We thought we would share an update with our adventure to Whitby for the April Goth Weekend. For those that came to see us we were set up in the Royal Hotel on the Friday and Sunday. The saturday we were let loose to get images out and about.
For us we love Whitby Goth Weekend. There are so many different styles, cultures and ideas of what being a Goth is and what it means to them which shows in their images.
For some it is the music. For others it is more of Pagan belief. For others it is an escape from the boring everyday life.
If you look at our galleries you will see many fantastic outfits that people have spent ages creating, getting ready or applying various makeup styles. Everyone looked fantastic.
For those who have never been to or heard of whitby Goth weekend Ill give a little information. It was started in the 1990's as a music festival. As a location it was perfect due to the famous literature "Dracula" written by Bram Stoker with whitby Abbey.
In its infancy, the event had bands play and traders at the Pavillion and the Leasure centre with odd bits happening around whitby with the markets in the old style and it was only in October.
Now however there are more venue's and traders at the Pavillion, Leasure centre and Royal Hotel with traders, entertainment and lots of people joining in and grouping together celebrating a wide range of different styles. It is also on in April and October.
We met and spoke to many lovely people who explained their various outfits to us. ( so much so that I can't type it all up ) but for many it was pagan references. Everybody was excited to see what purchases they could find or fish and chips and entertainment, or to have their photo taken in front of the whale bones, 199 steps, church and Abbey.
We saw many families who were dressed up in good fashion but what really stole our hearts was seeing many dogs wearing capes, hats, scarfs and other items :D ( we are big dog lovers and our setup is pet friendly. As long as we get to fuss them for a bit ;) )
It was lovely to see parents bringing their children who have an active interest in the gothic style and culture being supported. We have several photos where the parents have willingly had their photos taken alongside their child all grinning and having fun. This was lovely to see as not so long ago people used to be ashamed or shun family members for being into the Gothic style.
For those who saw the amazing Kelly, she had to dress up and join in. I have to say she looked amazing as always with her own outfit ;)
It is certainly an event anyone can attend and everyone can enjoy.
We were made aware sadly of one young lady who after getting home (Teesside way) had items thrown at her because of her style and ended up being hurt.
People abuse what they don't understand. Howerever, the support offered and shared to the young lady when people found out has been truly heart warming. Attending these events for some people is "too much" with the stereotypical view of "devil worshipping, self harming, suicidal". Which is definitely not the case.
The people who responded and offered support showed the true nature of the event.
to be a community, to support each other and accept each other. A place to be free and it was proven.
We will be attending Whitby Goth Weekend again in October and will be set up in the royal hotel. We hope to see many of you there to share your experiences with us and for us to help in making some memories. Even if you decide not to dress up and join in, there are many traders with a wide range of products that you won't find on any shelves as a lot are hand made.
Please keep checking back on our blog for updates on events as we go :)