Whitby Gothic Weekend

We have been approached with regard to creating a Steampunk focus at Whitby during nex April's goth weekend. This could include a venue for steampunk stalls, a bar/social/drop in centre and some steampunk bands playing on Friday and Saturday evenings. People's thoughts would be very welcome.

I think it is a wonderful idea. I may even be persuaded to drive up for the evening if I could find a two night stay in a B and B (not easy in Whitby). Being a teacher I can never get the Friday off work! So I had stopped going to the April WGW unfortunately.

Whilst I appreciate the need for decorum and fair play with each 'side' of the whitby event, there is nothing about this that threatens the main event. Those into the goth bands will go to the spa and those into the more steampunk side will make the decision based on thier personal choice.

I will watch this thread with interest

I really hope that both parties can see that this addition would be to the benefit of the weekend as a whole. I have never bought a Spa ticket, but have been for many years, I just do other things, so the addition of a SP element would be most welcome.

If it does go ahead would love a trade stand please Major!

A drop-in centre for the foot-weary- splendid. A social event- tremendous (perhaps somewhere that serves tea and cake during the day so families may participate and a hostelry for more intoxicating liquid refreshment in the evening?) SP bands- TOP HOLE! We need more emphasis on live music, it's too important to allow to fall by the wayside.

The only aspect of the proposal I have reservations about is the idea of a separate space for SP stalls, as there's already an increasing overlap between the many of the traders' wares as they expand their range to include more items of a Steampunk nature. It also runs the risk of being interpreted as steampunks deliberately setting themselves apart from the Goths, a perception no-one will benefit from.

Besides, if everything was in one place, when will we possibly get chance to go promenading and show off our magnificent outfits??

NB where's the spellcheck?

hmmm, I used to trade at whitby many years ago and found most goths unresponsive to buying anything that wasn't black. I didn't notice much in the way of "crossover either - just alchemy jewellery and some sweet top hats....

Both Lyssa and I comented on the lack of WOW stalls on our return this year (after a ten year absence) Without wanting to go all nostalgic, I remember when there were loads of unusual couture outfitters and vintage clothing suppliers as well as silversmiths and unusual shoe manufacturers....

This year I thought about it but I was quoted a substantial amount to have a trade stall and decided it wasn't really worth it - I think it was a good decision, anyone who wants my wares can now buy on-line or at the Asylum. I really enjoyed being a "punter" this time round and I'm not sure there'd be enough steamers with money in their pockets to make it worth my while - but I don't think I'd bother with a Spa ticket again either - there seemed to be much more peripheral events and excursians to my taste.

We so wanted to join the steam train fun, but had run out of cash by then

The venue that has been offered is the Rifle Club. This is across the carpark from the Leisure Centre (The main trading venue) and just a short walk from the Spa and Met. The idea is to offer a very low cost stall to potential traders to encourage them to exhibit their wares at Whitby - to encourage more hand makers. It does not stop steampunks perusing the rest of the stalls. Potential goth traders could also be placed there since there is not enough space in the Leisure Centre anyway.

My main concern is being seen as divisive and inviting criticism particularly since I am likely to be the one who has to face the flak personally. Much as I love you guys on such as this it is my neck that gets stuck in the noose. I hate and despise politics - this was the main reason I didn't trade WGW this All Hallows - but I can see the benefits for both steampunks and WGW as a whole if we were to go ahead with this. I can only hope that some of the goths could see it that way. Remember this is not us trying to muscle in - this is an invitation from one fo the two sides in the current scrum.

That sounds a good venue, Ok, I could be tempted to trade ;0
Might I suggest keeping the steampunk trading to just one day so the stall holders have a chance to enjoy the bracing sea air too? More craftsmen and unusual traders would be a very nice addition to the festival.

Thanks Jema your constructive comments are very much appreciated as indeed are all of your comments but of course you all know that already. We may not always agree with every comment but we do always try and listen and it helps with the difficult decision making.

