Eastbourne’s seafront was transformed into a Victorian fantasy playground on the first weekend in September as the annual Steampunk Festival returned to the Wish Tower slopes. Goggles, brass fittings and elaborate waistcoats filled the promenade, as stallholders, performers and visitors embraced the retro-futuristic energy that has become a highlight of the town’s late-summer calendar.
Organised by the Eastbourne Bonfire Society, the free two-day event mixed family fun with grown-up spectacle. Daytime parades and craft stalls gave way to live music, street theatre and an adults-only masked evening featuring burlesque and dancing. Families enjoyed children’s activities, while a lively beer tent kept the grown-ups refreshed as local bands and steampunk-themed acts provided a soundtrack of brass, strings and ragtime-tinged rock.
One of the weekend’s standout moments came on Sunday, when Scottish pipers joined the parade, their stirring bagpipe tunes cutting through the sea breeze and drawing a crowd along the promenade. The unusual blend of Highland tradition with steampunk fashion proved a talking point, adding an extra flourish of pageantry to the festival’s already theatrical atmosphere.
Costume, however, remained the star attraction. From polished aviator goggles and pocket watches to full corseted ensembles, kilts, top hats and mechanical props, visitors demonstrated how steampunk is as much about craft and imagination as it is about style. Photographers and onlookers eagerly captured the creativity on display, resulting in a kaleidoscope of images that mapped every eccentric interpretation of the genre.
The festival was more than just a spectacle it also provided a welcome boost for local traders and independent makers. Stalls offered handmade jewellery, leather goods, curios and artisan food, while Eastbourne’s cafés, pubs and hotels reported a steady stream of visitors. By blending free entertainment with opportunities for small businesses, the event has built a reputation for bringing valuable footfall to the town outside the main holiday season.
For those new to the genre, steampunk began as a literary offshoot of science fiction Victorian settings reimagined with steam-age technology and fantastical machinery. Over time it has grown into a vibrant subculture, celebrated for its craftsmanship, humour and theatricality. Eastbourne’s festival, with its seaside backdrop and strong community feel, offered a convivial two-day escape into that world: equal parts penny-farthings, tea duels, burlesque cabaret and, this year, the unexpected thrill of bagpipes.
As the last notes of music faded on Sunday evening, the message was clear: steampunk in Eastbourne is thriving. More than just a gathering of enthusiasts, it is a celebration of creativity, history, and the town’s ability to reinvent itself while drawing visitors into the story.
All photos copyright TK Photos: Follow on Instagram
