Whitby is undoubtedly called the 'Goth Capital of Great Britain'; not surprising when one considers that on two weekends in the year (around April and October) large numbers of people converge in the town in celebration of all things 'Gothic'.
The original idea belonged to Jo Hampshire, who, in 1994 along with a group of friends, came to Whitby for the very first Goth Festival. Whitby was probably chosen because of its connections with Dracula, (Bram Stoker holidayed in Whitby and drew his inspiration for the novel from the Abbey). As the yearly event became more and more popular it was decided to hold the festival twice yearly.
During the weekends that the events are being held, the whole town seems to embrace the Gothic mood. Some shops and public houses decorate their premises with spiders, skulls, cobwebs and other paraphernalia in keeping with the general mood of the Gothic visitors. Many of these visitors have most elaborate costumes encompassing a wide variety of styles. Beautiful crinoline dresses in shades from black through red to white are worn, some with veils, some with parasols and some with rich velvet cloaks. The men can be seen in top hats and tails, beautiful morning suits with silver canes and spats. In recent years there has been a divergence into costumes related to the punk and new world movement, each equally fascinating to view with spikey hair, kilts, fishnet stockings and that's just the men!
Music has been incorporated into the bigger picture with bands and artists showcasing their talents at the Whitby Pavilion, Metropole Hotel and other venues. Some 'big name' acts are starting to attend the events now such is the popularity of these weekends both in this country but also world wide. The Pavilion has been home to some 'black market' markets held in the lower basement. Stalls displaying a wide range of Gothic clothing, footwear, music and memorabilia are on sale, a fascinating view into the Gothic psyche for those of the more 'normal' persuasion.
It is the generally held view amongst the local population of the town that the Gothic visitors are very welcome and indeed many of the townsfolk themselves embrace the dress-style and frequent the various functions held. More and more families are visiting the town at these weekends with children and even babies in costume alongside people of all ages even those in their eighties and possible older!
St. Mary's Parish Church on the East Cliff alongside the Abbey has been the venue for the renewal of many wedding vows amongst the Gothic community and the Registry Office has seen an increase in the number of civil marriages celebrated here, all with the Gothic theme.
The majority of the participants in the festival weekends are more than happy to pose for photographs as they stroll around the town and seafront. On the cliff top near to St.Mary's Graveyard and the Abbey, photographers can be found in abundance taking atmospheric shots of the Goths in period dress amongst the gravestones or with the backdrop of the 199 steps, Caedmon's Cross and the harbour view.
The history of Whitby has a very varied and chequered past befitting its Gothic connections, from its gargoyles and chimeras which adorn a number of churches to its Pagan Green man which is on a stone frieze carved on St. Hildas' C of E Church on Church Square. A walk around the town's oldest buildings will invariably show a large amount of gargoyles and mysterious symbols, a fascinating insight into the past history and the emerging new history of the town of Whitby.
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