When: 13th – 17th June 2018
Where: Ilfracombe, Devon
£: Many events are free. There is a small fee for some of the activities
What is it?
The Ilfracombe Victorian & Steampunk Festival will take place in the north Devon coastal town from Wednesday 13th to Sunday 17th June.
This year’s quirky festival highlights will include Tea Duelling Competitions, Bathing Belles, Tea and Croquet, a Victorian Paranormal Evening, a Time Traveller’s Ball, a fancy dress parade and a visit from the Pearlie Kings and Queens.
The Victorians were responsible for developing Ilfracombe into a magnificent seaside resort, making it the perfect place to hold a celebration of all things Victorian. And this year, there will be an added steampunk element to the festivities, with live steampunk bands and costumed characters.
Visitors to Ilfracombe’s annual Victorian celebration can expect to see members of the town dressed up in costume, as well as watch parades, concerts and shows.
The festival begins on the Wednesday with the Runnymede Fair & Fete, a morning promenade around the town, the Mayor’s Garden Party, Tea and Croquet, a Very Victorian & Steampunk Pub Quiz, and a choir concert. The events will continue on the Thursday with a Suffragette Rally, a Tea Dance, Pearlie Kings and Queens, Old Tyme Music Hall, and a Victorian Paranormal Evening.
Friday will feature Mr & Mrs Ilfracombe, bathing belles, a children’s fancy dress parade, and a Time Traveller’s Ball. During the weekend there will be Tea Duelling (a comedic spat, resolved over tea), a ukulele workshop, a Victorian bake-off, an art competition, a Victorian musical evening, steampunk music from BB Blackdog, and a fireworks display.
The festival will finish on the Sunday with the Runnymede Fair & Fete, a Best Dressed Steampunk competition, more Tea Duelling, music from South Molton Town Band, a Grand Parade, and a Steampunks & Pirates Rum Party.
There will also be concessions at local eateries and attractions during the festival, for those who dress up in Victorian or Steampunk attire.
More info: www.ilfracombevictoriancelebration.co.uk and www.facebook.com/ilfracombesteampunkday