Organisers are warning goths and steampunks to leave their swords and guns at home as they invade a northern seaside town for Goth Weekend.
Attendees have been told to leave prop swords, fake guns, and even water pistols at home to prevent a 'catastrophic' accident at the Whitby Goth Weekend, taking place from May 1–3.
While the biannual festival is famous for its elaborate Victorian-inspired attire and macabre tributes to Bram Stoker's Dracula, officials are prioritising public safety over sartorial flair.
Safety concerns are amplified by the town's isolation as organisers noted that with the nearest A&E and police station 45 minutes away, any serious incident would be 'catastrophic.'
The ban specifically targets the Steampunk community, a subculture that blends science fiction with 19th-century aesthetics.
Devotees often complete their personas, ranging from sky-pirates to Victorian detectives, with modified 'Nerf guns' and intricate metal blades.
Under the new restrictions, a list of items have been strictly prohibited.
Thousands of Goths and Steampunks flock to Whitby for the legendary biannual festival
Dramatic costumes are on full display, though fans were ordered to leave weapons home
couple attending Whitby Goth Weekend pose with their dogs
Despite the 'no weapons' rule, spirits remained high as the colourful crowd arrived
A woman dressed in a costume poses for a picture as she takes part in Whitby Goth Weekend
Lobster pots are stacked on a seawall in Whitby harbour
A skull is attached to a car aerial
Walking sticks are sold in a gothic shop
A man in an extravagant white costume poses for a picture
A tourist with a brolly watches as a couple pass by the weekend celebrations
A black ribbon and rose are fastened to a gate as people take part in the celebrations
Karen Watson from Newcastle poses for a picture as she attends Whitby Goth Weekend
Imitation Firearms are prohibited, including realistic replicas made of metal, resin, plastic, wood, or rubber.
Prohibited Items
- Actual firearms including Airsoft, modern, hunting, or historic, either functioning or decommissioned.
- Realistic imitation firearms (RIF) and imitation firearms made from metal, solid resin, plastic, wood, or rubber.
- Slingshots and Bows of any kind.
- Projectile weapons of any kind including Nerf and water guns.
- Live Steel – Metal blades whether sharp or blunt e.g. swords, axes and knives.
- Heavy bats, paddles, or clubs including baseball bats.
- Bokken – a hard wooden or toughened plastic training sword.
- Explosives and incendiary devices.
- Laser Pointers.
- Gas Canisters.
Projectile Weapons are barred, such as slingshots, bows, Nerf guns, and water pistols.
Bladed props, such as any swords or knives with sharp edges or excessive weight have also been banned
Attendees are encouraged to swap heavy props for versions made of foam, cardboard, or foam board.
The weapon ban is the latest in a series of restrictions aimed at managing the massive influx of visitors. The festival has faced tension with local authorities in the past.
In 2011, the rector of St Mary's Church banned Goths from the graveyard after visitors were caught posing for photos with historic headstones.
In 2016, renewed concerns over tombstone damage led to a proposal for a 'mock graveyard' to serve as a dedicated photographic backdrop.
Organisers insist the move is not an attempt to exclude the Steampunk community but a necessary step to manage insurance costs and ensure the festival's longevity.
A spokesperson said: 'This decision was not taken lightly,' emphasising that the goal is to keep the event safe for both 'the dark-clad masses' and the local residents.