Whitby is without question called the 'Goth Capital of Great Britain'; not unexpected when one considers that on 2 weekends in the year (around April and October) huge numbers of people converge in the town in celebration of all things 'Gothic'.

The original idea belonged to Jo Hampshire, who, in 1994 along with a number of friends, came to Whitby for the first Goth Festival. Whitby was possibly chosen due to its connections with Dracula, (Bram Stoker holidayed in Whitby and drew his inspiration for the book from the Abbey). As the yearly event became more and more popular it was decided to have the festival twice yearly.

Through the weekends that the events are being held, the whole town seems to embrace the Gothic atmosphere. A number of shops and public houses decorate their property with spiders, skulls, cobwebs and various other paraphernalia, in keeping with the general mood of the Gothic visitors. Several vacationers have most elaborately designed outfits encompassing a wide variety of styles. Wonderful crinoline dresses in shades from black through red to white are worn, many with veils, some with parasols and a few with splendid velvet cloaks. The men may be seen in top hats and tails, stunning morning suits with silver walking canes and spats.

In recent years there has been a divergence into outfits related to the punk and new world movement, each equally interesting to view with spikey hair, kilts, fishnet stockings.

Music has been incorporated into the bigger picture, with bands and artists showcasing their talents at the Whitby Pavilion, Metropole Hotel and other venues. Some 'big name' acts are beginning to attend the events now such is the rise in popularity of these week-ends both in this country but also around the world.

The Pavilion has been home to some 'black market' markets held in the lower basement. Stalls displaying a wide array of Gothic garments, footwear, music and memorabilia are on sale, an interesting view into the Gothic psyche for those of the more 'normal' persuasion.

It is the generally held view among the local population of the town that the Gothic visitors are extremely welcome and indeed many of the townsfolk themselves embrace the dress-style and frequent the various functions held.

More and more families are coming to the town at these weekends with children and even babies in costume along with people of every age group even those in their 80's and possible older!

St. Mary's Parish Church on the East Cliff alongside the Abbey has been the venue for the renewal of many wedding vows amongst the Gothic community and the Registry Office has seen a rise in the number of civil marriages celebrated here, all with the Gothic theme.

The majority of the participants in the festival weekends are more than happy to pose for photographs as they stroll around the town and seafront. On the cliff top near to St.Mary's Graveyard and the Abbey, photographers can be seen in abundance taking atmospheric shots of the Goths in period dress amongst the gravestones or with the backdrop of the 199 steps, Caedmon's Cross and the harbour view.

The history of Whitby has a very varied and chequered past befitting its Gothic connections, from its gargoyles and chimeras which adorn a number of churches to its Pagan Green man which is on a stone frieze carved on St. Hildas' C of E Church on Church Square. A walk around the town's oldest buildings will invariably show a large amount of gargoyles and mysterious symbols, a fascinating insight into the past history and the emerging new history of the town of Whitby.