The pretty seaside town that turns dark once a year as goths descend on town
The cobbled streets and ancient abbey of this beautiful town have become a Mecca for fans of dark eyeliner and a morbid style of fashion.
There's a pretty seaside port in England where once a year a horde of people dressed in black descend on the town to pay homage to a local connection to a creature of the night.
Whitby is a beautiful fishing harbour nestled beneath the towering ruins of a 7th century abbey which sits on a steep outcrop above the cobbled streets and boats below.
The abbey was made famous in Bram Stoker's 19th century classic novel, Dracula. It was under the gaze of the religous ruin that Count Dracula was said to have first arrived in England in the form of a fearsome dog which made its way from the harbour up the steps to St Mary's graveyard.
The 199 steps still exist today, but instead of a fictional blood-sucking vampire walking up them, they are now visited by fans of the famous story from all over the world.
Goths in particular have developed a fondness for the spooky connotations of the town and every year a large festival occurs with hundreds of people arriving to celebrate the Dracula legacy.
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According to the BBC, goths began arriving in Whitby in the early 90s and what started with a few friends meeting in a pub has now grown to an event catering for hundreds every year.
It's reported the annual Whitby Goth Weekend is worth an estimated £1 million to the local economy and 100s of traders now sell their gothic-themed wares at the gatherings.
Locals in Whitby have welcomed the event, althought at this year's event in April a number of road closures were put in place in the area.
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YorkshireLive reports this year's Whitby Goth Weekend in April was celebrating its 30th birthday. Founded in 1994 by Jo Hampshire, the weekend has grown to become one of the world’s premier goth events.
On top of two live music nights, the festival offers three days of alternative shopping and fringe events. Home to over 100 indoor stalls, with the Bizarre Bazaar Alternative Market being a focal point of the festival.
A number of well-known bands have performed at the annual over the years, including The Damned.
As well as goths attending, the weekend also attracts people wearing outifts inspired by Victoriana, Steampunk, Cybergoth and Romanticism.
Black is the most popular choice for clothing colour, but red is also worn by some.
