Where: The day is celebrated worldwide
What is it?
Today is officially World Dracula Day, the annual celebration of all things Dracula, and this year marks the 120th anniversary of the publication of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
World Dracula Day is curated by the Whitby Dracula Society 1897, and events are being held word wide, including a film festival in Transylvania, and an academic conference in America.
But for something nearer to home, why not take a trip to Whitby, and visit the locations that helped inspire Bram Stoker to write his book? Bram Stoker visited the Yorkshire town in 1890 and the area is famous for its links to the vampire and his creator.
The ruins of Whitby Abbey (picture courtesy of English Heritage photo library)
The gothic Whitby Abbey sits overlooking the town, and is one of the locations featured in his book. Promenade performances of Dracula will be taking place this weekend at the abbey, at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Walk up the 199 steps from the town to the abbey’s clifftop location and take in the sights as Stoker would have done, including the abbey, church and gravestones.
Alternatively, take a walk with Dr Crank and find out more about the legend of Dracula, or guide yourself around the points of interest following a walking trail. Trails can be found online or at the tourist office.
More info: www.worlddraculaday.com and www.whitbyonline.co.uk/whitbyhistory/bramstoker