The rise in popularity of Whitby Goth Weekend

Whitby is without question called the 'Goth Capital of Great Britain'; not unexpected when one considers that on two weekends in the year (around April and October) large numbers of individuals converge in the town in celebration of all things 'Gothic'.



The original concept belonged to Jo Hampshire, who, in 1994 along with a group of friends, came to Whitby for the 1st Goth Festival. Whitby was most likely picked due to its connections with Dracula, (Bram Stoker holidayed in Whitby and drew his inspiration for the book from the Abbey). As the annual event became ever more popular it was decided to hold the Whitby Goth Weekend festival twice yearly.



Over the weekends that the events are being held, the whole town appears to embrace the Gothic atmosphere. Many retailers and public houses decorate their property with spiders, skulls, cobwebs and other paraphernalia, in line with the overall mood of the Gothic guests. Several vacationers have most elaborate outfits encompassing a multitude of styles. Stunning crinoline dresses in colors from black through red to white are worn, some with veils, some with parasols and a few with rich velvet cloaks. The men can be seen in top hats and tails, stunning morning suits with silver walking canes and spats.

In recent times there's been a divergence into costumes related to the punk and new world movement, each equally fascinating to see with spikey hair, kilts, fishnet stockings.



Music has been incorporated into the bigger picture, with bands and artists showcasing their talents at the Whitby Pavilion, Metropole Hotel and other venues. Some 'big name' acts are starting to attend the events now such is the popularity of these types of week-ends both in this country but also worldwide.

The Pavilion has been home to some 'black market' markets held in the lower basement. Stalls showing a wide range of Gothic clothing, footwear, music and memorabilia are on sale, a fascinating view into the Gothic psyche for those of the more 'normal' persuasion.

It is the generally held view among the local population of the town that the Gothic visitors are really welcome and indeed many of the townsfolk themselves embrace the dress-style and frequent the various functions held.

A growing number of families are coming to the town at these week-ends with kids and even babies in costume along with people of all ages even those in their 80's and possible older!



St. Mary's Parish Church on the East Cliff next to the Abbey continues to be the venue for the renewal of many wedding vows amongst the Gothic community and the Registry Office has noticed a rise in the number of civil marriages celebrated here, all with the Gothic theme.



The majority of the participants in the festival weekends are more than happy to pose for pictures as they wander around the town and seafront. On the cliff top near to St.Mary's Graveyard and the Abbey, photographers can be seen in abundance taking atmospheric shots of the Goths in period dress amongst the gravestones or with the backdrop of the 199 steps, Caedmon's Cross and the harbour view.



The history of Whitby has a very diverse and chequered past befitting its Gothic connections, from its gargoyles and chimeras which adorn a number of churches to its Pagan Green man which is on a stone frieze carved on St. Hildas' C of E Church on Church Square. A walk around the town's most well-known buildings will invariably show a large amount of gargoyles and mysterious symbols, a fascinating insight into the past history and the emerging new history of the town of Whitby.




For more information about things to do in Whitby, visit Things to Do in Whitby