What is city's steampunk festival all about?

The festival attracts people from around the world and is a chance to show off colourful and spectacular outfits

Thousands of people are expected to attend the Lincoln Steampunk Festival over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Thought to be among the largest of its kind, the four-day event attracts people from around the world.

The genre blends science fiction with reimagined Victorian fashion and technology.

Frank Wulbach, from Durham, said: "It's a lifestyle, and they [the steampunk community] are all very, very nice."

Tamara Marlog, centre, said the event was a chance to get together with other people and have a good time

As well as the quirky costumes, the steampunk genre also includes music, films, sculpture, literature and dance.

Tamara Marlog, 49, from North Hykeham, near Lincoln, said: "I do it because it's a chance to meet friends.

"You can meet up at different events across the year and meet people from all over the world."

Musician Jane Clarity is performing at the festival with her Kate Bush tribute act

Jane Clarity, 59, said she and her keyboard player were invited to bring their Kate Bush tribute act to play at the festival.

She said the great thing about steampunk was that you could be who, or whatever, you wanted to be.

"As a woman in my late 50s, I'm having something of a renaissance - I'm a former opera singer gone rogue," she said.

Gloria Raczkowski, from Wolverhampton, said the Lincoln event was one of her favourites

Gloria Raczkowski, 72, from Wolverhampton, said the Lincoln event was one of her favourites.

"It's now classed as one of the biggest in the world," she said.

"We love the dressing up and we love meeting people. We've made some fabulous friends.

"It's just amazing."

Frank Wulbach said he has about six or seven different outfits in his collection

Mr Wulbach, 67, said he enjoyed dressing up and had about six or seven different outfits in his collection, including a time lord.

He said he also planned to give his dragon-themed outfit a run out over the weekend.

Bethan Roberts said she had gone more for the "downbeat" look

However, unlike some of those taking part, Bethan Roberts, 31, from Lincoln, said she was going for a more understated look - inspired by Bilbo Baggins.

"I like the stuff that's not so fancy looking - I just want to look a bit downbeat," she added.

Pia Björkne Bengtsson, right, has travelled from Sweden to attend the festival

Pia Björkne Bengtsson, 58, from Sweden, said she first travelled to Lincoln to attend the festival many years ago.

She says she now comes both for the festival and to meet up with all the friends she has made over the years.

Ms Bengtsson added it was also a great place to share ideas about outfits and enjoy the steampunk sense of humour.

"It's very friendly and inclusive," she said.

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