THE eccentric, colourful and fabulous Whitby Steampunk Weekend is set to return next month.

The biannual festival is held every February half term and the last week in July.

Positioned in the beautiful Whitby Spa Pavilion, the venue will be full of more than 80 merchandise stalls offering artisan and bespoke Steampunk, alternative and Gothic products.

There is free parking around the venue including airship moorings for sky pirates and charabancs for land lubbers during the February event.

Steampunk is an aesthetic based on a mixture of science fiction and the 19th century style, more commonly known as the Victorian era.

It combines old with new, so expect to see modern day items made with wood, brass and copper as well as classic Victorian clothing, such as top hats, waistcoats, goggles, corsets, bustles and fascinators.

There is also a hint of the fantastical as the science fiction allows ray guns, spaceships, giant octopuses and alternate realities.

Considered by many to be the second largest Steampunk event in the UK, the weekend, from Friday, February 8 until Sunday, February 10, features a number of activities, presentations and demonstrations lined up as well as the Steampunk Retail Emporium.

Free presentations and workshops include The Bartitsu & Antagonistics Forum – Bartitsu Victorian Martial Art live demonstrations; Duncan McNulty on Mesmerism – art, history and practical demonstrations; Magician Adam Saint with magic, escapology and Victorian sideshow tricks; The British Paranormal Society; and Tea and Pistol Duelling with Captain Glossop and Lady Sparklemore

There will also be appearances by broadcaster and Steampunk DJ Atticus Oldman and The Absinthe Affair; Matron Bagpuss and the Curious Case of A Brief Introduction to the History of Medicine; Steve Kay’s Steampunk VW Steamvagon; and Ghost Haunted UK – paranormal investigators.

Evening events include a music and TV quiz on Friday, February 8 in aid of Cancer Research at Whitby Pavilion Bar at 8pm, and a Steampunk Cabaret on Saturday, February 9 at 7pm, also at the pavilion.

Tickets for all events from www.whitbypavilion.co.uk, or the Box Office on 01947-458899.