Whitby Goth Weekend 2026 – hundreds take part in festival

Whitby Goth Weekend was staged from Friday, May 1 to Monday, May 3 in what is billed as a celebration of alternative music, literature, fashion, art and the pursuit of “community, friendship and freedom of expression”.

The hugely popular event is held twice a year, in Spring and Autumn, and sees the streets and venues of Whitby packed with people dressed in an array of gothic costumes.

Visitors show off their costumes at Whitby Goth Weekend 2026 (Image: Garry Hornby)

Visitors show off their costumes at Whitby Goth Weekend 2026 (Image: Garry Hornby)

Visitors show off their costumes at Whitby Goth Weekend (Image: Garry Hornby)

Vampires rub shoulders with steam punks, while cybergoths mingle with zombies.

Visitors show off their costumes at Whitby Goth Weekend 2026 (Image: Garry Hornby)

The event was first hosted by Jo Hampshire, when she invited 40 of her pen pals to The Elsinore Inn, close to the centre of the idyllic town.

Visitors show off their costumes at Whitby Goth Weekend 2026 (Image: Garry Hornby)

Visitors show off their costumes at Whitby Goth Weekend 2026 (Image: Garry Hornby)

Now, it attracts guests from all over as a celebration of gothic culture.

The weekender was founded in 1994 and is now one of the most famous gothic events in the world.

Whitby has long been a mecca for goths after the town inspired author Bram Stoker’s classic gothic novel, Dracula.