Steampunk festival returning to Blists Hill

Visitors are invited to enter the world of the weird and wonderful, as the second Steampunk Weekend Festival will be held at Blists Hill Victorian Town this coming weekend.

The popular festival, which starts on Saturday, aims to blend the old with the new, taking a modern twist on Victorian tradition by mixing it with the latest modern technology and ideas.

The town will be filled with eclectic market stalls, unusual exhibitions, talks and shows celebrating all things steampunk.

Pat Edgar, of Blists Hill, said: "The Ironbridge Gorge Museums have teamed up with the organisers of Asylum, the massive Lincoln Steampunk Festival, to bring this fantastical two-day event back to Blists Hill Victorian Town.

"Throughout the weekend parts of the town will turn into a fantasy world inspired by Jules Verne and HG Wells.

"Blists Hill’s cottages and shops will be open as usual, but the historic streets will become home to well-dressed steampunk ‘Victorians’ sporting the latest in fantastical gadgets."

Over the weekend, visitors will be able to browse and buy clothes and accessories from the unique steampunk market.

There will also be a mystical treasure hunt, and the chance to watch the Belly Fusion Dance Collective.

Other highlights include a programme of talks and presentations, while all ages can go along to Cogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

This year will see the introduction of a new concert called Iron Made In, which is to be held on the Saturday evening.

The night will also feature performances by the Wight Hot Pipes and Anti-Invasion.

Doors open at 7pm with the performance starting from 7.30pm. The event is open to everyone of all ages.

For more information visit ironbridge.org.uk