Every year, Goths gather in Whitby to celebrate Gothic culture, music, and fashion at Whitby Goth Weekend. This guide explains more about the event and how to attend it in 2025.
Whitby hosts an alternative music festival and unique market twice a year, attracting thousands of Goths to the seaside town. This celebration of all things Gothic is Whitby Goth Weekend.
Top Mum Productions, a company run by friends and family, organises the event. If you fancy a weekend filled with eye-catching outfits, fantastic shopping, and live music that will leave you spellbound, here's more information about the event.
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When is Whitby Goth Weekend 2025?
What is Whitby Goth Weekend?
WGW celebrates Gothic culture, music, and fashion. In addition to two fantastic live music nights, the festival features three days of alternative shopping and fringe events. The Bizarre Bazaar Alternative Market, with over 100 indoor stalls, is a major attraction at the festival.
Famous bands such as The Damned and artists including Toyah have graced the festival's stages over the years. Fields of Nephilim and The Sisters of Mercy have become more recent favourites.
It's estimated that the event brings north of a million pounds into the town each year. Learn more about why Goths love Whitby.
8 Reasons Why Goths Love Whitby
Whether to explore the connection to Dracula, buy a piece of Jet jewellery or simply admire this gothic town. Whitby has welcomed the Gothic community for decades. Here are 8 reasons why Goths love Whitby.
Read ArticleHow was Whitby Goth Weekend started?
The original event resulted from around forty pen pals meeting at The Elsinore Pub in Whitby. The Little Angel is still a central meeting point during the WGW. Since then, the weekend has become the world's premier goth festival, attracting thousands to the town each spring and autumn.
Why is Whitby Goth Weekend held in Whitby?
The Whitby Goth Weekend is held in Whitby because of its association with Bram Stoker's novel “Dracula”. The author stayed in Whitby in 1890 and was inspired by the town's Gothic architecture and the local folklore surrounding the area's history with witchcraft and the supernatural. Since then, Whitby has become a popular destination for Goths and alternative subcultures.
Is Whitby Goth Weekend free to attend?
It is free to attend Whitby Goth Weekend, wear Gothic attire, visit the markets, and enjoy the town and the atmosphere.
Some events at the Whitby Goth Weekend are free to attend, but others require tickets or admission fees. It's best to check the event's official website or social media pages to get detailed information on admission fees and ticket prices. Additionally, some events may be age-restricted, so checking that before planning to attend is essential.
What is the Bizarre Bazaar alternative market?
The Bizarre Bazaar is one of the highlights of the Whitby Goth Weekend. It is one of the UK's most well-established and longest-running alternative markets and has long supported the WGW.
During your visit, visit the Bizarre Bazaar, which has over 100 stalls and is hosted across many venues, including The Spa Pavilion, Whitby Leisure Centre, and Whitby Brunswick Centre.
Expect to find many unusual trinkets, gifts, and rarities from makers and suppliers of alternative merchandise. In addition, there are gothic hats, dark art, and a sea of curiosities just waiting to be purchased.
Are there fringe events around Whitby Goth Weekend?
Whitby Goth Weekend hosts many fabulous fringe events during the long weekend of celebrations. Beyond the main stages are club nights, group meet-ups and a host of unofficial goth events at venues across the town.
Is Whitby Goth Weekend suitable for children to attend?
Whitby Goth Weekend is an adult-oriented event, and many of the venues hosting live music are 18+; while the event is primarily geared towards adults, there are also family-friendly activities available. However, parents should be aware of the potentially mature content and themes at the event and use their discretion in deciding whether it is appropriate for their children to attend. The town gets very busy, which can be overwhelming for many children.
We attended during the day with a 6-year-old, and he loved the atmosphere and wanted to attend again! We have also seen plenty of children involved with their families. It's down to personal preference!
What should I wear to Whitby Goth Weekend?
There is no set dress code for Whitby Goth Weekend, but most people will wear gothic-inspired clothing. This can include Victorian-style clothing, corsets, black clothing, and accessories. Wear whatever Gothic means to you and how you want to represent Gothic culture.
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Read ArticleCan I park in Whitby?
