Steam powered technology is set to meet Victorian aesthetics as Chesterfield hosts its first Steampunk Market weekend.
The family friendly event will be held on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July in Chesterfield Market.
Running from 10am to 4pm the event will feature live music performances throughout the weekend which will capture and celebrate the unique Steampunk spirit.
There will be lots to explore around New Square with a classic Gallopers carousel, themed bars and a great selection of tasty food.
The weekend will end with a Steampunk parade through the town centre from 3pm on Sunday. Except lots of fantastic creative costumes that have been hand crafted, feel free to come along and join in with your best Steampunk costumes or just enjoy the parade.
There will be an extraordinary array of stalls offering handcrafted creations, clothing, accessories, artwork, curiosities, and retro futuristic inventions - perfect for collectors and newcomers alike.
The event is organised in partnership with Newark Steampunk Society.
Parvin Mannering from Newark Steampunk Society said: “Newark Steampunk Society are delighted to work with the Chesterfield Markets team to bring the wonderful and vibrant Steampunk folks to town.
“Whilst Steampunks have been sewing and making their extravagant and quirky outfits to wow the crowds, the market office has organised the fabulous New Square to give the townsfolk and visitors an immersive experience into the world of Steam and gadgetry embracing the Victorian love of invention. Whether you come to ride the carousel or chat with us to see how welcoming Steampunks are, you will have a brilliant and inspiring weekend.”
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’re excited to host our first Steampunk Market weekend and partnering with Newark Steampunk Society, will help ensure that it’s a fantastic event with lots of unique things to see and do.
“Our revitalisation of Chesterfield Market has created more flexible spaces that allow us to host fantastic events like this, with space for stalls, rides, food traders and entertainment in a great setting. Whether you’re a long-term Steampunk fan or just curious, this will be a brilliant event to come along to."
The event is part funded by the Chesterfield Town Board Pride in Place programme, which is funded by the UK Government.
Dominic Staniforth, local business leader and Chair of Chesterfield Town Board, said: “It’s fantastic to see new events take centre stage in the town centre, our engagement activities have shown this was a highly ranked priority for lots of local people. This engagement work has helped shape our priorities and as a board we felt it was important to help fund an expanded events programme for our town centre. I hope lots of people will come along to support this event and our brilliant town centre businesses.”
Pride in Place will see almost £20 million invested in the town over the next decade. All decisions about how this funding will be spent is determined by the independent Chesterfield Town Board and is being shaped by local people through engagement.
More information about the event and entertainment will be available on the Chesterfield Steampunk Market Weekend event listing.
