Whitby is a quiet seaside town on the Yorkshire coast, the perfect place for a quiet family weekend away… or is it?
Twice a year there is a distinct chill in the air, and the mood darkens noticeably as hordes of black-clad disciples of the dead descend on the resort.
Transformed into a scene from a gothic novel, the city nearly doubles in size as thousands of Goths descend on the biannual gothic weekend.
Founded in 1994, the festival has developed into one of the world’s most important gothic events.
In a celebration of non-conformity, culture, fashion and music, goths from all over the world converge on the picturesque city that inspired Bram Stoker’s legendary Dracula.
Dressed in flamboyant and eye-catching costumes, a sea of people dressed in black will descend on Whitby this weekend for the biannual Goth Weekend
The weird and wonderful festival runs for three days – the first round of 2023 took place from 28 to 30 April, and the second installment is in full swing this weekend.
Yesterday (Friday 27 October) was the first day and it lasts until tomorrow, Sunday 29 October.
The groundbreaking festival began in 1994 when it was founded by Jo Hampshire, as a result of a meeting of 40 goth pen pals at the Elsinore pub in Whitby.
It has now become one of the biggest gothic festivals in the world and The Little Angel pub is still a central meeting point.
Whitby was probably chosen because of its associations with perhaps the most famous Gothic novel in literature.
The author visited the seaside town in 1890 and was inspired by the ruins of Whitby Abbey and the views from the sea front, St Mary’s Church and churchyard.
That’s where he got the idea for his bloodthirsty protagonist after spending time in the library and finding a book about Vlad Tepes, better known as Vlad the Impaler and Vlad Dracula – a 15th-century Romanian prince who his father set the pole. Enemies with wooden sticks.
As if that wasn’t enough evidence, Whitby is actually mentioned by name in the novel and is known to be visited by Dracula himself as he lures the character Lucy into his hands, leading to her death.
The weird and wonderful festival takes place twice a year and lasts three days – the first round of 2023 took place from 28 to 30 April and the second installment is in full swing this weekend
Whitby was probably chosen because of its associations with perhaps literature’s most famous gothic novel, Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Thousands of people now visit the city every year during one of the biggest and most famous gothic gatherings in the world
The horror writer visited the seaside town in 1890 and was inspired by the ruins of Whitby Abbey and the views from the coast, St Mary’s Church and churchyard.
Goths from around the world come together in the picturesque city that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula in celebration of non-conformity, culture, fashion and music
From head to toe Victorian clothing to handmade masks, people who attend this festival are not afraid to express themselves
The groundbreaking festival began in 1994 when it was founded by Jo Hampshire, as a result of a meeting of 40 goth pen pals at the Elsinore pub in Whitby.
Although the most popular color choice was of course black, many visitors also chose purple and red accents
The event is considered family and pet friendly, so kids and dogs can enjoy the festivities too
READ MORE: The real Dracula cried tears of blood: Experts reveal how Vlad the Impaler – the inspiration for the fictional vampire – suffered from a rare disease that caused bloody tears
As well as starring in the novel, Whitby was one of the filming locations for the 2020 BBC One TV miniseries Dracula.
Claes Bang, who played the legendary vampire, was pictured in the ruins of the abbey overlooking the sea.
The blood-soaked adaptation of the classic was so terrifying that some viewers wondered if they would be able to sleep afterwards.
However, the original 1992 film Bram Stoker’s Dracula was filmed in America and not in the British seaside resort.
Every year, Gothic Weekend has no shortage of visitors who find inspiration in the supernatural tale, with vampire clothing being a popular fashion choice.
From head-to-toe Victorian clothing to handmade masks, visitors to this festival aren’t afraid to express themselves in flamboyant outfits inspired by steampunk, cybergoth, romance and Victoriana.
Although the most popular color choice was of course black, many visitors also chose purple and red accents.
The Bizarre Bazaar Alternative Market, with more than 100 indoor stalls, is the weekend’s main attraction, where visitors can buy Gothic homewares, jewellery, books, collectables and clothing.
There will also be two nights of live music and a number of well-known bands and singers have taken to the stage, including The Damned and Toyah.
The event is considered family and pet friendly, so kids and dogs can enjoy the festivities too.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