There are several ‘pay and display’ car parks in Whitby. You can find them here;
Endeavour Wharf Car Parks
There are both short and long-stay car parks around the marina and Endeavour Wharf. – Langborne Rd, Whitby YO21 1YW
Church Street Car Park
This short or long-stay car park has 92 spaces and 3 disabled spaces. – Church St, Whitby YO22 4AS
West Cliff Car Park
This is a short or long stay car park with 424 spaces and 4 disabled bays. – 17 Royal Cres, West Cliff, Whitby YO21 3EG
Whitby Abbey Parking
This short or long-stay car park has 415 spaces and 6 disabled spaces. – Whitby YO22 4ER
Click here for our detailed parking in Whitby guide.
Where to stay for Whitby Goth Weekend?
Whitby Goth Weekend is a well-loved and extremely popular event; accommodation gets fully booked well in advance, so we suggest planning your stay as early as you can.
Click here to search for accommodation in Whitby.
Photography etiquette at WGW
Lots of people like to take photos at Goth Weekend. Photographer etiquette is essential for maintaining professionalism, respecting subjects’ boundaries, and ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved. Whether you’re photographing individuals, groups or events, adhering to certain principles of etiquette is crucial.
Always obtain consent
Always ask for permission before photographing someone, especially if they are the main subject. If you’re taking close-up shots of individuals, ask for permission first and ensure they are comfortable with the camera’s proximity.
No means no: If someone asks you not to take their photo or to delete an image you’ve taken of them, comply with their request immediately and respectfully.
Be respectful
Treat your subjects with dignity and respect at all times. Avoid making derogatory or inappropriate comments, and maintain a professional demeanour.
Communicate effectively
Communicate your intentions and expectations with your subjects before and during the shoot. Listen to their concerns and be open to feedback.
Respect peoples privacy
Respect people’s privacy and personal space. People are at WGW to enjoy themselves! Avoid taking photos of individuals without consent in private or sensitive situations, particularly when relaxing, eating or drinking. Do not interrupt or intrude on private moments or conversations unless invited. Maintain a respectful distance and observe without disrupting the natural flow of events.
Be considerate of your surroundings
Be mindful of your surroundings and your photography’s impact on others. Avoid blocking pathways or obstructing views, especially in crowded public spaces or outside businesses.
Share images appropriately
If you plan to share or publish your photographs, ensure that you have obtained consent from your subjects and give credit whenever possible. Tell them where the photos will be used, and having your contact details on a card is helpful.
Photos we love from previous Whitby Goth Weekends
We now see many children getting involved, especially during the 2nd Goth Weekend of the year, which falls over the Halloween weekend, which was lovely! This is one of our favourite images shared with us, and this selection of photos is brilliant, incredible photography, costumes and models, of course! Thank you to local photographer Simon Mccabe for sharing his wonderful collection of WGW photos with us.
Helen of Whitby never disappoints when it comes to snapping fantastic photos. We also spotted this wonderfully dressed duo and very well-behaved companions! So creative!
We love getting tagged in people's photos and sharing them! If you plan to attend Whitby Goth Weekend one year, please send us your pictures, and we'll share the best ones on social media.
A special thank you to our local photographers who were out in force capturing the atmosphere and wonderful outfits at Whitby Goth Weekend. The below video from local photographer, Glenn Kilpatrick, captures the weekend perfectly.
Let us know if you enjoy visiting Whitby Goth Weekend! Feel free to comment or share your photos on our Facebook page.
The Whitby Goth Weekend is no longer held in the Spa. The management company Sheffield International Venues have refused to honour their contract with Topmum Promotions and another has been given a contract, it is however NOT WGW.
Hi there.
We are an alternative VooDoo Rock and Roll band called Mystery Action.
How do we get considered to play at WGW ?
We feel that we would fit the bill perfectly.
Our videos both live and studio produced are available to watch on Facebook, YouTube and our own website.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Kindest Regards.
Frankee AKA
“The Memphis Creep”
Hi Andy. You can contact the organisers of WGW directly. You will find a link in the article above. They will be able to point you in the right direction.