There are many events all over the UK that cater to steampunks.; some have been going a long time and some are relatively new. Now into it’s third year, the biannual event has already established itself as the largest steampunk event in the Northwest of England. In June 2016 hundreds, if not thousands, of steampunks will descend on the pretty coastal town of Morecambe.
Throughout the years, A Splendid Day Out has grown in both popularity and with the number of attractions it has to offer. The first event in May 2014 started off small but successfully with a couple of bands playing, a market, magician and other entertainment. The June event is so big, the newly released itinerary from the organisers fills four pages.
Friday Night is the Krak’n Night Out
Friday is party night and the event kicks off in The Hothouse (13-17 Devonshire Rd, Morecambe LA3 1QT) at 7.30pm with music from well known acts Metropolis, Alice’s Night Circus and chap hop artist Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer. Following an hour of Mr B dropping some phat beats and dope rhymes, you can look forward to DJ Dandy Von Diamond until midnight when even the most rambunctious steampunks will want to sleep ready for the next day.
Saturday starts at 11.00 at The Platform (Old Station Building LA4 4DB). There’s plenty of things happening inside and out. There’s also a Big Top with some circus performances inside which I’m especially looking forward to seeing. The evening event is held in The Headway Hotel (Marine Rd E, Morecambe LA4 5AW) and begins with an evening of ballroom dancing followed by a dinner. The late evening events begin at 9.30 with Victor & The Bully kicking off followed by New Jacobin Club (you can read my interview with them by following this link) and closing for the evening with another DJ set from Dandy Von Diamond.
Sunday sees much of a similar day’s events to Saturday which is perfect for if you can’t make it on Saturday or can only get around half of the stuff. Like other large events, such as Asylum, it will pay it’s dues to take your time seeing everything and if you’re staying for a couple of days like we are, split the events down over the course of two days.
If you’re at a loose end on the weekend of the 3rd June, why not have a trip up to see everyone in Morecambe and have your picture taken with the Eric Morecambe statue?
Tickets are still available on the Splendid Day Out website. They cost £40 for a weekend wristband and if you visit the Facebook page, there’s some information on discounted hotel rooms especially for the event.