As I said at the weekend when you were originally approached Tinker, I think this is a tip top idea!

I realise there may be some concerns that if the SP society had a separate venue it could come under critisism for being segregated... however, the very fact that the organisers have invited a more 'official' attendance I would say is fantastic and welcoming in itself.

On the other side, there has been occassions that traditional goths simply don't like the Steampunkers, as we wear colours other than the traditional blacks, dark greens, purples, blues and reds... we're not classed as 'goths' and therefore shouldn't attend... In which case, having an element of 'separation' means that if those who are more traditional prefer to stay clear, they have the option, but those who are intrigued or interested, can come along, take a good look and be welcomed with open arms!

I also believe that we're only 'adding' to the proceedings with an additional venue, rather than taking anything away from the WGW event as a whole. There will always be a mix of stands all over the town, giving the opportunity for all to promenade. However, the fringe events are becoming more frequent and larger, so I think this is just an additional option for people. I'm sure there won't be any rules that it's for 'real steampunkers only' and therefore anybody would be welcome to attend if they're interested. Similar to the drop ins and tea party this time, they were advertised in the Almanac for anybody to visit.

They did have stalls and events on at the Rifle club once before (it was vintage stalls and burlesque shows if I remember correctly), but have never had anything there since... which I've always felt was a shame and a disapointment. Now we've got the chance to make the SP element (which is naturally increasing - did you see how much brown, brass and leather there was around!!??) bigger, better and brighter!

Hell one and all,

Just a little question, is this to be taking the place of the proposed Easter Asylum event?

The reason I ask this is that I am not a Whitby attendee and I believe that there is a lack of accomodation space within Whitby as most of the decent rooms are probably already booked up (Please correct me if i'm wrong here). I do think that if this is to take the place of the proposed Easter Asylum convivial it may stop a lot of non-goth steampunks from attending.

Just my 2p's worth

Grum

I have to agree with Lady Emily, as in the lack of interesting stalls at WGW recently. We have been attending for a number of years and almost fell over ourselves when we saw Empires Ghost in the Royal, for the first time a new and interesting trader.

Steampunk is popular and we had many people ask us about it this weekend and even more photographs than normal, we have also extended our little group by participating in a bit of Steampunk Outreach!

Due to the growing interest in the "genre" I think it right that there is more of an organised participation in Goth Weekend and it is even more appropriate that the people at the core of the true fanbase run it, namely you Major!

I have to agree on the politics side, but with both parties coming to an agreement on dates, maybe there is light at the end of this very black tunnel.

Consider the fact that certain venues are unofficially already tied to a Goth group, this is only the natural evolution of WGW and I am sure that given our focus on ensuring things are done in a certain fashion this is just how it should be.

Grumfoss wrote:Hell one and all,

Just a little question, is this to be taking the place of the proposed Easter Asylum event?

Grum

Greetings Grumfoss! No the Easter WGW is in additional to the (potential?) Asylum event in April.

WGW does get very busy and it's advisable that if you wish to attend in April you book your accomodation now.

Hi guys
I Have been talking with Tink about having a SP Meeting group and i think to be able to have small trade stalls (at low cost) with guys making very unique items, would bring a great element to the whole event

I love to see the Steam Punks and the Victorians walking about and with out them, the event could just be one big black hole

I know whitby can be hard to get a hotel but even this goth weeked we just had which was so busy, there was still rooms free

I think i need to get details of every hotel and guest house to make things work

Welcome all the new members, nice to see this place taking off so swiftly. Hello Jon good to see you here too.

It certainly looks as though an injection of steaminess into April's Whitby is a popular idea so I think we have to go for it.

I think to have a group of stall in one place and night event based around steam punk will give people a change to understand more of what its about and help grom the culture also with it being away from the centre and the other madness its should avaoid stress (lol)

please email me all you ideas asap and i can work on it

jon