Whitby Goth Weekend 2018 Preview

Now in its 24th year, The Weekend is still one the largest and most successful independent, home grown festivals in the UK - and is continuing to attract world-renowned talents. Whitby Goth Weekend is estimated to produce a whopping £1.1million for the town's local economy per annum, and  has generated thousands for charities such as the Bat Conservation trust and the Sophie Lancaster Foundation.

 The event is celebrated as an icon of the alternative movement, having been studied, visited and explored by television, newspapers and radio over the years, and has, despite all this, remained utterly independent throughout its run. Growing voraciously from its origins as a forty-person pen-pal meet up in 1994, it now attracts thousands from all over the globe, not only to wander among like minded folk, but as a colossal meet up between friends - all from word of mouth, with no sponsorship and no outside funding.

 After two decades, the team is still built of friends and family, all in house, and the town now handles between 8,000 and 10,000 people a year, drawn entirely by the spectacle of top hats and tailcoats roaming the town's Victorian streets. Diversifying every annum, the event attracts all manner of subcultures, with a melting pot of the alternative population now making regular appearances and meetings to the sounds of a hugely varied series of groups, all of which, in some way, have influenced, or been generated from, one of the world's most recognisable movements - Goths, punks, steampunks, Rockers, Bikers and more - everybody is welcomed!


FRIDAY 27TH OF APRIL

RAYGUNS LOOK REAL ENOUGH
A mind-melting fusion of rock and roll, cabaret and comedy, Rayguns Look Real Enough tout themselves as being a rock band on the edge. But nobody knows what they're on the edge of. With a superb sense of showmanship - including a now legendary tiger onesie - and deft guitar playing, this mashup outfit are sure to entertain even the most cynical audience member. Once dubbed /the British answer to Tenacious D - But way funnier/, Rayguns Look Real Enough are something completely new for the UK's longest running independent Goth festival - and we can't wait to see what they have in store!
HTTP://WWW.RAYGUNSLOOKREALENOUGH.COM


DESMOND O'CONNOR 
Internationally renowned - and a rather incredible multi-talent - Desmond O'Connor has a twenty year career in everything from musical theatre to production. A favourite of the world famous Edinburgh Fringe festival, Desmond's cheeky, satirical lyrics have brought hilarity and a slightly alternative twinge to the world of stage presentation with a superb, George Formby twist - a ukulele and a fine suit can easily bring you into a false sense of security - but those rude, loud and witty words are sure to pull you back into reality.
HTTP://WWW.DESMONDOCONNOR.COM


CIRCUS OF HORRORS 
The ultimate in Gothic cabaret - the ultimate in Gothic magic - the ultimate in Gothic entertainment. Since 1995, Circus of Horrors have amazed, shocked and thrilled audiences around the world. Filling stadiums - including the first ever British circus slot to perform in Moscow, and amazing the revellers of Glastonbury are just a few of this alternative circus troupe's incredible achievements. What could possibly be better to kick off one of the greatest independent festivals in the United Kingdom? This is their first time at WGW, and we're almost certain it won't be their last! They've promised us an exclusive show completely separate to their current multi-date international voodoo tour - who knows what lays in store...
HTTP://WWW.CIRCUSOFHORRORS.CO.UK 


SATURDAY 28TH OF APRIL 

1919 
They've been through many incarnations and have cemented themselves as one of the founders of the Gothic movement; but 1919's biggest achievement is staying true to the ethos they were built on in 1980 - to create a heavy melodic intense dance band with no frills and no intentions. After the barnstorming release of their second studio album, Bloodline, and an utterly touching memorial show to founding guitarist Mark Tighe in 2017, the band have continued to draw in as many new audiences as they have played to fans and friends for nearly four decades. It's been a rollercoaster - but there's just no stopping this iconic contributor to the Goth we all know and love. HTTP://WWW.1919OFFICIAL.COM 


