Steampunk festival confirmed for Lincoln in 2025

The Steampunk movement blends science fiction with reimagined Victorian fashion and technology

The organiser of the Asylum Steampunk Festival said he was “delighted” it would be held again in Lincoln in 2025.

The four-day August bank holiday event attracts people from around the world, but there had been speculation that it could move to another location.

John Naylor, who runs the festival, said the shortage of hotel rooms in Lincoln meant the decision was on a "knife edge".

While the location has been confirmed for next year, Mr Naylor said it was not clear where the event would be held in 2026.

John Naylor, who runs the event, says the decision had been on a "knife edge"

Writing on social media, Lincoln's MP, Hamish Falconer said he was delighted by the news.

The City of Lincoln Council said it was "very pleased".

Mr Naylor said the festival had been “a victim of its own success” and had now “outgrown” the city.

Mr Naylor said attendees had struggled to find enough beds at affordable prices in Lincoln, but they now had enough accommodation for next year.

Organisers have been offered 1,000 rooms from both universities and use of a campsite at the International Bomber Command Centre.

Mr Naylor said: "It was absolutely on the knife edge, and we only made the decision convincingly to ourselves as a team on Friday."

'Don't book yet'

He explained dynamic ticket pricing software and the lack of beds had in some cases priced out the core audience for the event, who were often students.

Festival-goers were advised not to book for 2026 until a venue was confirmed.

Mr Naylor said Lincoln was “amazing”, and he hoped it could continue to host a smaller Halloween event.

“The city is marvellous”, he added “but we've just grown too big.”

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