Newark Steampunk Christmas Festival hailed as great success by Newark Steampunk Society, attracting thousands of visitors from across the UK
Thousands of Steampunks flocked to Newark for a weekend of imagination and festive fun.
The return of Newark’s Christmas Steampunk Festival has been hailed a great success after thousands visited the town centre.
It was a weekend full of flamboyance and expression, with the fabulously dressed visitors travelling from all corners of the country to take part in the festivities.
Steampunk is a movement which combines elements and ideas from Victorian science fiction and fantasy, to create imaginative outfits and creations inspired by the age of steam.
With over 100 Steampunk and Christmas craft market stalls full of quirky and interesting items in Newark Market Place and inside the Buttermarket, there was plenty to see.
There was also musical entertainment and street performers mingling among the crowds, a special gala ball held in Newark Town Hall and the spectacle of the torchlight parade finale to round off the weekend.
The head of the Newark Steampunk Society, Parvin Mannering, said: “I’m in shock, I did not expect that many people.
“The vibe for Newark was astounding, we had people all weekend long coming up and saying they go to Steampunk events all over the country, but the one they always look forward to is this one.
“On the Friday we had about 300 Steampunks in town, settling into lodgings — but on the Saturday, that’s when the day-trippers arrived and we ended up with about 1000.
“Then on Sunday it just doubled out of nowhere. The footfall was just unbelievable.
“It’s quite magical the way the town responds and the atmosphere around it is so good, it’s blown us away.
“It makes all of our hard work so worthwhile.”
Under the stewardship of Parvin, the society has grown to almost 2,800 members, with more on the waiting list following another successful festival.
“We’ve already started planning for the next one,” she said.
“One of the things I think is worth pointing out is that our social lives have become so technological, and spending time with people in person disappeared a little while ago.
“What Steampunk seems to have done is bring people from the community and the public together to enjoy themselves.
“Nothing beats seeing someone in real life and more and more people are gravitating towards ways of meeting up and socialising and here in Newark we feel so welcome, everyone is interested.”
When wet weather warnings threatened to put a damper on things, plans were changes and issues quickly mitigated by moving many of the Steampunk market stalls inside of the Buttermarket.
“Having the Buttermarket created a whole new dynamic to the festival because it hasn’t been used in the past few decades in this manner,” said Parvin.
“It just came to life, it created this wonderful hub in this incredible building.
“It was almost as if you were stepping back in time because suddenly there were traders, people happy and enjoying themselves. That building needs to be used.”
The finale of the torchlight procession through the streets of Newark, led by the Nottinghamshire Pipes and Drums, was a sight to behold.
“The torchlight procession blew me away,” said Parvin.
“The pipes and and drums were exceptional, they were so up for it and created such an emotive atmosphere and a fair few tears of joy.
“All together we had around 150 torchbearers in the parade and I had to turn around at one point and take it in, it was just a sea of torches.
“It was such a beautiful moment and a magical things to see — Newark knows how to do it, that’s all I can say.”
If there was one resounding message expressed by the community it was one of inclusivity, self-expression and acceptance
Parvin ended by saying: “Just don’t be afraid of stepping out of your front door and doing something different.”
Grantham will also be holding a Steampunk Festival of its own this weekend.
