wide to take part, and this year’s event is expected to attract more visitors than ever before.

Parvin Mannering, the lead organiser at Newark Steampunk Society, said: “Last year we had such an incredible amount of interest, but this year it has doubled and the number keeps growing.

“There is going to be a jam packed schedule with all sorts going on, lots of entertainment, live music, and of course the fabulous markets.

“Our society has grown to nearly 4,000 members now as more people find out about us. It’s going to be a brilliant weekend, and the more the merrier, I say.”

The year’s event promises to be a feast of festive fun, boosted by additional entertainment and street performances which were originally due to appear at the Newark Christmas Lights Switch before its cancellation at the end of November.

On Saturday, December 7, the Christmas and artisan market will give visitors a chance to pick up the perfect present and browse over 100 seasonal stalls and festive foods in the Market Place and the Buttermarket, from 9am to 4pm.

As the festival gets into the swing of things, the Steampunks will be parading about town, giving the public a chance to marvel at their creative costumes and clothing.

Then on Sunday, a dedicated Steampunk and Christmas market, from 10am to 5.45pm, will offer shoppers something a little bit different.

The weekend’s celebrations will be rounded off with the spectacle of the torchlight procession through the town centre from 4.30pm, led by the Nottinghamshire Pipes and Drums band and concluding with a light show.

On stage, entertainment and street performances in the Market Place will feature live music, theatre, and dancers from 10am to 3.30pm on Saturday, and from 10am to 5pm on Sunday.

Parvin added: “I go to many events all over the country throughout the year and I’m always asked about Newark. Word spreads quite quickly in this community and people are always looking for something new.

“The beauty of Newark really is the incredible market square as its centre piece which can hold so many fabulous events. But what makes Newark so great to me is its people.

“We are always so overwhelmed by the response and feel very supported. People stop us to take photos and chat, they bring their children, and for many it is really the start of the festive season.

“There will be a lot of creativity on show, and I have no doubt there will be someone walking about with a Christmas tree on their head.

“Events like this bring so much joy to the town and that’s very important for us.

“It’s all about community and bringing people together, because what matters is that real human connection and creating a feeling of inclusion.”

The Steampunks will also be gathering on Friday night for a fabulous fashion show, and showing off at the annual Steampunk Gala Ball in Newark Town Hall on Saturday night — both as ticketed events.

Parvin has extended her thanks to Newark Town Council for their support and professionalism in helping to organise the festival.

The event will run alongside the Newark Christmas Tree Festival, which this year has relocated to the mezzanine level of the Buttermarket while Newark Parish Church undergoes major restoration works.

There will also be free parking at all Newark and Sherwood District Council owned car parks in Newark for the whole weekend.

Will you be going? Send us your photos: f.burrows@iliffemedia.co.uk