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Goth festival creates catwalk for leather and lace

Andrew BartonYorkshire
News imageGetty Images A man and a woman dressed up for the Whitby Goth Weekend. The woman is wearing a black jacket, black hat with lace veil and carries a leather handbag. The man has a black top hat and is wearing a black velvet jacket with golden buttons. His face is covered with a skull mask.Getty Images
The bi-annual event attracts up to 8,000 people to Whitby each year

A panoply of people have paraded through a historic seaside town dressed in velvet, lace and leather for its bi-annual celebration of all things goth.

First held in 1994, the Whitby Goth Weekend has become one of the world's biggest events celebrating the subculture.

The event - held this year from 1 to 3 May - honors the town's links to Bram Stoker's Dracula and attracts a range of elaborately attired Steampunk, Victoriana, and Cybergoth styles.

Here are some of the best photographs from the weekend.

News imageGetty Images Three people on a street of shops. On the left edge of the frame a woman is wearing a light grey sweatshirt and has sunglasses resting on the top of her head. A brown bag strap crosses her chest. To the right two costumed figures stand side by side facing the camera. Both figures are wearing dark gothic-style outfits which include long black cloaks, black crowns, white face coverings and dark eye openings. They also have long black hairpieces and black gloves.Getty Images
First held in 1994 the event has grown to become one of the world's biggest events celebrating the subculture
News imageGetty Images The image shows a seaside promenade with a metal railing running horizontally across the scene, separating the promenade from the beach. Two costumed Individuals stand side by side, facing the camera and leaning slightly against the railing. The person on the left is wearing a long, bright purple coat that reaches below the knees. Under the coat is a green waistcoat and a collared shirt, paired with patterned purple trousers. Their face is covered in white makeup, with darkened eye areas. The person on the right is wearing a black-and-white vertically striped suit, including a jacket and trousers.Getty Images
The Joker and Betlejuice are just happy to be by the seaside
News imageGetty Images Two costumed people sit on a wooden bench by a coastal harbor. A lighthouse stands in the distance to the left. Both people are wearing elaborate, theatrical outfits that resemble fantasy or gothic-inspired costumes. The person on the left is dressed in a black leather outfit that includes a long leather coat, fitted trousers, and black gloves. A katana-style sword in a white sheath is strapped diagonally across their back. The person on the right is wearing a red-and-black dress with a fitted bodice and a layered, ruffled red skirt that flares outward.Getty Images
Visitors in elaborate costumes bring a dash of colour and creativity to the town
News imageGetty Images A costumed woman walking on a stone-paved walkway overlooking a town with rows of red-tiled roofs and closely packed buildings. In the distance, low hills and greenery are visible beyond the town. The woman dominating the foreground is wearing a fluorescent green and black outfit with a futuristic, industrial aesthetic. Her costume includes a gas-mask-style face covering with round filter elements. She has green synthetic hair extensions, a green-and-black fur-textured jacket, a green mesh garment visible at the torso and legs.Getty Images
Organisers said the event includes live music, discos and markets, with more than 100 stalls
News imageGetty Images Three people walking from left to right across a bridge dominate the foreground. The central person is wearing a theatrical costume which includes a long black coat, dark trousers, tall hat, black boots and a bird-like mask with a long beak shape and circular eye pieces. The woman on the right wears a voluminous purple dress with multiple ruffled layers, a structured bodice and a wide skirt. The person on the left wears everyday clothing: a light brown jacket and light-colored cropped trousers.Getty Images
Attendees promenade around town landmarks such as its swing-bridge and abbey

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