GOTHIC cars, flamboyant fashion and a goth football match are some of the highlights featuring in a popular festival this weekend.

Thousands of steampunks, emos, bikers and other fans of alternative music and fashion will arrive in Whitby from around the UK and abroad for the town’s twice yearly festival.

Whitby Goth Weekend begins tonight with live music at Whitby Pavilion on West Cliff with performances from bands including Theatre of Hate, The Membranes and Hands Off Gretel.

On Saturday, bands headlining include Lupen Tooth, Massive Ego and Vince Ripper and the Rodent Show.

During the day Whitby Kustom Car Show will be taking place outside West Cliff School, near the leisure centre entrance between 9am and 3pm. The “goths and gasoline” event is designed to be family-friendly and there will be food stands and other stalls.

Throughout the weekend there will be “bizarre bazaars” selling alternative fashions and other items at venues including the Brunswick Centre, Whitby Leisure Centre and Whitby Spa Pavilion.

On Sunday “goth football” takes place at Whitby Football Club on Upgang Lane, from 2pm, when Real Gothic will take on Stokoemotive Whitby, led by manager Jon Stokoe. It will include a “Girls Wearing Corsets” penalty shoot-out and raffle.

On Sunday evening the weekend will be rounded-off with a Whitby Goth Weekend 80s night.