What is the Whitby Gothic Weekend all about?
The Whitby Gothic Weekend is the UK’s longest running goth festival. An extended weekend break, it’s a place for goths both inside and outside the UK to watch bands, discover new music and generally have a good time. Another important part of the weekend is the Bizarre Bazaar, which is an excellent place to find those essential goth and cyber wardrobe items. The first WGW was in September 1994, when Jo Hampshire (Top Mum) invited her friends on a seaside holiday. The idea was more popular than she anticipated – two hundred black-clad people turned up! Sensing she was on to a winner, the gothic weekend became an annual event situated in and around the Spa Pavilion. Since 1997 there have been two WGWs a year, usually held around April and November. Anywhere between 1000 and 1500 people turn up. For information on getting hold of a ticket, consult the WGW website. The best tip for finding somewhere to stay is – book early! Whitby Tourist Information can be contacted on +44 (0)1947 602674,
