Many splendid items are for sale in the Steampunk Market
What is going to be the biggest seventh installment this year? The release of Star Wars VII or Weekend at the Asylum VII? Hailed as the largest steampunk event in Europe, for me it captures all that a steampunk event should be. The organisers really do seem to know what they’re doing with what they provide for the attendees. From the Illicit Market, to the Best Costume competition, there’s something that can entertain everyone.
Organised by the Victorian Steampunk Society, what was originally one of several projects by the VSS in 2009 has grown to spread it’s mechanical wings all over the Cathedral Quarter of Lincoln. There are plenty of things to do at Asylum during the day and in the evening for both steampunks and the general public. After all, we’ve taken over one of the most picturesque areas in England for one of the busiest times of the year, so stopping the public coming in would be an impossibility and a commercial disaster.
There are areas of markets just for steampunks and that’s where your wristband comes in. It’s useful for a whole host of events throughout the weekend and if you haven’t got one yet, take a look on the Asylum website or search for Weekend at the Asylum VII tickets on a generic search engine to find the Eventbrite outlet.
Last year was my first year at Asylum and I enjoyed it so much, I can’t wait for the event this year. Sadly I won’t be able to attend the whole four days, probably Saturday and Sunday, but I hope to partake in the Costume competition using my alter-ego – as long as nerves don’t get the better of me.
If Asylum VII is anything like Asylum VI then it will be an occasion that will be discussed for weeks if not months after. That should lead us nicely to December when we can go somewhere that they don’t need to see our identification.