STEAMPUNK comes to Minehead this weekend (May Day Bank Holiday), from Friday April 29 to Sunday, May 1, bringing a colourful extravaganza of Victoriana, fun and entertainment.

The event is organised by Alison Prior - creator of Wombledon, a Minehead business that sells an assortment of vintage and alternative lifestyle clothes and objects, plus some fancy dress.

She said the idea is inspired by a small, pre-Covid Steampunk festival in Minehead three years ago that proved very popular in bringing Steampunk enthusiasts to the town for the first time. Since then we have been trying to bring it back again. Following all the difficulties of the past few years, we have put together an abundance of entertainment to suit everyone,” she added.

Defining Steampunk, Ms Prior said: “I think we could all do with a bit of fantasy in our lives. Dressing up in Victorian Steampunk that covers many genres such as the Wild West girls saloon bar look, pirates, gypsies, prim Victoriana, welding goggles and pith helmets, is a highly popular trend. If you haven’t heard of it before, do come and have a look.”

The festival starts today {April 29) with the foot-stomping Steampunk band, Filth Spectacula headlining at The Hairy Dog bar in the Avenue, while the disco band, The Man from Funkle, is featured nearby at Bar 21.

On Saturday during the day there will be a Steampunk artisan market at the Old Hospital, street entertainers, steam bus rides, stories, music in Blenheim Gardens and shanty singers on the harbour.

In the evening a Steampunk variety show at the Avenue Methodist Church (tickets £10) features seven acts headed by local band The Wooden Suits. At the same time Head Noise play at Bar 21.

Saturday and Sundays sees a wealth of entertainment, from a singing mermaid to a southern cowboy and Gypsy music at various venues. Sunday night brings the festival to a close with the O ‘Marleys and others headlining at Minehead Social Club (£5 admission) while Rough Justice from Devon can be enjoyed at Bar 21.

All details are on the Facebook page of the Minehead Victorian Festival. Tickets can be purchased from the Minehead Tourist Information Centre, at Wombledon, the Avenue, Minehead, and through Paypal. To pay by Paypal call 07434 832279.