Goths flock to seaside town for 22nd Whitby Goth Weekend
- Published
Bram Stoker's novel Dracula is set in the town, and St Mary's churchyard and Whitby Abbey have become key festival locations
The seaside resort of Whitby has become a "goth-magnet" for its 22nd annual Goth Weekend.
The town is closely associated with Bram Stoker's gothic novel, Dracula, which prompted the event.
It began in 1994 and and has grown into a world renowned event for people with a variety of interests and backgrounds.
Businesses report it generates £1m in revenue across the weekend at what is otherwise a quiet time of year.
Not only goths but "punks, steampunks, emos, bikers, metallers and people from all genres of the alternative lifestyle turn up year-on-year", organisers said
The 2016 line-up includes music from Heaven 17, The Mission and Skeletal Family, all playing at Whitby Spa Pavilion.
Up to 7,000 people are expected to visit the town during the weekend.
The extra trade brings around £1m to the town from the weekend alone
A popular walk takes visitors from the harbour, through the old town, up the 100 Steps to St Mary's Churchyard and Whitby Abbey
The churchyard (known as Dracula's Graveyard) and Whitby Abbey are accessed by 199 steps from the bottom of the hill
Visitors walk from the harbour to Whitby Abbey, via Dracula's graveyard (aka St Mary's churchyard) and the 199 Steps
An alternative walk is to the West Cliff with whalebone arch and Captain Cook memorial statue - a popular selfie spot
Fringe events happen around the town, with central music events at Whitby Spa Pavilion
Shops, cafes and hoteliers say they see a boost in trade at a quiet time of year
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