MINEHEAD will host its first Steampunk festival – an extravaganza of Victorian steam-powered industry, art and science – over the bank holiday weekend from May 4 to 6.

Financed by the Minehead BID initiative, it is hoped that the festival will become an annual event in the town and cash in on a fast-growing trend for Steampunk events which highlight all aspects of Victorian life, from fashion and industry to art and horror-fiction.

Organiser David Smith said: “Our plans for Minehead include live daytime entertainment on the streets, in Blenheim Gardens and on the forecourt of the Old Hospital – all of it free.

“Steampunk is very inclusive and welcoming. We hope everyone will be tempted to dress up and join in – the basics are probably already in your wardrobe!”

Entertainment will include jugglers, escapologists, magicians, unicyclists, steampunk bands … and the appearance of a steam-powered submarine.

Graham Sizer, chairman of Minehead BID, said: “This is something different for Minehead and we are looking forward to giving it a go.

“Steampunk ticks many of the boxes for Minehead. Space offered by the Old Hospital for stalls and the availability of the Regal Theatre should make this a great town centre event.”

Tickets for Saturday night and Sunday shows are available from the Regal box office.