By Mal Butler
The imagination of Steampunk fans brought a stream of diverse characters to Ryde last weekend.
They came dressed in Victorian and Goth outfits, much to the bemusement and fascination of the large crowds who came into the town.
The Steampunk Festival, now in its third year, was founded by Dr Kieron Cooney, of Wight Hot Pipes, and his wife, Vicky. Vicky said: “It was an amazing atmosphere and a fantastic weekend; it was so lovely to see so many people enjoying Ryde.
“A lot of the people who were wandering through town were mesmerised by the costumes and were amazed to see the way everyone was dressed up. Everyone has a different style and puts their own twist on the way they dress.”
Kieron added: “The whole town was involved with the main centre of the event being the Western Gardens, but there was lots happening at the Royal Victoria Arcade, the Royal Esplanade Hotel, and Department.
“The IW Bus Museum put on a shuttle, which ran from the main stage at the Western Gardens along Ryde Esplanade.
“We’re trying to keep it a free event, with the only ticketed evenings the sell-out entertainment at the Royal Esplanade, on Friday and Saturday nights. The event supports local tourism, and it puts Steampunk on the map over here. 54 per cent of the people who came dressed up were from the mainland.”
There was plenty to do across the weekend. People were able to create their own Steampunk Chronicle front page, in the Penny Dreadful workshop at Department, or step back in time with WolfGuard Viking Re-enactment, with displays and demonstrations.
There were artisan stalls and food and drink vendors at the Victoria Arcade, with music across the town from the Bus Museum to the Western Gardens, and the hotel which also featured ‘tea dualling’.
While the highlight of the weekend was Sunday’s ‘Steampunk Ryde-out’, a spectacular procession of steampunks in all their Victorian, fantastical, and mechanical finery.
Musically, there were Island acts, including Double Take, East Cowes Shanty, The Crew and, of course, Wight Hot Pipes, as well as top Steampunk bands with Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer, Glass Brothers, and Matt Black Piano Man.
Isle of Wight Observer