The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in the UK
Looking for dog-friendly beaches near you? Whether you’re on a UK holiday or looking for a new spot to...
Last updated: 25/04/2024
Black attire, eyeliner and fangs galore. Think Whitby is all fish & chips and scenic views? Think again. Twice a year, this little seaside town is transformed into a marvellously macabre mecca, as thousands of Goths and other self-styled creatures of the night gather to celebrate Whitby Goth Weekend.
What started as a meet-up between pen pals back in 1994 has grown to become one of the world’s key events in the Goth calendar.
Taking place in spring and October (as close to Halloween as possible, obviously) Whitby Goth Weekend is a two-day music festival at Whitby Spa Pavillion. It also features a Bizarre Bazaar of alternative wares for sale at venues right across town.
Don’t miss out on all the brilliant Fringe events taking place around Whitby too, including band meet-and-greets and the famous the Goth Football Match.
Given Whitby’s close ties to the novel Dracula, there’s no more fitting a place in the UK to celebrate all things Goth. Over the years, the festival has become more and more diversified, and, as well as purist Goth attire, you’ll also see plenty of attendees sporting a wealth of steampunk and Victoriana outfits.
Don’t miss a chance to escape the crowds, with a visit to Whitby Museum, one of Yorkshire’s hidden gems and home to all manner of Victorian engineering and gruesome artefacts.
The Whitby Goth Weekend is held twice annually, with the first yearly event being held in April, and the following event held usually in the months of October or November.
Excited to come along to your first ever Whitby Goth Weekend, but not sure exactly where to begin? Don’t panic! There’s a meeting for ‘Whitby Goth Weekend Virgins’ on Friday and Saturday morning at 11am each year in the Whitby Pavillion.
There’s also an information desk in The Spa Pavilion between 10am-5pm on Friday and Staurday, where you can pick up a free guide to the event.
There’s a fantastic variety of music on offer at WGW, including Goth, new romance, and metal. To find out line-up for the next event, click here. There’s always an eclectic mix of talented bands on offer, so make sure you give them all a chance. You might just find a new favourite!
Being an event about inclusion, little bloodsuckers are always very much welcome at Whitby Goth Weekend, with no curfews on children’s attendance. However, as with any such event, it is always important be aware of the different aspects of everything taking place within the festival, and judge exposure to this accordingly.
If you’re planning on visiting the town when Whitby Goth Weekend is taking place, then make sure you don’t miss out by securing a place to stay! With that being said, here are just a handful of great options to consider:
Whitby Goth Festival is an alternative event for all things Goth; Fashion, music, and everything in between! Incorporating the Bizarre Bazaar Alternative Market into its event, this festival sees over 100 independent stalls come to sell their goods… and yes, it’s all goth-related! Not only that, but the festival also hosts two nights of live band performances from some of the biggest names in the Goth scene.
Whitby Goth Weekend takes place across two weekends, hosted both at the beginning and towards the end of the year. In 2024, the festival will take place on the following dates:
• 26th – 28th April
• 1st – 3rd November
Since its inception, Whitby Goth Weekend has hosted some of the most iconic bands in British music, some of the most famous being Altered Images, Heaven 17 and Visage to name just a handful.
Yes – Whitby Goth Weekend is a family-orientated event, so children are more than welcome to come along and join in the fun!
To purchase tickets for Whitby Goth Weekend, visit their online store where you can find tickets on sale for upcoming dates.
I joined the team in November 2016, and I’m really passionate about writing and relationship-building. Favourite UK Destinati...
Read More About Author
Sign up to receive exclusive offers, competitions and the latest news to your inbox, and you'll be entered into our monthly prize-draw 3 times!
Looking for dog-friendly beaches near you? Whether you’re on a UK holiday or looking for a new spot to...
Looking to explore the beauty of the UK on foot? Then be sure to read our guide to the...
If spending your holiday on an overcrowded beach doesn’t sound appealing, then we have a solution! Check out this...
Are you on the phone to our call centre? Your Customer ID is:
Get involved in the Discussion