Newark Steampunk Society’s Christmas Steampunk Festival a success despite stormy weather

e.gilmore@newarkadvertiser.co.uk

Published: 06:00, 11 December 2024

Hundreds of Steampunks turned out in all their finery this weekend, and kept spirits high despite the poor weather.

Newark Steampunk Society once again hosted the annual Newark Christmas Steampunk Festival — attracting visitors from across the East Midlands and further afield.

There was the highly-anticipated Gala Ball, a fashion show, and a parade, and due to Storm Darragh, the Steampunk market and musical entertainment was moved indoors to transform the town hall into a Steampunk bazaar, the event was nonetheless a festive success.

Newark Steampunk Society's Christmas Festival.

Parvin Mannering, the lead organiser at Newark Steampunk Society, said: “I’m disappointed about the weather, but there’s something about the Steampunk spirit that no matter what is going on, they have an amazing time.

“To be honest, the contingency plans we put in place really worked, everyone at the Town Hall and the town council jumped in really quickly and the entertainment still kept people busy all day on Sunday.”

The popular event kicked off on Friday evening with the fashion show ,where attendees showed off their fabulous creations which combine science fiction, fantasy ideas from the age of steam, Victorian fashion, and modern technology, to create imaginative outfits and characters.

L-R Cathy Gilling of Barnsley, Angie Fisher of Bridlington, Betsie Armstrong of Wakefield

Tony Gardner of Memorabubble, with his human marionette, Shirley.

L-R Student in Newark Janaya Toye, with Caroline Auchler-Lounie of Beheaded Creations.

L-R Parvin Mannering and Jeff Mannering of Newark, Emma Shaw of Doncaster

The parade rounded off the weekend of activity.

Layra Sheldon and Dave Brownlow of Perfectly Imperfect Products, Lincoln

Then on Saturday there were market stalls to browse, and the Gala Ball in the evening, and on Sunday the event concluded with the parade through Newark’s streets.

Parvin added: “We were all absolutely drenched but we sang all the way along.

“It is the last event of the season so people decided they were going to walk anyway, they didn’t want to miss out.”

Tony Gardner of Memorabubble, with Indiana Boas 3 and her grandma Lindsey Hallam of Newark

Dee Thompson and Linda Black of North Lincolnshire

Jackie Dennis of Goole, Susan Smart of Sheffield and Dave Dennis of Goole

L-R Jools Rebecca of Cottingham and Caron Kalowiecki of Leeds

Around 800 Steampunks attended over the weekend — who also provided a boost for Newark’s cafes and shops.

The indoor musical entertainment was also a hit, and was said to have elevated the atmosphere in the Town Hall.

“Indoors the spirit was very much alive, and people were loving it,” Parvin added.

L-R Jan Sheridan, Dave Sheridan, Jenny Obsidian, Simon Obsidian, Tony Houghton and Isabel Houghton

L-R Craig Jenkins and Sarah Jenkins of Leeds, Clare Parrott of Derbyshire

L-R Keith Harris and Ian Palmer of Newark

“I just want to say a massive thank you to the town council and to every Steampunk who came into town.”

Now, with the conclusion of this year’s line-up of events, attention turns to the 2025 programme. Dates for the events are due to be confirmed in January.

Human Interest Newark Eloise Gilmore