The delights of the steampunk movement are coming to Kirkcudbright.
Borgue couple Susi and Matt Frances are organising the first ever Kirkcudbright Steampunk Weekend in June, which will feature music, cabaret, stalls and lots more.
Susi said: “Steampunk is Victorian fashion but with an old industrial twist.
“It’s a very sustainable movement in that people can upcycle and recycle things to make costumes.
“It’s arty, crafty, fashion but it also embraces literature and music – and it’s fun.”
Susi, who uses the steampunk name Lady Susannah de Borgue, added: “It’s people dressing up – there is a Victorian element but some costumes are really seriously wacky.
“You can go from being dressed as a pirate to a Victorian lady to burlesque so people wear a lot of corsets. It’s very broad.
“The music is wacky and humorous and it’s a friendly and inclusive movement with people of all ages. You might get toddlers walking along with their parents dressed in their steampunk gear right through to elderly people. It’s all inclusive and so lovely from that point of view – it’s not limited to mostly women or mostly men, it’s a real mix.”
Susie and Matt – or Captain Max Snoot – are putting together a programme for the weekend of June 17 and 18.
There will be stalls in the Johnston Centre and Soaperie Gardens selling a whole host of steampunk paraphernalia as well as a flying machine and other machinery on display.
One of the highlights will be a variety show cabaret in the church hall on the Saturday night with everyone encouraged to wear their best steampunk gear.
On Sunday there will be live music on the stage in Harbour Square featuring Paddy’s Rat Wago, Kissing the Flint and Lairds of Kirkllingha.
There will also be events in the Dark Art Distillery, Dark Space Planetarium and Station House Cookery School.
And she is also encouraging businesses to sponsor the event, which will see them included on the festival website at www.kirkcudbrightsteampunk.com.