SIGUE SIGUE SPUTNIK ELECTRONIC 
The latest incarnation of the 5th Generation of Rock and Roll, with Martin Degville and a whole host of digital wizardry, is returning to Goth Weekend - stepping sequins and heels onto the Pavilion's stage to enormous demand. Martin has been a regular, staunch supporter of Whitby Goth Weekend for years, and continues to give us the best of the best - glitzy, ever glamorous and every bit as surprising as Degville's first demos, this is pure rock and roll electro royalty. With bare rear ends and feathers.
HTTP://WWW.SPUTNIK2.COM/ 


THE LAST CRY 
One of the most emotional, gripping live shows we've ever seen! The Last Cry's Andrew Birch is a master of stagemanship, and the group's incredibly dedicated fanbase have elevated an independent group from Brighton into something truly special; a legacy that they've kept adding to and improving every step of the way. Having celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2015, The Last Cry are now preparing for a slot at Wave Gotik Treffen - not to mention their fifth Whitby Goth Weekend performance - and, constantly in demand, they no doubt have many more ahead!   HTTP://WWW.THELASTCRY.BANDCAMP.COM 


VOLTAIRE 
Following the release of his latest album, Heart Shaped Wound, Aurelio Voltaire has simply never taken a break. Between his successful animation career, his works in writing and his ever-increasing acting credits, this multi-faceted, devilish cabaret showman is a favourite of Whitby Goth Weekend's audience and proves his natural charisma every time armed only with a guitar, his smile and a bottle of rum. With deep, smooth, chocolatey vocals and an amazing stage presence, our favourite headliner never ceases to draw in and mystify his legions of fans.
HTTP://WWW.VOLTAIRE.NET  


Tickets are available now, starting at £60 for two full days of premium live entertainment - with concessions for under 16s and families.

WHITBY GOTH WEEKEND TICKET SHOP https://wgwshop.whitbygothweekend.co.uk/collections/tickets 

WHITBY GOTH WEEKEND WEBSITE
http://whitbygothweekend.co.uk/

WHITBY GOTH WEEKEND FACEBOOK 
https://www.facebook.com/whitbygothweekend/

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Dates announced for Whitby Goth Weekend's 20th anniversary

The UK's longest running goth festival has announced the dates for its 20th anniversary year. The twice-a-year festival in the town of Whitby, North Yorkshire will take place on 25th-27th April 2014 and from 31st October 2014. As this is the festival's 20th year, the October event and may well extended to three or even four nights!

For more information you can contact the organisers via the following links: (email) info@whitbygothweekend.co.uk and (website) www.whitbygothweekend.co.uk

The most up to date ‘hot off the press’ info can be found at the festival's official Facebook page.

  

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Live: Whitby Goth Weekend Spring 2013, The Spa Pavilion 26th - 27th April

Whitby Goth Weekend Spring 2013
Whitby Spa Pavilion 

Day 1: Friday 26th April 2013

Whitby Goth Weekend has been going for nineteen years now, that's quite some time... well it's still one of the only things goth younger than me. Having started as a meetup between pen-pals, it has since expanded into one of the most iconic gothic events in the world, hosting some of the biggest names in goth and alternative music. Thousands of people are drawn to the town each year not only by the music, but also to dress up, partake in some casual goth-spotting or just to experience the general atmosphere.

Puss Johnson - she's actually a cat

The weekend at Whitby was kicked off by Pussycat and the Dirty Johnsons, a self described "dirty rock n' roll" band. Though Puss Johnson - the lead vocalist had a great costume the other members of the group didn't seem to have made much of an effort in comparison. Their incoherent stage image made them look amateurish giving mixed first impressions.

Musically, they delivered with force. Their dirty punk rock sound got an energetic response from the audience, especially considering that they're relatively unknown. The most memorable songs were 'Lipstick and Testosterone' and 'Trouble with the Devil'.

Puss is undoubtedly the band's greatest asset. Her genuine enthusiasm really shone through giving her a greater, more engaging stage presence than most performers out there.

Zombina and the Skeletones were up next. They presented themselves with a lineup of guitar, vocals, drums, bass and more interestingly a saxophone. Unlike zombies, they were extremely energetic and knew how to entertain the crowd.

