Whitby Goth Weekend – UK 2025

Overview

The Whitby Goth Weekend (WGW), a world-renowned alternative music festival, takes place twice annually in Whitby, North Yorkshire, UK, celebrating gothic culture, music, and fashion. Founded in 1994 by Jo Hampshire of Top Mum Promotions, it began as a small gathering of 40 pen pals at the Elsinore Pub and has grown into one of the world’s premier goth events, attracting thousands from the UK and beyond.

Held in spring (April 24–27, 2025) and autumn (October 30–November 2, 2025), the festival features live music, the Bizarre Bazaar Alternative Market, and fringe events, set against Whitby’s historic backdrop, tied to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The event contributes over USD 1.4 million (£1.1 million) annually to the local economy, drawing diverse subcultures like goths, steampunks, punks, and Victorian vampires.

Event Highlights

Live Music: Two evenings of performances at Whitby Pavilion and Abbey Wharf, featuring gothic rock, darkwave, post-punk, and alternative bands, with past acts like The Damned and Fields of Nephilim.
Bizarre Bazaar Alternative Market: Over 100 indoor stalls across multiple venues, offering gothic clothing, jewelry, dark art, and curiosities.
Fringe Events: Includes club nights (e.g., Shadow Factory, Monster Mash), a charity football match (Real Gothic vs. Stokoemotiv Whitby), and themed meetups like Gothic Lolita.
Revenant at The Royal Hotel: A fringe music event (October 31–November 2, 2025) with bands like a Nine Inch Nails tribute, held at The Royal Hotel.
Photography and Costumes: The festival is a visual spectacle, with attendees in elaborate gothic, steampunk, and fantasy attire, though respectful photography etiquette is emphasized.

Dates & Duration

Spring Edition: April 24–27, 2025 (4 days)
Autumn Edition: October 30–November 2, 2025 (4 days)

Venues & Locations

Whitby Pavilion (The Spa): West Cliff, Whitby, YO21 3EN, United Kingdom. Hosts the main music events and Bizarre Bazaar stalls.
Whitby Leisure Centre: West Cliff, Whitby, YO21 3HT, United Kingdom. Primary venue for the Bizarre Bazaar Alternative Market and information stall.
Whitby Brunswick Centre: Brunswick Street, Whitby, YO21 1RB, United Kingdom. Additional Bizarre Bazaar market location.
The Royal Hotel (Revenant): West Cliff, Whitby, YO21 3HA, United Kingdom. Hosts the Revenant fringe music event.
Abbey Wharf: Market Place, Whitby, YO22 4DD, United Kingdom. Official fringe venue for live music and events.
Crafty Cove: 2A Wellington Road, Whitby, YO21 1DY, United Kingdom. Hosts fringe club nights like Shadow Factory.
The Metropole: Argyle Road, Whitby, YO21 3HU, United Kingdom. Venue for markets and unofficial club nights.
Elsinore Pub: 22 Flowergate, Whitby, YO21 3BA, United Kingdom. Historic meeting point for goths.
The Little Angel: 18 Flowergate, Whitby, YO21 3BA, United Kingdom. Traditional meetup spot during the festival.

Contact Information

Email: info@whitbygothweekend.co.uk
Phone: +44 1947 821162 (Whitby Pavilion box office)
Website: www.whitbygothweekend.co.uk
Social Media: @whitbygothweekend (Facebook)
Organizer: Top Mum Promotions, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 3EN, United Kingdom

Ticket Information

General Sale: Available via www.whitbygothweekend.co.uk or www.skiddle.com for Revenant events. Specific 2025 prices are TBD; based on past years:

• Weekend Pass: USD 63 (£50) for both music nights at Whitby Pavilion.
• Single Day Tickets: USD 33–37 (£26–£29) for Friday or Saturday music events.
• Bizarre Bazaar: Free entry to market stalls.
• Revenant at The Royal Hotel: USD 25–40 (£20–£32) per night, book via Skiddle.
• Fringe Events: Most are free; some club nights may charge USD 5–12 (£4–£10).
  Accessibility Discounts: Contact the box office for concessions; limited details available.
  Note: Prices use a 1.25 USD/GBP exchange rate; check www.whitbygothweekend.co.uk closer to the event for updates.

Key Events

Thursday (April 24, October 30): Fringe events like the Sophie Lancaster Foundation fundraising night at Crafty Cove (USD 6 entry).
Friday–Saturday (April 25–26, October 31–November 1): Bizarre Bazaar open 10:00–17:00 (Sunday until 16:00), live music at Whitby Pavilion and Abbey Wharf from 20:00.
Sunday (April 27, November 2): Charity football match at Turnbull Ground (YO21 3JA, free entry), Revenant finale at The Royal Hotel, and “Nostalgia” goth night at Crafty Cove (USD 6–7).
Monday (April 28, November 3): “Manic Monday” club night at The Metropole (USD 5–10).
Autumn Exclusive (November 2): Whitby Kustom car show at West Cliff School (YO21 3EG, free).

Cultural Significance

WGW celebrates Whitby’s gothic heritage, rooted in its Dracula connection, as Bram Stoker drew inspiration from the town in 1890. The festival fosters inclusivity, welcoming diverse subcultures like goths, steampunks, and punks, though some purists note its evolution from a strictly goth event due to increased costumed attendees. It honors Sophie Lancaster, a murdered goth, with fundraising events, raising over USD 3,750 (£3,000) for her memorial bench. The festival’s economic impact, with 10,000 bed-nights, supports local businesses.

Community Engagement

Sophie Lancaster Foundation: Supports anti-hate campaigns through fundraising events like the Dark Souls night.
Whitby Virgins Meetup: Introduces newcomers to the festival, held at Whitby Leisure Centre on Friday mornings.
Connections Scheme: Offers free market access to underserved groups, in partnership with local charities.

Food & Drink

Festival Venues: Stalls at Bizarre Bazaar and Whitby Pavilion offer fish and chips, Yorkshire puddings, and vegan options (USD 5–12).
Nearby Restaurants: The Magpie Café (14 Pier Road, YO21 3PU) serves seafood like Whitby cod (USD 15–25). The Marine (13 Marine Parade, YO21 3PR) offers local ales and pub fare.
Payment: Stalls prefer cash; restaurants accept cards. Local beers and ciders complement the gothic atmosphere.

Family & Accessibility

Family-Friendly: The festival is adult-oriented, with 18+ music venues, but daytime markets and fringe events are suitable for families. Parents should note mature themes and crowded spaces.
Accessibility: Whitby Pavilion and Leisure Centre are wheelchair-accessible; cobblestone streets may pose challenges. Contact +44 1947 821162 for accommodations.

Getting There

By Air: Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA, 70 miles, USD 80–120 taxi, 1.5 hrs) or Teesside International (MME, 40 miles, USD 50–80 taxi, 1 hr).
Public Transport: Whitby Station (YO21 1YN, USD 10–20 from York) is a 10-minute walk to venues. Buses from Scarborough (USD 3–5) stop at West Cliff.
Parking: Endeavour Wharf (Langborne Rd, YO21 1YW, USD 1–2/hr), Church Street (YO22 4AS, USD 1–2/hr), West Cliff (17 Royal Cres, YO21 3EG, USD 1–2/hr).
Walking: All venues are within a 15-minute walk from Whitby’s harbor.

Nearby Attractions

Whitby Abbey: Abbey Lane, YO22 4JT. Gothic ruins tied to Dracula (USD 10–15).
Dracula Experience: 9 Marine Parade, YO21 3PR. Interactive tour (USD 5–8).
St Mary’s Church: Church Street, YO22 4AW. Historic graveyard with free entry.