By Isle of Wight Observer
Ryde will once again play host to the Isle of Wight Steampunk Festival, on September 26 till 28, bringing a colourful mix of parades, performances and activities for all ages.
Bigger and better for its second year, the festival builds on the success of its launch event, which drew large crowds to the town last summer. This year, the heart of the action will be in Western Gardens, but the programme also stretches across Ryde to the Royal Victorian Arcade, FuBar, the Vintage Bus Museum and The Star Coffee & Ale House.
Daytime attractions include teapot racing, tea duelling, a mini fairground, workshops and storytelling. Children can enjoy hands-on activities and quirky puppet shows, while visitors should look out for characters such as the adventurous Dragon Hunter, the whimsical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Ziggy the Sea Monster, and the SS Dirigible – a roadworthy airship on wheels that will patrol the streets throughout the weekend. A free vintage bus shuttle will also run between festival sites.
On Sunday, the town will be transformed by the main Steampunk Parade, inviting people to dress in Victorian costume or simply join in the fun. New for this year is the SteamPaws Parade, which will see dogs competing for prizes in their own steampunk outfits.
Evenings will feature a line-up of ticketed performances, with music and comedy from Mr B Gentleman Rhymer, Captain Kuppa T, Simply Kate Bush, Alice Strange and Wight Hot Pipes, among others.
For more information, visit iw.observer/iw-steampunk-festival.