Infectious organ-coated horror punk numbers like 'Nobody Likes You When You're Dead' swept through the audience, penetrating their brains faster than any zombies ever could. Almost everybody was singing along.

Doctor and the Medics' wedding ceremony - not very white

This was followed by Doctor and the Medics, a band that was quite successful back in the day, achieving a number one hit with a cover of 'Spirit in the Sky' which they of course played on the night.

When somebody opens with daleks and a cyberman dancing with a mop, you know you're in for one hell of a show, and that it was. Put a bunch of lunatics on stage who know how to play good music and you get Doctor and the Medics.

Their set consisted of an array of well known covers including 'Rain' by The Cult and the highlight of the night 'White Wedding' by Billy Idol. In addition to this they played a few of their own songs which according to them nobody knows. As far as I know they're right, as I didn't know them either.

At one point a giant balloon was launched, reverting the crowd into a bunch of children clambering to get it. As the band resumed playing the balloon kept making it's way back to the stage - accidentally on purpose. Fortunately Doctor and the Medics can multitask, managing to dodge the balloon and play without interruption.

So, following three highly energetic bands, how would just one man and his acoustic guitar go down as the headliner? Surprisingly well, especially with the ladies, unsurprisingly. The key to Voltaire's success was humour. His performance was more like a musical stand up comedy at times. Judging by how much more crowded the venue became, and how fluently the audience sang along to every song, I'd say that most people had come just to see him.

Returning to the Doctor Who theme from earlier in the night,  Voltaire presented 'It's Bigger on the Inside'. If you know Voltaire you can probably guess it's full of innuendo. Yes, he likes his innuendo and also daleks. Judging by what happened next, probably more than he should... He had a sexual encounter with a dalek, do I need to say anymore?

Towards the end of the night he invited any volunteers up on stage to be his backing choir, on a whoever gets there first basis. Most of the front few rows made it. I too decided to go on stage and make a fool of myself. As we sang one if his best known songs 'When You're Evil' things got a bit out of hand. First his hat was stolen and then even more shockingly a dalek flew right into the audience.

Day 2: Saturday 27th April 2013

Jay Smith - psycho mode

Saturday was a much more mellow affair, that's of course with the exception of the opening act, Deviant UK. Jay Smith is the man behind the name, and the only man behind it - except on stage where he is joined by several other musicians.

His music is hard, infectious and anthemic. Jay was on top form, delivering an energetic and captivating performance. Despite it being so early, with light still streaming through the large pavilion windows, Jay didn't fail in creating the dark atmosphere he intended.

The Danse Society first formed in 1980, and after achieving moderate success in the UK they broke up in 1987. They reformed in 2011, having released two albums since.

Their latest album 'Scary Tales' received mixed reception from fans, but all songs went down well on the night. They played excellently with prominent basslines, typical goth rock guitar tones, rich keyboards and powerful vocals. The main downside was an absence of older material, and some of their best known songs like 'Heaven is Waiting'.

Skeletal Family were originally active from 1982-86. After reforming in 2002 and breaking up again in 2009, they were started up again last year by the original vocalist Anne-Marie Hurst.

Live, they didn't sound quite like anything I had listened to from their discography, probably due to the numerous lineup changes. They did however, still sound excellent. Anne-Marie is a great performer and I'm sure people are pleased to see her back in the band.

Headliners Clan of Xymox have developed a reputation for the consistency and quality of their releases over the years, making them legends of gothic/darkwave music, and deservedly so.

Musically they were on top form, equalling if not surpassing the quality of their studio recordings. Their mix of moody basslines, jangly guitars and soaring synths were all in place creating the typical Clan of Xymox sound.

Their set consisted of many of their well known classics including 'Emily' and 'Jasmine and Rose'. The song that resonated most deeply with the audience was 'A Day.. It created an incredible atmosphere, making it clear that Clan of Xymox holds a place close to the hearts of many people. That is what is so great about them. They can evoke a deep sense of despair and make you want to dance at the same time.

What a weekend that was. Now we just have to wait for November, though with the controversial Friday lineup being announced not everybody will be looking forward to it.

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