Eastbourne Steampunk Festival returns this weekend - look back at pictures from past years

Spanning from the Wish Tower slopes to the Bandstand, the free event will have entertainment, live music, a beer tent, stalls and a children's fair for visitors to enjoy.

This year’s festival celebrates the 25th anniversary of organisers Eastbourne Bonfire Society.

The idea of Steampunk imagines a world where steam power continued to be humanity’s primary energy source, and where “futuristic, weird and wonderful technologies” collide with the “polite” elements of Victorian society (Eastbourne Bonfire Society).

First popularised in the 1980s and 90s, Steampunk began as a sub-genre of science fiction literature but has now grown into its very own sub-culture, spanning fashion, film, art, music, and even DIY engineering.

One of the main attractions of Eastbourne Steampunk Festival is the parade which allows visitors to “show off the elegance, extravagance and ingenuity” of their outfits.

On Saturday, the Stix Drummers will lead the parade from Victoria Place (top of Terminus Road). The parade will meet at 10:45am, before setting off at 11am to arrive at the Wish Tower slopes at 11:15am.

Then, on Sunday, it will be led by the Eastbourne Pipe Band from the Pier entrance at 11.15am. Setting off at 11.30am, the parade will arrive at the slopes at 11.45am.

Live entertainment will run from 10am to 5pm both days, and there will also be “tea duelling as usual and a most magnificent facial hair parade”.

A limited edition, souvenir Steampunk badge can be bought at the Bonfire Society’s stall for just £1 each this weekend.

Ahead of its return this weekend, take a look at pictures from past editions of Eastbourne Steampunk Festival.