Newark Steampunk Festival set to transform Newark town centre this bank holiday weekend, May 23 to May 26

Newark will be filled with whimsy and wonder this bank holiday weekend as hundreds of Steampunks prepare to take over the town centre.

Now in its fourth year, the ever-popular Newark Steampunk Festival is set to return, ready to dazzle visitors and residents alike with eye-catching and creative outfits inspired by the age of steam, Victorian science fiction and fashion.

On Friday evening, the festival kicks off with a sold-out fashion show at Newark Town Hall, giving attendees the chance to show off some of their most stunning and intricate clothes, ahead of a packed weekend.

From Saturday to Monday, dozens of Steampunk, art, craft, and food stalls will be spread throughout the Market Place, the Town Hall colonnades, and the Buttermarket mezzanine floor, from 10am to 4pm each day.

The markets provide the perfect opportunity for the public to grab photos, as hundreds of Steampunks will be out and about enjoying the atmosphere.

There will also be plenty of street and staged performances to entertain the crowds.

On Saturday afternoon, the gardens of Newark Parish Church will play host to a tea party, from 11am to 1pm, which promises to be something straight out of Alice and Wonderland, followed by a Gala Ball for ticketed guests that evening, in the Town Hall’s grand Georgian ballroom.

The markets continue on Sunday for another day of trading, before the weekend is rounded off with the spectacle of the annual Steampunk parade, with participants promenading through the town centre.

The festival will conclude on bank holiday Monday, where for the first time ever, the event will be stepping away from its traditionally Victorian roots, by holding a special ‘Steam-gency’ day, inspired by the Regency period.

Festival-goers quickly snapped up tickets for the opportunity to take part in a period dance class and experience the feeling of attending a late 18th century ball. This will be followed by a parade to the Swan and Salmon on Castlegate, where afternoon tea will be served.

Festival organiser, Parvin Mannering, was pleased to see the rapid growth of the festival year on year, with over 1,500 people attending last year’s event, up from the 300 who visited the first ever festival back in 2022.

The exposure has also helped to attract new members to the Newark Steampunk Society, which has just celebrated its tenth anniversary, and it is hoped this weekend’s event can peak the interest of a few more curious individuals.

“Newark really is the perfect place for it,” said Parvin. “I can’t imagine ever doing it anywhere else.

“The festival has really caught people’s imaginations and it’s incredible to see the swell of interest we’ve had over the past four years.

“A lot of people who you might never expect to take part saw us at one of these event, it caught their attention, and they thought ‘shall we have a go?’.

“Steampunk is a really welcoming community, we’re non-judgmental, and it is just a great way to escape from the norm.

“There’s a whole world of fun to be had, so come along and join in.”

She also thanked the Newark Town Council for their cooperation and help in organising the event.