Minehead enjoys weird and wonderful Steampunk Festival

Rooted in a mix of Victorian steam technology and science fiction together with an excuse to dress up in gear of that genre, it gave Minehead something to talk about.

Exhibitions, street and pub entertainers put a smile on visitors faces and turned a few heads.

Hurriedly organised when a venue in Wales had to be cancelled, Minehead BID decided to give it a try as part of their mission to bring new events and ideas to the town.

“The Steampunk Festival worked as a pilot event this year” said Andrew Hopkins, Minehead’s BID Manager.

“The feedback and engagement we have received from local businesses and members of the public was really encouraging and we believe with more advance warning and marketing we could have welcomed even more people to the town. We shall build on those positives and hope we can make this event a regular fixture in the Minehead calendar.”

David Smith, Steampunk Festival organiser, said he hoped to bring back the festival next year.

He said: “As the organiser of the first Minehead Steampunk Festival I’d first of all like to thank the Minehead BID for their belief, courage and support in funding this event, and then to thank all of the lovely people that we met in Minehead over the weekend.

"You may through familiarity take your town for granted, but all of my performers without exception absolutely loved Minehead and found it to be a very beautiful place.

The setting is fabulous, with so many handsome Victorian and Edwardian buildings, the seafront promenade, and the added bonus of the West Somerset Railway. Minehead is simply a perfect setting for Steampunks."