Goths flock to seaside town for 22nd Whitby Goth Weekend

  • Published
Dracula - Whitby Goth Weekend 2016
Image caption,

Bram Stoker's novel Dracula is set in the town, and St Mary's churchyard and Whitby Abbey have become key festival locations

The seaside resort of Whitby has become a "goth-magnet" for its 22nd annual Goth Weekend.

The town is closely associated with Bram Stoker's gothic novel, Dracula, which prompted the event.

It began in 1994 and and has grown into a world renowned event for people with a variety of interests and backgrounds.

Businesses report it generates £1m in revenue across the weekend at what is otherwise a quiet time of year.

Image caption,

Not only goths but "punks, steampunks, emos, bikers, metallers and people from all genres of the alternative lifestyle turn up year-on-year", organisers said

The 2016 line-up includes music from Heaven 17, The Mission and Skeletal Family, all playing at Whitby Spa Pavilion.

Up to 7,000 people are expected to visit the town during the weekend.

Image caption,

The extra trade brings around £1m to the town from the weekend alone

Image caption,

A popular walk takes visitors from the harbour, through the old town, up the 100 Steps to St Mary's Churchyard and Whitby Abbey

Image caption,

The churchyard (known as Dracula's Graveyard) and Whitby Abbey are accessed by 199 steps from the bottom of the hill

Image caption,

Visitors walk from the harbour to Whitby Abbey, via Dracula's graveyard (aka St Mary's churchyard) and the 199 Steps

Image caption,

An alternative walk is to the West Cliff with whalebone arch and Captain Cook memorial statue - a popular selfie spot

Image caption,

Fringe events happen around the town, with central music events at Whitby Spa Pavilion

Image caption,

Shops, cafes and hoteliers say they see a boost in trade at a quiet time of year

Related internet links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.